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Scientists detect invisible early signs of skin aging

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new way to detect subtle, early-stage changes in human skin collagen using advanced optical imaging and chiroptical spectroscopy. The study reveals that the molecular organization and supramolecular chirality of dermal collagen collapses prior to visible fiber thinning or fragmentation.

Data explosion in AI era: PolyU leads breakthroughs in protein-based data storage, delivering high storage capacity, strong stability and encryption capabilities 15 May 2026 Research and Innovation

Researchers at PolyU have pioneered a method to store digital data using engineered proteins, achieving high storage efficiency and capacity. They overcame challenges of variable amino acid sequences and degraded proteins by designing a protein template, successfully expressing and retrieving data.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2026

How jellyfish bycatch could be valuable collagen source for cosmetics and biotech

Research suggests that jellyfish bycatch can provide high-quality collagen without compromising quality. This circular bioeconomy solution offers new economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries while reducing waste. The collaboration with fishers revealed a willingness to participate in recycling jellyfish bycatch, but also highli...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 11, 2026

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Intelligent hydrogel microstructures enable the precise application of force to cellular systems

Scientists at Max Planck Institute develop a novel lab-on-a-chip system using intelligent hydrogel structures to simulate spatially and temporally controlled mechanical perturbations of biological polymer networks. The system applies precise pressure forces to cellular microenvironments, enabling research into biomechanical interaction...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Professors Yubo Fan and Xufeng Niu’s team at Beihang University reports new progress in collagen fiber arrangement–mediated regulation of pathological calcification

Researchers at Beihang University have made new progress in understanding the relationship between collagen fiber arrangement and pathological calcification in atherosclerosis. The study found that CFA disruption is closely linked with inflammatory responses, SMC phenotype switching, osteogenic gene expression, and vascular calcificati...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateSep 29, 2025

Medtech innovator GeniPhys receives FDA clearance for first-in-kind self-assembling collagen scaffold for applications in advanced wound care

GeniPhys has received FDA clearance for its self-assembling collagen scaffold, Collymer Self-Assembling Scaffold (SAS), which supports cellular infiltration and vascularization. The technology is indicated for various wound types and anchors a growing intellectual property portfolio with nearly 20 issued or pending patents.

Multi-directionally oriented collagen tissue fabrication achieved using 3D printing

Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a method to fabricate complex oriented tissues with multiple directionality using 3D printing. This technique utilizes flow to orient collagen fibers and cells, allowing for the creation of fine, micro-oriented structures in both horizontal and vertical directions.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 14, 2025

Chips off the old block

Researchers developed collagen-based scaffolds that can integrate with a vascular and perfusion organ-on-a-chip reactor to form complete tissue engineering platforms. The team demonstrated the ability to create non-planar 3D networks in soft, organic material by printing helical vascular networks modeled after DNA structure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2025

UCLA researchers identify precision medicine approach for preventing kidney failure

Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 9, 2025

A green chemistry breakthrough: Sustainable collagen extraction from sardine bones using banana peel water extracts

Researchers develop eco-friendly method to extract collagen from marine waste, reducing reliance on traditional processes that harm the environment. The study employs statistical modeling to optimize conditions, achieving high collagen yields and paving the way for more sustainable production practices.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFood Materials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Nanoscopic imaging aids in understanding protein, tissue preservation in ancient bones

A new study uses nanoscopic 3-D imaging to analyze ancient bone samples, revealing insights into protein and tissue preservation during fossilization. The technique shows that Ice Age bones still retain original collagen protein frameworks, offering a potential proxy for screening specimen suitability for molecular sequencing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Clues to mysterious disappearance of North America’s large mammals 50,000 years ago found within ancient bone collagen

Researchers used novel biomolecular methods to analyze fossil bone fragments at the Smithsonian Museum, revealing excellent preservation of collagen proteins that can provide a molecular barcode for identification. The study provides new insights into the mysterious disappearance of North America's large mammals 50,000 years ago.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mammal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2024

It takes two to TANGO: New strategy to tackle fibrosis and scarring

Researchers developed a new experimental strategy to tackle scarring and fibrosis by releasing enough collagen to prevent tissue damage while protecting it from excessive amounts. The strategy, which uses molecules known as peptides to block the export of collagen from cells, shows promise in treating conditions such as scleroderma.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

How water guides the assembly of collagen, the building block of all humans

Scientists discovered how water influences collagen formation and assembly. Replacing water with heavy water accelerates collagen production but results in a less stable network. The study's findings offer insights into collagen-related diseases like brittle bone disease and may lead to new materials with controlled mechanical properties.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2024

Disrupted cellular function behind type 2 diabetes in obesity

A recent study published in PNAS suggests that impaired macrophage function plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. The research found that collagen breakdown is handled by macrophages, which become deactivated in obesity and insulin resistance, leading to the accumulation of collagen fragments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

The sacrifice within – how collagen’s weak bonds help protect tissue

Scientists at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies discovered that collagen's weak sacrificial bonds rupture before the main structure, protecting tissue from excessive force. This mechanism helps to localize damage and promote recovery by dissipating mechanical stress and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023

Tuning T cell traits and functions with biomechanical materials

A research team at the Wyss Institute engineered a 3D model of extracellular matrix to study the impact of tissue mechanics on T cells. They found that viscoelasticity played a crucial role in shaping T cell traits and functions, enabling the creation of functionally distinct T cell populations for adoptive therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Microneedling plus cupping may aid skin rejuvenation

A combination of microneedling and cupping therapies has been found to significantly improve skin thickness and increase collagen levels in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The experimental study examined the effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling on skin regeneration and scar healing.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateMay 25, 2023

Chicken breeding in Japan dates back to fourth century BCE

Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023