Dear Mr. Scientist,
How come it feels so much colder when I drink water after chewing mint gum?
—Kyle B.
There is an ion channel (a protein that regulates the movements of ions across a cell membrane) called TRPM8 that helps you feel cold. When the temperature drops, TRPM8 opens up and allows sodium and calcium ions to enter the cell. As these ions enter, the voltage changes within the cell, which triggers a signal to your brain. Your brain interprets this signal as a cold sensation. The menthol that is found in mint gum will also cause TRPM8 to open up as if the temperature has lowered, even though there is no change in temperature. Drinking cold water will cause TRPM8 to open because the water is cold, but the menthol will also cause TRPM8 to open so you get a double douse of the cold signal being sent to your brain.
Ask Mr. Scientist is written by Michael Leitch. If you have a burning science question you want him to answer, tweet @DC_Science or email it to science@dailycardinal.com.
