Melanin News and Research

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In humans, melanin is the primary determinant of skin color. It is also found in hair, the pigmented tissue underlying the iris of the eye, and the stria vascularis of the inner ear. In the brain, tissues with melanin include the medulla and zona reticularis of the adrenal gland, and pigment-bearing neurons within areas of the brainstem, such as the locus coeruleus and the substantia nigr

Improving sleep after trauma exposure may ease negative consequences

Increasing the amount of time spent asleep immediately after a traumatic experience may ease any negative consequences, suggests a new study conducted by researchers at Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.

22 Oct 2020

A new approach to predict the evolutionary mechanisms of melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumour resulting from the transformation of melanocytes, the cells in the skin that undertake to synthesise melanin, a complex polymer which protects us from the negative effects of solar radiation.

27 May 2020

Researchers develop a gentler and safer hair dye based on synthetic melanin

With the coronavirus pandemic temporarily shuttering hair salons, many clients are appreciating, and missing, the ability of hair dye to cover up grays or touch up roots.

29 Apr 2020

Variations in skin-related genes influence how efficient we make vitamin D

Genetic variations in the skin can create a natural sunscreen, according to University of Queensland researchers investigating the genes linked with vitamin D.

2 Apr 2020

Study finds stress does whiten hair

In most cases, hair starts to gray in the thirties, and becomes pronounced in the fifties, at which time the head is typically crowned with a thatch of white, gray and perhaps some hair of the original color. A new study published January 2020 in the journal Nature, shows that this process is speeded up significantly by acute stress persisting over a period, or by severe trauma.

22 Jan 2020

Taking high dose of vitamin D linked lower blood pressure in overweight children

Overweight and obese vitamin D-deficient children who took a relatively high dose of vitamin D every day for six months had lower blood pressure and improved insulin sensitivity than their peers who took a lower dose, according to the results of a UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh clinical trial reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

21 Jan 2020

Impulsive eating could stem from certain regions of the brain

Weight loss mandates healthy eating and control of impulses when it comes to eating fat rich and processed foods. The actual story is quite different, as most persons on a diet have found out the hard way. The smell of food and even thoughts have given rise to binge eating, indulging in excessive food intake that has led to obesity and weight gain.

12 Dec 2019

Specific brain circuit linked to food impulsivity discovered

You're on a diet, but the aroma of popcorn in the movie theater lobby triggers a seemingly irresistible craving.

11 Dec 2019

Newly developed cell models can open up new avenues for ocular drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed two new cell models that can open up new avenues for ocular drug discovery. The new cell models are continuously growing retinal pigment epithelial cells, which have many benefits over the models currently used by researchers and pharmaceutical companies. The models were developed by Professor Arto Urtti's Ocular Drug Delivery group at the University of Eastern Finland.

4 Dec 2019

Some skin cancers originate in hair follicles, says new study

A new study published online in Nature Communicationson November 4, 2019, reports that some melanomas, which are among the deadliest skin cancers, originate in melanocyte stem cells that are located within the hair follicles.

4 Nov 2019

Some deadly skin cancers may originate in hair follicles

Some deadly skin cancers may originate in the pigment-making stem cells in hair follicles rather than in skin.

4 Nov 2019

Some skin cancers may originate in hair follicles

Some of the most deadly skin cancers may start in stem cells that lend color to hair, and originate in hair follicles rather than in skin layers, a new study finds.

4 Nov 2019

Tel Aviv researchers develop a nano-vaccine for the most aggressive skin cancer

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel nano-vaccine for melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer.

5 Aug 2019

Montmorency tart cherry juice may help improve cognitive performance in older adults

Montmorency tart cherry juice has long been coveted by gout sufferers, athletes for exercise recovery, and those seeking a good night's sleep. Now there's evidence that this polyphenol-rich beverage may help improve cognitive performance in older adults.

29 Jul 2019

Review focuses on aging in ethnic skin

The population in the United States is expected to become increasingly older, with estimates indicating that by the year 2030, nearly 40 percent of Americans will be over the age of 65.

26 Jul 2019

Wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin damage from sun's UV rays

Whenever you're outdoors this summer, be sure to take steps to prevent solar erythema, the acute cutaneous reaction to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

25 Jun 2019

Study: Melanin-concentrating hormone neurons in hypothalamus increase REM sleep

Every night while sleeping, we cycle between two very different states of sleep. Upon falling asleep, we enter non-rapid eye movement sleep where our breathing is slow and regular and movement of our limbs or eyes are minimal.

20 Jun 2019

UAMS-developed noninvasive device detects melanoma in earliest stages

A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences research team led by Vladimir Zharov, Ph.D., D.Sc., has demonstrated the ability to detect and kill circulating tumor cells in the blood using a noninvasive device called Cytophone that integrates a laser, ultrasound and phone technologies.

13 Jun 2019

Study uncovers pigment cells that change their identity during normal development

A new study by researchers at the University of Virginia and other institutions has discovered a type of pigment cell in zebrafish that can transform after development into another cell type.

4 Jun 2019

Low vitamin D associated with potentially harmful vaginal bacteria in pregnant black women

Vitamin D, sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin, has long been known to be important for a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant mothers take vitamin D supplements to ensure their own health and that of their unborn child.

29 May 2019