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The ‘Itch-to-Brain’ Circuit, Neural Change and Depression

Research and Innovations

Dr. Santos Mishra in a black shirt and tan suit jacket stands in front of a plant

May 4, 2026

Here’s Why Your Face Doesn’t Perceive Itchiness the Same Way Your Body Does

For Immediate Release Tracey Peake tracey_peake@ncsu.edu In a new study, researchers from North Carolina State University show that itch sensations in the face are perceived differently from those in the body due to differences in signaling between trigeminal (located in the brain) and spinal pain pathways. The work could lead to the development of specific…
The outside of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, a brick building and a pinkish sky

Apr 28, 2026

Latest Accolades for Our Problem-Solvers, Innovators and Life-Changers

Recognitions Grants and Awards Accolades for March 2026 Recognitions Grants and Awards
Dr. Melissa Srougi in blue coat and hands in pocket stands in front of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine's main building.

Apr 21, 2026

CVM Cancer Researcher Wins NC State University Outstanding Teacher Award

Dr. Melissa Srougi, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, has been selected as a winner of the NC State University Outstanding Teacher Award for 2025-26. “There are so many fantastic educators, especially here at NC State, and so to be considered as one of them is humbling,” said Srougi, whose…
A female student in a white shirt and dark jacket explains her poster to symposium attendees.

Apr 21, 2026

CVM Offers Undergraduate Researchers Chance to Practice, Compete 

For the first time, the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine invited undergraduate participants in its Centennial Biomedical Campus research training program to present their findings in a judged symposium, and three students walked away winners and three with honorable mentions. The event Monday included 19 students offering flash talks and poster presentations on the…
Dr. Duncan Lascelles in dark suit and light blue shirt stands in front of some outside greenery.

Apr 16, 2026

For ‘Revolutionary’ Work on Pain, Lascelles Wins AAVMC Excellence in Research Award

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges has honored Dr. B. Duncan Lascelles, professor of Translational Research in Pain and Surgery at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, with its Excellence in Research Award for 2026, recognizing his outstanding research and scholarly achievements in veterinary medicine.  Lascelles, who also holds the title of Dr.…
Amos Cader in green shirt and khakis stands beside Dr. Josh Stern in gray shirt and white doctor's coat. Next to Stern is Dr. Kate Meurs in a navy blue suit and white shirt and Anna Cader in a silky shirt.

Apr 14, 2026

NC State Announces Creation of Distinguished Chair in Feline Health Research

When the Sphynx cat he rescued and bonded deeply with died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Amos Cader was devastated and determined to put his grief toward making sure no one else experienced the pain he felt over the loss of Vladimir. The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is the hope he found. With a Feline…
A gray Sphynx cat wrapped in a cream blanket

Apr 14, 2026

The Rescued ‘Rebel’ that Inspired an Unending Scientific Legacy

The cat carrier at the Ohio animal shelter had warning signs about its occupant’s hostility, but Amos Cader was undeterred. He had seen a picture of the stoic Sphynx online with a plea that the cat needed someone special to provide the love that no other would-be adopters could seem to find for him. Everyone…
Elsa the brown tabby cat

Mar 31, 2026

Researchers Identify Potential Disease Marker, Therapeutic Target for Cats with Osteoarthritis

By comparing osteoarthritis pain pathways known to be active in dogs and humans to those in cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD), researchers found that elevation of a particular molecule, artemin, could serve as a marker of disease (and possibly pain) as well as a potential therapeutic target. The findings offer the most comprehensive evidence…
Dr. Rocio Crespo in blue hairnet and khaki overalls holds a black chicken as she talks to other NC State workers.

Mar 11, 2026

USDA Awards Avian-Flu-Fighting Challenge Grants to NC State Researchers

Two groups of top researchers at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine have won challenge grants from the US Department of Agriculture to complete projects aimed at combating the nation’s four-year-long outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. In North Carolina, where poultry is the No. 1 commodity, HPAI led to the loss of more…
Dr. Santos Mishra in a black shirt and tan sports coat stands in front of an animal skeleton at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Mar 4, 2026

The ‘Itch-to-Brain’ Circuit, Neural Change and Depression

People who suffer from chronic itching in the form of atopic dermatitis (AD) are seven times more likely to develop a major depressive disorder. This link is well-established, but the “why” remains elusive. Are the depressive symptoms simply due to inflammation, sleep disruption and the psychological distress of living with chronic illness? Or is it…