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A World of Pain

Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford investigate everyday science mysteries. Why do we all have different pain thresholds? Adam visits a pain laboratory.

"Why do people experience pain differently when they go through the same event?" asks Claire Jenkins from Cwmbran in Wales.

Professor of Pain Research, Irene Tracey, welcomes Adam in to the room she calls her 'Torture Chamber'. Burning, electrocuting, lasering and piercing are all on the menu, but which will hurt the most?

Hannah speaks to Steve Pete from Washington who has a rare genetic condition which means he doesn't feel pain. For chronic sufferers, this sounds like heaven, but a life without pain has brought untold suffering to him and his family, including the tragic story of his brother, Chris.

We look at how the body creates pain, why some people feel it more than others, and how this knowledge could help scientists treat pain more effectively in the future.

Presenters: Adam Rutherford, Hannah Fry
Producer: Michelle Martin.

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34 minutes

Last on

Fri 7 Sep 2018 12:04

Broadcast

  • Fri 7 Sep 2018 12:04

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