There is evidence that insects' central nervous systems can feel pain better than humans.
Scientists once conducted what we still consider to be horrific experiments on animals out of curiosity.
Currently, research on vertebrate animals must first submit an application to an ethics committee to demonstrate that the value of the research outweighs any harm to the subjects. Cephalopods such as octopus and squid are now beginning to receive the same protection.
In the language of neuroscientists, nociception is the nervous system 's perception of harmful or unpleasant stimuli, such as extreme temperatures, pressure, or strong chemical attacks.
Animals, including insects, respond to these signals to limit physical damage that might hinder survival.
Now, the focus of the question is whether insects feel pain through the central nervous system, or whether the limbs respond to local injuries.
After all, insects' central nervous systems are much more complex than those of mammals, with only a few brain cells dedicated to processing these pain inputs. In particular, they lack opioid receptors, which are critical for pain control in our brains.
However, PhD student Matilida Gibbons believes this does not mean they lack simpler versions of the same abilities.
The feeling of being hurt is closely related to pain, but they are not the same thing. Our bodies can sometimes regulate pain without altering nociceptive reflexes, especially in emergencies where too much pain can distract us. For example, pain may occur after an injury, forcing us not to use the injured limb.
Oddly, without changing the level of pain, the opposite was also observed, namely an increase in the sensation of hurt.
However, our understanding of the relationship between nociception and pain in insects is lacking, so the authors explored the ability of insects to control nociception.
Behavioral research shows that insects can regulate harmful behaviors. This regulation is at least partially controlled by the central nervous system, as the information mediating this priority is processed by the brain.
The authors identified the specific neuropeptide produced by insects during traumatic events, potentially acting as a pain suppressor, similar to the effects of opioids in humans.
If fruit flies are repeatedly exposed to high temperatures, the reaction becomes faster when heated. Some of the molecules involved in this sensitization are the same as those seen in humans. It identifies the way harmful messages are sent to the brain.
Even one of the most famous insect behaviors, female praying mantis cannibalism, may shed light on this problem.
Infamously, male praying mantises respond to being bitten off by trying harder to mate. To do this, the male must suppress his own response to the attack. The
paper states: "This evidence suggests that insects do not feel pain. However, it is more likely to indicate that insects can prioritize other behavioral needs and, in some cases, reduce harmful behavior."
This in turn points to a centralized response, which in turn makes the pain feel more legitimate, not less.
If that's the case, we still don't know how pain is processed in insect brains, but if it's true, that's more important than calculating our reactions.
If we find that insects do feel pain, can we really treat them like insects?
