Tag

Skin

All articles tagged with #skin

Collagen May Improve Elasticity, But Won’t Prevent Wrinkles
health7 days ago

Collagen May Improve Elasticity, But Won’t Prevent Wrinkles

A review of 113 trials with about 8,000 participants finds daily collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration over time but does not prevent wrinkles; it may also ease joint pain, though it is not a cure-all. Benefits come with consistent use and vary by supplement type (marine, bovine, vegan) with no clear winner. Diets rich in vitamin C and zinc support collagen production, and more dermatology-focused studies are needed to confirm these effects.

New Dinosaur Haolong dongi Wore Hollow, Porcupine-Like Spikes
science12 days ago

New Dinosaur Haolong dongi Wore Hollow, Porcupine-Like Spikes

Scientists describe Haolong dongi, a juvenile iguanodontian from northeastern China, with hollow, porcupine-like spikes along its neck, back, and sides. The 2.45 m skeleton is exceptionally well-preserved, but the spikes’ purpose remains unclear—defense, display, or sensing—while pigment was not detected and they are not protofeathers. The discovery broadens our view of dinosaur skin and was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution (2026).

Serine Shortage Reprograms Hair Follicle Stem Cells for Faster Wound Healing
science25 days ago

Serine Shortage Reprograms Hair Follicle Stem Cells for Faster Wound Healing

Rockefeller University researchers found that when serine levels drop, the integrated stress response activates and hair follicle stem cells reduce hair production to prioritize skin repair, speeding wound healing; boosting serine has limited effect due to the body's tight control over its circulation, though restoring serine in cells lacking it can partly rescue hair growth—pointing to diet or drug strategies to modulate serine/ISR for faster healing.

"Decoding Hidden Health Issues Through Your Skin: What Your Dermatologist Can Uncover"
health2 years ago

"Decoding Hidden Health Issues Through Your Skin: What Your Dermatologist Can Uncover"

The skin, being the largest and most visible organ, can offer insight into our overall health. Various rashes and skin changes can indicate underlying illnesses such as Lyme disease, blood vessel issues, metabolic disorders, and heart conditions. Recognizing these skin signs and seeking medical attention when necessary can help in early diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious health issues.

"Discovery of 290-Million-Year-Old Reptile Skin Fossil in Oklahoma Cave"
paleontology2 years ago

"Discovery of 290-Million-Year-Old Reptile Skin Fossil in Oklahoma Cave"

Paleontologists have discovered a 290 million-year-old skin fossil in an Oklahoma cave, making it the earliest known example of a fossil from an amniote. The fossil is believed to have come from a reptile with a rough skin surface similar to that of a crocodilian animal. The discovery is significant for understanding the evolutionary history of animals, as skin fossils are rare due to their fragility. The cave's unique conditions, including soft sediment and a lack of oxygen, contributed to the preservation of the skin fossil. Although no nearby skeleton was found, the discovery provides valuable insights into prehistoric life.

"Oldest Fossilized Skin Unearthed: 289-Million-Year-Old Discovery"
science2 years ago

"Oldest Fossilized Skin Unearthed: 289-Million-Year-Old Discovery"

Scientists have discovered the oldest-known piece of fossilized skin, a pebbly scrap from a 289 million-year-old reptile, offering rare insight into the evolution of skin. The specimen was found in the Richards Spur limestone cave system in Oklahoma, preserved by ideal conditions including rapid burial, low oxygen levels, and hydrocarbons from an oil seep. The texture of the skin resembles that of a crocodile, providing valuable clues to how skin evolved in ancient reptiles.

"300-Million-Year-Old Fossilized Skin Unearthed in Oklahoma Quarry"
paleontology2 years ago

"300-Million-Year-Old Fossilized Skin Unearthed in Oklahoma Quarry"

Researchers have discovered the world's oldest known fossilized skin, dating back around 289 million years, from a species of reptile that predates dinosaurs. The skin fragment, found in an Oklahoma limestone cave, is at least 130 million years older than the previous oldest known skin fossil. The sample, resembling crocodile skin with hinged regions similar to snakes and worm lizards, provides insight into the evolution of terrestrial animals and the importance of the epidermis as a barrier between internal body processes and the external environment. The study was published in the journal Current Biology.

"Scientists Uncover World's Oldest Fossilized Reptile Skin, Dating Back 300 Million Years"
science2 years ago

"Scientists Uncover World's Oldest Fossilized Reptile Skin, Dating Back 300 Million Years"

Scientists have discovered the oldest known piece of preserved skin, dating back about 289 million years to the early days of the Permian period, in a cave in Oklahoma. The fossilized skin, resembling that of early reptiles, provides valuable insights into the adaptation of terrestrial animals to life on land and sheds light on the later development of feathers and hair. The rare find offers crucial information about the evolutionary history of life on Earth and the dynamics of ancient ecosystems during a pivotal time in Earth’s history.

Unraveling the Origins of Itch: Harvard Study Reveals New Culprit
health2 years ago

Unraveling the Origins of Itch: Harvard Study Reveals New Culprit

New research suggests that a common microbe, Staphylococcus aureus, may directly cause itchiness on the skin it colonizes by releasing an enzyme that activates nerve cells and generates an itch sensation. The study found that an FDA-approved anti-clotting medication can block this itch response, potentially offering a new treatment for itchy skin conditions like eczema. The findings open up a new understanding of the role of bacteria in causing itching and may lead to more targeted treatments that do not harm beneficial bacteria on the body.

The Science Behind Unstoppable Itch Scratching
science2 years ago

The Science Behind Unstoppable Itch Scratching

The cycle of itching and scratching can be difficult to break due to the evolutionary reflex developed to expel unwanted visitors on the skin. Scratching provides temporary relief by inflicting a little pain, which inhibits the sensation of itching. However, scratching further damages the skin and activates nerve fibers, intensifying the itch-scratch cycle. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in this cycle, inhibiting pain but also activating itch neurons. Scratching also activates the brain's reward system, providing pleasure. While there are treatments available, efforts are being made to develop therapeutics that target neural pathways involved in itching. In the meantime, refraining from scratching can be challenging, but alternative methods like cold compresses or intense heat can help interrupt the sensation.