X.Z. Shawn Xu Lab

We investigate how organisms detect and process sensory cues — such as temperature, touch, light, sound, odorants and tastants — and the influence these sensory stimuli have on behavior, and on genetic programs affecting health and longevity.

Our Research

Our lab studies sensory biology, including mechanosensation, thermosensation, chemosensation, photosensation and nociception. We focus on:

  • Sensory transduction: Identifying novel sensory receptors and channels that sense and transduce temperature, touch, light, sound, odorants and tastants.
  • Sensory processing: Identifying neural circuits that process sensory information to generate behavioral responses. 
  • Sensory regulation of aging. 
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Administrative Assistant Emily Pappas

Room 6115
Life Sciences Institute
Mary Sue Coleman Hall
210 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2216
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