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Lingering lymphocytes lash out against Leishmania

Researchers discovered that memory CD4+ T cells linger in the skin for up to a year after resolving Leishmania infection. These skin-resident memory cells help reduce parasite numbers during secondary infections by recruiting blood-borne memory cells, suggesting a new approach to developing anti-Leishmania vaccines.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 27, 2015

Action spectrum of sun skin damage documented

Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 26, 2015

Zip me up!

Researchers have identified the specific molecules involved in skin fusion during wound healing, using fruit fly embryos as a model system. The study reveals a complex process involving molecular machines and cellular components that work together to fuse the skin, with microtubules playing a crucial role in this process.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 21, 2015

UAlberta research reveals new possibilities for islet and stem cell transplantation

Researchers have developed a new technique for islet transplantation under the skin, which shows promise in reversing diabetes in preclinical models. This approach harnesses the body's natural ability to respond to a foreign body by growing new blood vessels, offering a safer and more reliable treatment option.

New transitional stem cells discovered

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a new form of human embryonic stem cell that can help advance research on pre-eclampsia and other reproductive problems. These 'BMP-primed' stem cells are more robust and easily manipulated than traditional stem cells, making them ideal for future studies.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2015

Mysterious desert fairy circles share pattern with skin cells

Scientists at OIST Graduate University have identified a pattern in desert fairy circles that closely resembles the distribution of skin cells. This similarity spans vastly different scales, from microscopic cells to large-scale desert landscapes. The findings suggest that patterns may exist across disparate systems, enabling new appro...

Licorice extract protects the skin from UV-induced stress

Researchers have discovered that licorice extract's antioxidant active compound Licochalcone A strengthens the skin's defense systems, producing higher amounts of self-protecting molecules. This approach may provide superior sun protection by combining physical and biological defenses.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Dermatology·DateFeb 18, 2015

Skin based immunity secrets revealed

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 2, 2015

Using stem cells to grow new hair

Scientists developed a method to induce human hair growth using pluripotent stem cells, providing an unlimited source of cells for transplantation and improving upon existing methods. The research team successfully coaxed human pluripotent stem cells to become dermal papilla cells, which regulate hair-follicle formation and growth cycle.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2015

When DNA gets sent to time-out

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 6, 2015

New deep sea mushroom-shaped organisms discovered

Scientists have identified two new species of sea-dwelling, mushroom-shaped organisms in the deep sea. The organisms, belonging to the family Dendrogrammatidae, share characteristics with ancient life forms and potentially belong to the Ctenophora or Cnidaria phyla.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

How the zebrafish gets its stripes

Researchers have discovered the origin and behavior of pigment cells that form zebrafish stripes. The yellow cells undergo dramatic changes in cell shape to tint the stripe pattern, while silvery and black cells switch shapes to create a striking contrast between golden and blue colors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2014

Some stem cell methods closer to 'gold standard' than others

A new study finds that stem cells created by moving genetic material from a skin cell into an empty egg cell more closely resemble human embryonic stem cells than traditionally induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method, known as nuclear transfer, results in cells with fewer reprogramming issues and better gene expression patterns.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

UC research illuminates 'touchy' subject

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have solved a century-long puzzle by proving that Merkel cells are the initial sites for sensing touch. Their study published in Cell journal shows that gentle touch triggers action potentials in Merkel cells, mediated by the Piezo2 receptor/ion channel.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2014