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A skin graft for bad burns

Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTheranostics·DateOct 27, 2016

Why is skin thick on the soles of the feet?

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method for capturing high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the deep structure of skin in living mice. The study reveals that basal cells divide obliquely in thicker skin and parallel in thinner skin, contributing to the maintenance of epidermis thickness

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2016

Five ways bioengineers want to use 3-D printing

Researchers are developing 3D printed tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, and bladder models. Organs-on-a-chip systems mimic human tissue structure and function, allowing for the study of physiological differences and drug screening.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2016

First report on efficient reprogramming of diabetic foot ulcer cells to create therapeutic stem cell

Scientists have developed a technique to convert diabetic foot ulcer cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be used to study new therapeutic approaches and develop disease models. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of non-healing chronic wounds.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateAug 10, 2016

Protein pairs make cells remember

Researchers have discovered that protein pairs are essential for cellular memory, allowing cells to store and recall information. The formation of these pairs enables cells to respond more quickly to environmental stimuli and differentiate into specialized cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 15, 2016

Protein pairs make cells remember

Researchers discovered that protein pairs form feedback loops to store information in a cell's memory. The formation of these pairs is crucial for the cell's sensitivity to environmental stimuli and its ability to differentiate into specialized cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 14, 2016

Stem cells feel the force

Researchers found that stretch-induced mechanical forces downregulate thousands of genes while increasing a few in skin stem cells. This leads to changes in DNA packing within the nucleus, affecting transcriptional activity and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

Non-healing tissue from diabetic foot ulcers reprogrammed as pluripotent stem cells

A study by researchers at Tufts University successfully reprograms cells from diabetic foot ulcers into pluripotent stem cells, which can be turned into various cell types important for wound healing. The findings provide a new target for treatment and may lead to the development of more effective therapies for non-healing wounds.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateJun 28, 2016

WSU researchers watch skin cells 'walk' to wounds

Researchers at Washington State University have observed skin cells altering proteins and moving to repair wounds, a process that could be manipulated to speed up healing. They found that the cells use their internal muscle-related proteins to generate forces needed to move, allowing them to 'walk' to the wound site.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 9, 2016

Genetic code of red blood cells discovered

The study found that only four genes are necessary to reprogram skin cells into producing red blood cells, offering a potential solution for blood transfusions and anaemia treatment. This breakthrough could lead to personalized red blood cells for patients with rare blood types.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 2, 2016

Our personal skin microbiome is surprisingly stable

A recent study found that human skin microbial communities remain highly stable over time, retaining unique signatures and resisting external perturbations. However, stability varied across individuals and sites, with oily areas showing more consistent bacterial and fungal communities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2016

A fossilized snake shows its true colors

Researchers have discovered that fossilized snakeskin can retain evidence of skin color from multiple pigments and structural colors, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient animal colors. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the evolution and function of color in animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2016

Technicolor zebrafish reveal how skin heals

Scientists have developed a system to track individual cells in regenerating skin tissue using color-coding, enabling the study of cellular responses to injury and tissue regeneration. The Skinbow system uses technicolor zebrafish with permanent barcodes on their cells, allowing researchers to monitor cell movements and changes over time.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 21, 2016

Skin regeneration in technicolor

Researchers have developed a system called Skinbow that labels individual skin cells in zebrafish with different colors, allowing for real-time tracking of cell populations. This technology enables the study of skin regeneration and cellular behavior in high resolution, providing insights into the dynamics of wound healing.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 21, 2016

Scientists make significant anti-aging breakthrough

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a significant decrease in mitochondrial complex II activity with age in human skin cells, offering a new pathway for anti-aging treatments. The discovery may also lead to a greater understanding of other organs' aging processes and potential drug developments for age-related diseases.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 25, 2016

New research uncovers processes driving planarian stem cell differentiation

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of enzymes in regulating chromatin, which plays a crucial role in planarian stem cell differentiation. The study found that specific enzymes, Set1 and MLL1/2, target genes involved in cilia formation, suggesting that defects in these processes may be linked to various huma...

Discovery puts designer dopamine neurons within reach

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to convert skin cells into functional dopamine neurons by manipulating the expression of p53 and Tet1 enzymes. This breakthrough enables the efficient generation of patient-specific neurons that can be transplanted into the brain to repair faulty dopamine neurons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2015

Staphylococcus aureus Achilles' heels

Scientists have identified a human cell protein called PLEKHA7 as a key modulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Mice lacking this protein showed improved healing from skin infections and pneumonia, paving the way for potential new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2015

Researchers learn how to grow old brain cells

Researchers have developed a new technique to create brain cells directly from skin samples, retaining age-related signatures. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the effects of aging on the brain without relying on animal models or stem cell reprogramming.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 8, 2015