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Countering atopic dermatitis immune reactions

Researchers from Hokkaido University successfully treated mice with atopic dermatitis using HLA-G1, a protein that inhibits immune responses. The treatment showed marked improvement in skin lesions and reduced immune response compared to untreated mice.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateAug 3, 2017

Novel thermal ablation system for transdermal drug delivery

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a photothermal ablation system to enhance transdermal delivery of protein-based drugs. The system, using gold nanorods and near-infrared light, increased skin permeability and successfully delivered proteins in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateJul 26, 2017

Computer model simulates sense of touch from the entire hand

A computer model developed by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago can simulate the entire nerve response of the hand to any pattern of touch stimulation, providing insights into how the nervous system perceives touch. This tool will enable scientists to create realistic touch sensations in bionic hands for amputees.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Handheld scanner reveals vascularization in psoriasis patients

A new handheld scanner allows for non-invasive imaging of skin layers and blood vessels in psoriasis patients, enabling the assessment of disease severity and potential treatment options. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and therapy of other diseases such as skin cancer and diabetes.

Tyrannosaurs show their sensitive side

Scientists have found a new species of tyrannosaur dinosaur with a high degree of tactile sensitivity, similar to crocodiles. The discovery provides insight into the evolution and life appearance of tyrannosaurs, revealing that their faces were covered in scaly protective layers and highly touch-sensitive snouts.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017

Study examines burden of skin disease worldwide

A new article published online by JAMA Dermatology estimates the global burden of skin disease, with dermatitis and acne vulgaris ranking among top causes. Skin diseases accounted for 1.79% of the global burden of disease in 2013, equivalent to 41.6 million DALYS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2017

Personalized skin lotions keep disease-causing bacteria at bay

Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Knowing risk factors could help catch melanomas

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients with a family history of melanoma, multiple primary melanomas, or many moles are at higher risk for developing melanoma. The researchers recommend tailoring surveillance programs to individual risk factors to improve early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 9, 2016

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

Hard water linked to risk of eczema in infants

Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 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