Research paper
Williams EK, Chang RB, Strochlic DE, Umans BD, Lowell BB, Liberles SD. Sensory neurons that detect stretch and nutrients in the digestive system. Cell. 2016;166(1):209-221. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.011. PMID: 27238020.
Why we cite it
Cell paper, in mice, that genetically identified and functionally characterised two distinct vagal sensory neuron populations — GLP1R neurons (mechanoreceptors detecting stomach/intestinal stretch) and GPR65 neurons (chemoreceptors detecting intestinal nutrients via serotonin) — using in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics, and Cre-based anatomical mapping. Relevant to this project because it shows, in mice, that stretch and nutrients reach the brainstem through genetically distinct vagal neuron populations, and that activating the duodenal GPR65 neurons halts gastric contractions. That this explains why eating slowly and chewing well helps people is this library's reading, not the paper's: the paper studies no people and says nothing of chewing. (Corrected 2026-09-10 from "Landmark", "the molecular proof that the brain tracks 'how much' and 'what' you eat", and "explaining at the cellular level why eating slowly and chewing well gives your gut time to signal the brain".)
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.011 · PubMed 27238020 · Publisher