Unveiling the Culprits: Identifying the Brain Cells Behind Motion Sickness

Researchers have identified specific brain cells in mice that are responsible for motion sickness. By inhibiting certain neurons in the vestibular nuclei, the animals' motion sickness was alleviated, while stimulating these neurons triggered motion sickness-like behaviors even without spinning. The study also found that cells expressing a receptor called CCK-A were responsible for most motion sickness behaviors, and these cells were connected to the brain's parabrachial nuclei, which regulate appetite suppression, body temperature, and lethargy. Blocking the CCK-A receptor reduced brain cell activity and alleviated some motion sickness behaviors. This research could lead to the development of more effective medications for motion sickness with fewer side effects.