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Ambitious new research center will push the boundaries of skin research

The LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center will bring together leading researchers to provide new knowledge for better diagnoses and treatments of psoriasis and eczema. The center aims to strengthen the immune system's fight against over 3,000 known skin diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Your severe eczema may best be treated by allergy shots

A medically challenging case presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that allergy shots provided significant benefits to a patient with severe eczema. The treatment successfully reduced the need for high-dose steroid therapy and improved symptoms such as itching and dry skin.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 16, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Novel combination therapy promotes wound healing

Researchers developed a gene-suppressing drug that, when combined with an over-the-counter gel, accelerated wound healing in mice. The treatment, tested on mice with skin excisions or burns, showed significant improvements in healing outcomes, including regeneration of hair follicles and collagen networks.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalAdvances in Wound Care·DateOct 25, 2018

Cancer patients can now use skin creams during radiation therapy

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer patients can safely use topical skin treatments during radiation therapy without increasing the radiation dose to their skin. The study challenged common advice given to patients and debunked the myth that these treatments increase radiation damage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 18, 2018

E-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing: Study

A recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that e-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing, causing damage comparable to traditional cigarette smoking. The researchers discovered increased tissue death and delayed wound healing in experimental models exposed to both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateOct 18, 2018

Anti-inflammatory drug effective for treating lymphedema symptoms

A new treatment for lymphedema symptoms has been found to be effective in restoring skin health and reducing swelling. Ketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, has shown promising results in two clinical trials, with participants experiencing significant improvements in skin thickness and appearance.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study: Sexes differ when it comes to comfort during and after exercise

The study found that female participants preferred more cooling during exercise, while males did not experience similar changes in body temperature. After exercising, females' skin temperatures fell rapidly, but they continued to seek neck cooling due to elevated core temperatures.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 8, 2018

Could treating psoriasis in the future be as easy as going online?

A new study published by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms. Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

Beyond skin deep: understanding disparities in dermatology services

A new study found significant disparities in the use of outpatient dermatology services among different ethnic groups and socioeconomic statuses. Patients with lower incomes and education levels were less likely to receive care, while those with higher incomes and education levels had better access to specialized services.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 26, 2018

The alchemy of healing: Researchers turn open wounds into skin

Scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a technique to directly convert cells in an open wound into new skin cells, promoting healing and countering the effects of aging. The approach, which relies on reprogramming cells to a stem-cell-like state, shows promising results in treating large ulcers and skin damage.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

On the horizon: An acne vaccine

Researchers have made significant progress in developing an acne vaccine by targeting a toxin secreted from Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The vaccine has shown promise in reducing inflammation in human acne lesions. Future studies aim to engineer a non-toxic chemical or targeted vaccine formulation for its human application.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 29, 2018

A new generation of artificial retinas based on 2D materials

Scientists developed a flexible, high-density artificial retina using 2D materials that mimics the human eye. The device has shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies, and could potentially restore sight to millions of people with retinal diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2018

Skin's immune 'alarm' may explain light-induced rashes in lupus patients

Researchers have discovered that lupus patients' skin cells produce an excessive amount of interferon kappa, leading to increased sensitivity to UV light. The team's findings suggest that blocking this protein may help alleviate photosensitivity symptoms and potentially new treatments for the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 24, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Progress in addressing a severe skin disease that affects dogs and humans

A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has discovered the underlying factors causing ichthyosis, a skin barrier disorder that leads to thick layers of scales. The team developed a topical therapy using a lotion that restored the skin's natural lipid envelope, improving symptoms in affected dogs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 5, 2018

Racial differences uncovered in debilitating itchy skin condition

Researchers found that prurigo nodularis disproportionately affects African-Americans, particularly between ages 50 and 65. The study also identified associations with HIV infection, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and clinical depression.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJun 14, 2018

