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JCI early table of contents for Feb. 10, 2014

In this study, researchers identified a unique regulatory T cell population in human skin that plays a crucial role in dampening the immune response against self-antigens. However, in inflamed skin, such as in psoriasis, this population is dysfunctional and fails to suppress autoimmunity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2014

Two sides of a safety switch

A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2014

A guppy's spots formed by layers of color cells

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that multiple pigment cell types from different skin layers contribute to the formation of guppies' colorful spots. The research found that transparent, reflective, and iridescent cells called iridophores play a crucial role in these patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2014

A CNIO study finds a 'molecular scaffolding' that maintains skin structure and organisation

Researchers at CNIO discovered a connection between microtubules and cell-cell junctions that holds skin stem cells together to support skin architecture. This finding sheds light on the importance of cellular components in maintaining skin function and may lead to new regenerative or anti-cancer therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 16, 2014

Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer

Researchers have identified a potent antioxidant called Tiron that provides complete protection against UVA radiation and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and sun-damaged skin. The study suggests that Tiron could be used to develop new skincare products or supplements, but further testing is needed.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2014

Measuring blood sugar with light

Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive method to measure blood sugar levels using photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared laser light. The technology has the potential to make diabetes management easier and more reliable without pricking or using test strips.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 25, 2013

Human skin wound dressings to treat cutaneous ulcers

Researchers at Université Laval have developed biomaterial-free biological wound dressings made from human skin grown in vitro. These dressings successfully treated venous ulcers in patients who had been chronically suffering from such wounds, with an average healing time of seven weeks.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAdvances in Skin & Wound Care·DateOct 2, 2013

Whales feel the (sun)burn!

Researchers found that some whale species darken their skin with UV exposure, accumulating DNA damage, similar to humans. Fin whales, however, were resistant to sun damage, offering insights into evolutionary adaptations to counteract UV radiation.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2013

Sunlight induced DNA crash

Researchers at Bonn University have discovered that UV-light induced DNA damage triggers lupus-like autoimmune symptoms by activating the cGAS signaling pathway. This study provides a crucial understanding of the immune mechanism behind lupus and offers potential new therapy targets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 29, 2013

Fetal tissue-derived stem cells may be ideal source for repairing tissues and organs

Researchers developed a protocol for isolating and expanding large numbers of multipotent fetal dermal cells (MFDCs) that display several advantages over adult dermal cells, including greater cellular yield after isolation and the retention of differentiation potential. The MFDCs were proven safe and efficacious in treating pediatric b...

Discovery could lead to end of sunburn pain

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Virtual skin model reveals secrets of skin aging

A virtual skin model developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield and PÎG has revealed that skin has 'sleeping' stem cells which can be woken up to regenerate skin, explaining why our ability to do so reduces with age. The model has implications for combating aging effects and skin cancer.

U of M researchers find novel gene correction model for epidermolysis bullosa

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to correct genetic defects in skin cells of patients with epidermolysis bullosa. They used engineered transcription activator-like effector nucleases to target and fix mutation-causing genes, resulting in the production of missing proteins in living skin models.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJun 6, 2013

Adult cells transformed into early-stage nerve cells, bypassing the pluripotent stem cell stage

Researchers have developed a method to convert skin cells into neural progenitor cells without passing through the pluripotent stem cell stage. This breakthrough allows for the production of specific types of neural cells, enabling rapid drug screening and modeling of neurological diseases such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 2, 2013

New immune cells hint at eczema cause

Researchers have identified a new type of immune cell in the skin that plays a role in fighting parasitic invaders and could be linked to eczema. The discovery sheds light on the causes of allergic skin diseases and offers new hope for treating hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 21, 2013

Injection-free vaccination technique could address global vaccine challenge for HIV, malaria

Researchers at King's College London have developed an injection-free vaccine technique that uses dried live vaccines delivered to the skin without needles, offering a potential solution to global vaccine challenges. The technique has been shown to be effective in inducing immune responses comparable to traditional needle-based methods.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched

Researchers at Harvard University have developed color-changing photonic fibers inspired by nature, which can pass through a full rainbow of colors as they're stretched. The fibers' superior mechanical properties make them versatile for various applications, including smart sports textiles and sensors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

Cells 'flock' to heal wounds

Researchers have discovered that cells in every part of a wounded skin patch exert force to pull their neighbors along, coordinating their motions to heal the wound. This new understanding could lead to insights into the process and its long-term implications for healing and cancer research.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Why our backs can't read braille

Researchers created stunning images of branching patterns of individual sensory nerve cells, defining ten distinct groups that likely correspond to differences in what the nerves do. The branching patterns can help scientists make sense of known responses to stimulation of the skin and may hold clues for pain management.

To make old skin cells act young again, boost their surroundings, U-M scientists show

Researchers at the University of Michigan have made skin cells in senior citizens act like younger cells again by adding more filler to the surrounding extracellular matrix. The study shows that this approach can trigger a signal for cells to wake up and respond positively to alterations in their environment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateDec 10, 2012

Study advances use of stem cells in personalized medicine

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully used human stem cells to test how diseased cells respond to drugs, paving the way for faster and cheaper drug development. The study identified a promising compound for treating Riley-Day syndrome and demonstrated the potential for tailored treatments for individual patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 26, 2012

Skin cells reveal DNA's genetic mosaic

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that genetic variations are common in the body's tissues, with 30% of skin cells harboring copy number variations. This finding has significant implications for genetic screening and our understanding of human development and disease.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2012