Neuroscientist Ishmail Abdus-Saboor is leading research efforts to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying touch perception, and how it can translate into both pleasurable and painful sensations. His work focuses on understanding the complex interplay between tactile stimuli and the nervous system's response, a fundamental area for studying social behavior and pain response.

A particular aspect of his research involves naked mole rats, animals known for their peculiar sensitivity to touch and their social behavior. Studying these rodents could offer insights into how touch influences social interaction and well-being in other species, including humans. The unique biology of naked mole rats, which includes an unusual resistance to certain types of pain, makes them an intriguing model for exploring somatosensory pathways.