New nanoparticles help to detect serious scarring of wounds

Scientists have developed a new technique using nanoparticles called NanoFlares to quickly and accurately predict excessive scarring. The method involves applying the nanoparticles to closed wounds and using a fluorescence microscope to detect signals given out by the nanoparticles' interaction with target biomarkers.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 4, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Insight into potential new strategy to target skin diseases like psorias

A research team at UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that inhibiting glucose transport may be a safe and effective treatment for skin diseases like psoriasis. By targeting the metabolic requirements of hyperproliferative skin diseases, researchers were able to reduce disease-associated skin overgrowth and inflammation in mice.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 4, 2018

Bacteria therapy for eczema shows promise in NIH study

Researchers found that topical treatment with live Roseomonas mucosa was safe and associated with reduced disease severity in adults and children with eczema. The study's findings support further evaluation of this potential new therapy for atopic dermatitis, a condition linked to increased risks of asthma, hay fever, and food allergy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 3, 2018

Food allergy is linked to skin exposure and genetics

A Northwestern University study links infant skin exposure and genetics to food allergy development, providing potential ways to intervene early. Limiting use of infant wipes with soap and washing hands before handling babies may help avoid developing food allergy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 6, 2018

New breakthrough in treatment for rare skin condition

Scientists at Osaka University developed a new topical gel to treat skin lesions in TSC, a rare inherited disease. The drug's approval marks a world first and offers a painless, safe, and easy-to-use solution for patients suffering from cosmetic issues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 5, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A new tactic for eczema?

Researchers discovered that retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) in skin Tregs regulates immune response. Removing RORα from Tregs led to an increase in inflammatory cells and worsened eczema symptoms. The study suggests boosting RORα or targeting related pathways may be effective treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 6, 2018

More diversity needed in medical school textbooks: Study

Research suggests that medical school textbooks widely used in North America contribute to racial bias through underrepresentation of dark skin tones. The study analyzed over 4,000 human images and found that only a few percent of photos featured dark skin tones.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 1, 2018

Researchers discover new source of skin defects in eczema

Eczema patients' skin shows shorter lipids that protect less effectively, allowing irritants to enter and setting the stage for lesions. An allergic immune response shortens lipids, making skin more susceptible to eczematous lesions.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 26, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New research suggests your immune system can protect against MRSA infections

Researchers discovered a protective mechanism in the immune system that shields against recurrent bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Gamma delta T cells, which account for less than 1% of lymph node cells before infection, multiply and provide protection against subsequent infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 5, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Patients and doctors often disagree in evaluation of surgical scarring

Researchers found patients and doctors disagree on surgical scarring evaluation 28% of the time, with patients focusing on depth and physicians on coloration and texture. This highlights the need for better assessment methods and improved preoperative counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateFeb 1, 2018

Scientists discover how treating eczema could also alleviate asthma

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for eczema that also reduces asthma severity, offering hope for effective treatments for both conditions. The study found that alleviating skin inflammation can significantly reduce asthma symptoms.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJan 19, 2018

NIH scientists find microbes on the skin of mice promote tissue healing, immunity

Researchers found that beneficial bacteria on mouse skin work with the immune system to defend against disease-causing microbes and accelerate wound healing. This study suggests untangling similar mechanisms in humans may improve approaches to managing skin wounds and treating other damaged tissues.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateJan 18, 2018

LJI researchers discover key driver of atopic dermatitis

LJI researchers reveal LIGHT, a tumor necrosis factor super family member, drives skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The discovery provides a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of severe eczema. Therapies blocking LIGHT signaling may halt disease symptoms and reverse symptoms.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 16, 2018

Expert unlocks mechanics of how snakes move in a straight line

Researchers discovered snakes use unique skin movement to propel themselves forward in a straight line. This rectilinear locomotion gives them an advantage in confined spaces and could inform robotics for search-and-rescue operations and underwater inspections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 12, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Dirt-like skin condition is described

Terra firma-forme dermatosis is a hyperpigmented skin disease with a dirt-like appearance, found on trunks of 28% patients and extremities of 27%. Recognizing the condition helps avoid unnecessary testing and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

