Published How pre- and postnatal B-12 vitamins improve breast milk vitamin B-12 levels, which supports infant brain development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source According to a new study B-12 vitamins increase the presence of the micronutrient in mothers' breast milk, which is especially helpful in countries where it can be difficult to eat what is needed for the body to produce B-12 naturally.
Published Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers discovered distinct mechanisms controlling different types of immune cells, and found that, by precisely targeting these mechanisms, they could selectively eliminate 'problematic cells' and reshape the skin's immune landscape.
Published Early body contact develops premature babies' social skills
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Skin-to-skin contact between parent and infant during the first hours after a very premature birth helps develop the child's social skills. The study also shows that fathers may play a more important role than previous research has shown.
Published Novel study finds aspirin-free regimen benefits patients with LVAD
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The ARIES-HM3 Randomized Clinical Trial assessed the safety and efficacy of excluding aspirin from the antithrombotic regimen in patients with advanced heart failure who have undergone implantation of a fully magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The clinical trial found that excluding aspirin from the antithrombotic regimen in patients with a levitated left ventricular assist device was safe.
Published Researchers identify cell signaling pathway controlling melanoma cell metastasis to the brain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have been working to better understand what drives melanoma brain metastasis. They now report on the identification of a cell signaling pathway that regulates the metastatic spread of melanoma cells to the brain.
Published New clues into the head-scratching mystery of itch
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists show for the first time that bacteria can cause itch by activating nerve cells in the skin. The findings can inform new therapies to treat itch that occurs in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Published Study reveals surprising link between malnutrition and rising antibiotic resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have uncovered startling connections between micronutrient deficiencies and the composition of gut microbiomes in early life that could help explain why resistance to antibiotics has been rising across the globe. The team investigated how deficiencies in crucial micronutrients such as vitamin A, B12, folate, iron, and zinc affected the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes that live in the digestive system. They discovered that these deficiencies led to significant shifts in the gut microbiome of mice -- most notably an alarming expansion of bacteria and fungi known to be opportunistic pathogens. Importantly, mice with micronutrient deficiencies also exhibited a higher enrichment of genes that have been linked to antibiotic resistance.
Published Discovery of hemoglobin in the epidermis sheds new light on our skin's protective properties
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have shown for the first time that hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells where it binds oxygen, is also present in the epidermis, our skin's outermost body tissue. The study provides important insights into the properties of our skin's protective external layer.
Published Vitamin B12: A key player in cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers reveal that vitamin B12 significantly boosts the efficiency of cellular reprogramming, thus holding promise for regenerative medicine. Vitamin B12 supplementation shows potential in speeding up tissue repair in a model of ulcerative colitis -- an observation that points to potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Published Cancer: Discovery of the mechanisms regulating cancer formation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered the key role of the extracellular environment in dictating the ability of mutated cells to induce cancer formation.
Published Scientists 3D-print hair follicles in lab-grown skin
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have 3D-printed hair follicles in human skin tissue cultured in the lab. This marks the first time researchers have used the technology to generate hair follicles, which play an important role in skin healing and function. When it comes to engineering human skin, hair may at first seem superfluous. However, hair follicles are quite important: They produce sweat, helping regulate body temperature, and they contain stem cells that help skin heal. The finding has potential applications in regenerative medicine and drug testing, though engineering skin grafts that grow hair are still several years away.
Published Clinical trial data suggests prenatal vitamin D reduces a child's risk of asthma
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A review of 15 years' worth of data found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was linked to reduced rates of asthma and wheezing in children compared to standard prenatal multivitamin.
Published Reducing vitamin B5 slows breast cancer growth in mice
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that breast cancer cells expressing a cancer-driving gene heavily rely on vitamin B5 to grow and survive.
Published Measuring skin water loss predicts anaphylaxis during food allergy tests
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Measuring skin water loss during food allergy tests may help predict anaphylaxis and keep patients safe. The method aims to detect the life threatening reaction before epinephrine injections are necessary.
Published 'Super melanin' heals skin injuries from sunburn, chemical burns
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a new study, scientists show that their synthetic melanin, mimicking the natural melanin in human skin, can be applied topically to injured skin, where it accelerates wound healing. These effects occur both in the skin itself and systemically in the body.
Published Hidden way for us to feel touch
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a hidden mechanism within hair follicles that allow us to feel touch.
Published The sunscreen paradox: Researchers warn of 'false sense of security'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Sunscreen usage is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, researchers say, is the sunscreen paradox.
Published Psoriasis not caused by spontaneous mutations in skin cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Genetic analysis of psoriasis shows somatic mutations are not linked to the development or the spread of the condition.
Published BNP peptide a culprit in eczema
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have pinpointed a particular peptide's role in activating atopic dermatitis, or eczema. The work could lead to more effective treatments for the condition.
Published NUS scientists develop innovative magnetic gel that heals diabetic wounds three times faster
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of researchers has engineered an innovative magnetic wound-healing gel that promises to heal diabetic wounds three times faster, reduce the rates of recurrence, and in turn, lower the incidents of limb amputations. The innovative magnetic hydrogel, which contains skin cells for healing as well as magnetic particles, takes a comprehensive 'all-in-one' approach to wound healing, accelerating the process on several fronts. To maximize therapeutic results, a wireless external magnetic device is used to activate skin cells and accelerate the wound healing process.