Closed TRAAK Channel (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Caption The TRAAK channel (purple and orange) dampens sensations by letting potassium ions escape from a neuron. Researchers found the channel uses a never-before-seen system for closing: A lipid (yellow) from the surrounding neuron membrane (gray) protrudes into the channel, blocking the flow of ions and shutting off the dampening signal. Credit Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics at The Rockefeller University Usage Restrictions This image may only be used to illustrate the research described in the accompanying story. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.