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Study shows biocell collagen ingestion reduced signs of UVB-induced photoaging

A new study published in Journal of Functional Foods finds that daily BioCell Collagen ingestion reduces wrinkles, increases skin elasticity, and maintains hyaluronic acid content in humans. The supplement's unique matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid helps combat UVB-induced photoaging.

SourceMWWPR·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateMay 4, 2020

A tale of shepherds and helices

A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2020

Paper trail leads to heart valve discoveries

Researchers create paper-based structures that mimic aortic valves, allowing them to study how calcifying diseases slow or stop hearts from functioning. The device helps understand the chemical transactions in heart disease and may eventually lead to non-invasive medication.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 5, 2019

3D printing the human heart

A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has developed a new technique to 3D bioprint tissue scaffolds out of collagen, allowing them to overcome challenges associated with existing methods and achieve unprecedented resolution and fidelity. The technique, known as Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH...

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Researchers survey immune molecules found inside mycetoma lesions

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases investigated the expression levels of two immune proteins, interleukin-17 and matrix metalloprotein-9, in mycetoma grains. The researchers found that these molecules are present in specific zones of the grains and correspond with disease duration and lesion size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

Worm study sparks hope for slowing muscle decline

A recent study published in the FASEB Journal has found that inhibiting various stages of mitochondrial dysfunction can suppress muscle atrophy. Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to model human muscle diseases and showed that experimental drugs could prevent muscle decline caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 7, 2019

Shaking up the sloth family tree

New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019

Collagen fibres grow like a sunflower

Researchers at Universite Paris-sud studied how collagen fibrils form complex tissues. They found that the fibers grow in a unique, parabolic profile, with a constant diameter throughout growth, similar to a sunflower's florets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 13, 2019

Link between autoimmune, heart disease explained in mice

Studies in mice with psoriasis-like conditions found that stiff blood vessel walls trapped cholesterol, promoting plaques and increasing cardiovascular risk. Neutralizing a specific immune cell type reduced collagen density and cholesterol deposits, suggesting a preventable link between autoimmune diseases and heart disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2018

Revealing the remarkable nanostructure of human bone

The study reveals that bone's mineral crystals have a hierarchical structure integrated into the larger-scale skeleton, with 12 levels of hierarchy. The combination of mineral and protein forms continuous networks to provide strength essential for functional bones. This breakthrough builds on previous studies and sheds light on the uni...

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 2018

New cellular insights in bone development

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

More realistic and accurate organs-on-chips

Researchers created a new type of microfluidic device using collagen-based membranes to mimic the growth of human intestinal cells. The results showed that colon cells grown on the collagen membrane were more viable and differentiated compared to those in other devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 7, 2018

Study reveals ways in which cells feel their surroundings

A new study led by Princeton University researchers finds that cells must move around and change shape to gain a meaningful understanding of their environment. The typical cell's environment is highly varied in stiffness or flexibility, making it difficult for the cell to determine its surroundings through mechanosensing.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2017

Engineers examine chemo-mechanics of heart defect

Scientists discovered that changes in mechanical behavior and gene signaling play a crucial role in the development of heart defects, with LOX-deficient mice exhibiting protection against aneurysms. The research provides new insights into the chemo-mechanics of heart defects and its potential applications for disease prevention.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology·DateJun 28, 2017