Detection of '6th sense' in mice

Scientists have found that the "6th sense" can recognize light without sight.

A group of scientists from Duke University in North Carolina (USA) conducted research with six mice. They implanted an infrared light sensing device into the part of the brain that controls the tactile organs of mice.

"The 6th sense" can help mice recognize light.

When infrared light was turned on, the mice responded by twisting their beards. Scientists think this action shows that mice can sense light with a tactile organ. After that, they began to detect light sources and approached.

'Our research shows that rats not only see but can feel light. This is a very interesting finding , 'said Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, head of the study.

Scientists hope this technology could one day be used to help blind people or paralyzed people feel things around, by implanting a light sensing device into the part. The brain controls different senses.

'What we do in this study is to prove that we can create a new sense in mice that allows them to "touch" infrared light that mammals, how including humans that cannot be seen , 'said Dr. Miguel Nicolelis.