this post was submitted on 07 Feb 2026
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Science Memes

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[–] DonPiano@feddit.org 13 points 9 hours ago (2 children)

It's a pain perceiver where capsaicin activates it.

Our senses run on chemicals, and that means sometimes chemicals activate these senses. Capsaicin is similar to a different chemical that our bodies use as signal, and binds to the receptor instead.

You could imagine it like a vending machine that's supposed to dispense soda if you put Euro coins in, but it'll equally dispense soda if you put other flat pieces of metal in it.

[–] Railcar8095@lemmy.world 2 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

Wait, so if I put a flat piece of metal in my butt, then I get euros? I love science!

[–] makkurokurosuke@lemmy.world 1 points 2 hours ago

Yes but thru your mouth

[–] Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 9 hours ago

You could imagine it like a vending machine that's supposed to dispense soda if you put Euro coins in, but it'll equally dispense soda if you put other flat pieces of metal in it.

Superb explanation!