Loose skin and 'slack volume' protect hagfish from shark bites

Researchers at Chapman University found that hagfish skin is not puncture-resistant due to its flaccid nature. The slime released after attack plays a crucial role in defending against shark bites, showcasing the unique defensive strategy of these ancient eel-like animals.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 14, 2017

Seaweed could hold key to environmentally friendly sunscreen

Scientists at King's College London have discovered a seaweed compound that can protect human skin from UV radiation without harming marine ecosystems. The mycosporine-like amino acid, palythine, has been shown to absorb harmful rays and offer antioxidant protection against cellular damage.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateDec 5, 2017

Expression of certain genes may be key to more youthful looking skin

Researchers identified specific gene expression patterns in women who appear younger than their chronologic age, suggesting that genetic changes may slow down skin aging. The study revealed accelerated changes in pathways related to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and senescence with increasing age.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 28, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

This 'sweet spot' could improve melanoma diagnosis

A new technique using machine learning can improve the diagnosis of melanoma by identifying the optimal amount of context around skin lesions. By segmenting images into two parts, separating the lesion from surrounding skin, researchers found that a limited border beyond the lesion enhances classification performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Digital Imaging·DateNov 28, 2017

Ancient fish scales and vertebrate teeth share an embryonic origin

Researchers found that shark skin's dermal denticles develop from neural crest cells, just like teeth, supporting the theory that these primitive scales were carried into jawed vertebrates to form teeth. This discovery suggests a deep evolutionary relationship between ancient fish scales and vertebrate teeth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2017

Water baths as good as bleach baths for treating eczema

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that water baths were just as effective as bleach baths in reducing eczema symptoms, with no added benefits to using bleach. Regular bathing can help control bacterial infections and prevent dryness, making it a better alternative for patients with eczema.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateNov 15, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How the skin becomes inflamed

The study identifies a protein called IL-36 as a key player in inducing skin inflammation in response to bacteria on the skin surface. This finding has significant implications for developing alternative treatments for atopic dermatitis, a condition affecting 20% of children and 5% of adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 8, 2017

Topical gel made from oral blood pressure drugs shown effective in healing chronic wounds

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a topical gel made from common blood pressure pills that block inflammation pathways, speeding up the healing of chronic skin wounds. The gel was shown to be effective in accelerating wound healing in mice and pigs, with one concentration showing significant benefits.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 1, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Inflammation trains the skin to heal faster

Research reveals that wounds heal more than twice as fast in skin with prior inflammatory experience, thanks to sensitized stem cells. These cells remain active long after the initial inflammation has subsided and are better equipped to migrate into the wound.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Fire ant venom compounds may lead to skin treatments

Researchers found that fire ant venom compounds can reduce skin thickening and inflammation in a mouse model of psoriasis. The solenopsin analogs, similar to ceramides, can restore the skin's barrier function and decrease immune cell infiltration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Mislabeled moisturizers create problems for skin disorder sufferers

A Northwestern Medicine study reveals that many 'fragrance-free' and 'hypoallergenic' moisturizers contain allergens, making it difficult for patients to find affordable and safe options. The study found that only 12% of the top-selling moisturizers were free of common skin allergens.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 6, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

JCU scientist finds alcohol-free solution works

A James Cook University scientist has discovered an alcohol-free antiseptic solution that is safe and effective for minor surgical procedures. The study found a slightly lower infection rate with the new solution compared to traditional water-based antiseptics.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 8, 2017

Gene therapy via skin could treat many diseases, even obesity

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel gene therapy approach that uses skin transplants to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity. The method uses CRISPR technology to deliver a hormone that stimulates insulin production, reducing blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 3, 2017

Skin-ditching gecko inexplicably leaves body armor behind when threatened

A new study reveals that fish-scale geckos have a hidden strength in their fragile skin, containing bony deposits known as osteoderms. The geckos' ability to drop their skin as a defense mechanism is paradoxically paired with the presence of armor-like osteoderms.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalAfrican Journal of Herpetology·DateAug 3, 2017