All articles tagged with #melanin
A black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in Chernobyl's radioactive environment, may be harnessing ionizing radiation as an energy source through a process called radiosynthesis, challenging our understanding of life’s resilience in extreme conditions.
Researchers have discovered a black fungus at Chernobyl that can convert radiation into energy, showing potential as a biological radiation shield for space missions, with experiments indicating it could be used in future space habitats to protect astronauts from cosmic radiation.
Scientists have discovered a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in the radioactive environment of Chernobyl, potentially using a process called radiosynthesis to harness ionizing radiation for energy, though the exact mechanism remains unknown.
Certain nutrients like copper, iron, vitamin D, B12, and folate may help slow premature gray hair by supporting melanin production, but overall health practices like reducing stress and getting enough sleep are also important.
Emerging research highlights the impact of skin tone, influenced by melanin levels, on drug efficacy and safety, revealing gaps in current drug development processes. Melanin can alter drug distribution and metabolism, affecting bioavailability and potentially leading to different health outcomes across skin tones. Advances in cell biology, such as 3D cell models and organ-on-a-chip systems, offer tools to study these interactions, but regulatory support and increased diversity in clinical trials are needed to ensure equitable healthcare. New policies aim to improve trial representation and trust among minority groups.
Dr. Ahmed, a UK-based GP, suggests that premature greying of hair could be linked to copper deficiency, which affects melanin production responsible for hair pigment. He advises checking copper absorption levels, especially if experiencing lethargy or anemia, before taking supplements. Copper is essential for energy metabolism and iron absorption, and can be found in foods like nuts and shellfish. Dr. Ahmed recommends trying natural supplements like cacao powder for those with low copper levels, but warns against self-supplementing without medical advice.
New research examines the potential habitability of exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars by testing the survivability of Aspergillus niger spores, which produce melanin, when exposed to simulated red dwarf radiation. The study suggests that these spores could survive the intense radiation environments on red dwarf exoplanets if shielded by a few millimeters of soil or water, highlighting the potential role of melanin in the survival of organisms in harsh conditions. This research sheds light on the possibility of life on exoplanets orbiting red dwarfs and provides insights into how melanin may have played a role in the origin and evolution of life on Earth and potentially on other worlds.
The mystery of the world's only captive brown and white panda, Qizai, has been solved with genetics. Researchers identified a gene, Bace2, that may be responsible for the unusual fur color by sequencing the genomes of brown and black-and-white pandas. Mice with the same mutation in Bace2 had light fur, suggesting a link to hypopigmentation. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of Qizai's unique coloring and represents a significant step in understanding these rare pandas.
Black and brown people may struggle to get enough vitamin D due to their skin's melanin blocking UVB rays needed for production, leading to a higher risk of deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, mood, energy, and other metabolic processes. Recommendations for increasing vitamin D intake include sun exposure, consuming vitamin D-rich foods, and consulting a doctor for supplements. It's important for individuals, especially those with darker skin, to monitor their vitamin D levels and seek medical advice before taking supplements to avoid potential toxicity.
Researchers have found that black spots on reared Atlantic salmon filets contain eumelanin, while red spots do not detectably contain melanin, indicating different cellular origins for the two types of spots. The biochemical discontinuity between the red and black spots suggests that their pigments derive from distinct origins, namely red blood cells and melanomacrophages. This finding is an important step toward understanding the issue of discolorations on salmon filets, which has become a significant problem for commercial seafood farming, and may lead to further research to prevent these lesions.
The process of hair turning grey is linked to the pigment melanin, with stress being a potential factor in premature greying. Vitamin deficiencies and medical conditions can also accelerate greying. While hair dyeing is a temporary solution, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and managing stress, is recommended. However, the efficacy of products claiming to slow greying remains uncertain, as does the impact of natural therapies.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a "super melanin" skin cream that can continuously heal sun damage and chemical burns. The synthetic melanin cream mimics the natural melanin in human skin and can be topically applied to injured skin, accelerating wound healing. It protects the skin from sun exposure and scavenges free radicals, which can cause skin aging and cancer. The cream has shown promising results in healing blistering and open sores, while also calming inflammation and boosting the immune system. The synthetic melanin may have potential applications in protecting against toxins and radiation burns, and it has been found to be non-irritating to human skin.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a synthetic version of melanin, known as "super melanin," that has the potential to be used in various applications. In their research, they found that the synthetic melanin can prevent blistering and accelerate the healing process in human skin tissue samples. The team plans to further develop the synthetic melanin as a medical treatment for skin injuries, as well as a potential sunscreen and anti-aging skincare product. The synthetic melanin closely resembles natural melanin and has been designed to be more effective at its job. The team's work is currently being funded by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense, and they have founded a company to commercialize the technology.
A team of paleontologists and ecological scientists has developed a new technique to estimate the coloration of fossilized insects. By comparing simulated fossilization of living insects with ancient specimens, the researchers found that darker patches on the baked samples represented areas rich in melanin, a dark pigment. They also discovered that uniform dark areas likely result from fossilization, while splotchy areas are more likely to represent original coloring. The study suggests that experiments like these could provide valuable insights into the coloration of fossilized insects.
Researchers from the University of Tübingen and Yale University have discovered that melanin, the pigment responsible for darkening hair, skin, and eyes, plays a crucial role in protecting the retina from toxic compounds that can cause vision loss. The process involves a quantum-like behavior called chemexcitation, which boosts melanin's electrons to a high energy state, allowing it to degrade dangerous compounds. The knowledge gained from this study could lead to the development of pharmaceuticals that can break down toxic compounds in aging individuals, preventing age-related macular degeneration.