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Melanin

All articles tagged with #melanin

Chernobyl’s Black Fungus May Harvest Radiation for Energy
science10 days ago

Chernobyl’s Black Fungus May Harvest Radiation for Energy

A dark melanized fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone, may exploit ionizing radiation for energy via a proposed radiosynthesis process powered by melanin. While the fungus grows better in radiation and has shown to attenuate radiation in an ISS exposure test, scientists have not proven a real energy-harvesting mechanism or carbon fixation, and the phenomenon is not universal among melanized fungi.

via ScienceAlert|
#chernobyl#fungi#melanin
Chernobyl Fungus Hints at Radiosynthesis: Melanin May Turn Radiation Into Energy
science3 months ago

Chernobyl Fungus Hints at Radiosynthesis: Melanin May Turn Radiation Into Energy

Scientists studying the black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone report it grows better in ionizing radiation, possibly via a radiosynthesis-like process in which melanin could harvest energy while shielding the fungus from damage; though earlier work suggested a photosynthesis‑like pathway and a 2022 ISS experiment showed radiation shielding, a concrete energy-harvesting mechanism remains unproven, leaving the exact purpose of radiation tolerance uncertain and highlighting life’s adaptations in extreme environments.

via ScienceAlert|
#chernobyl#fungi#ionizing-radiation
Radiation-Eating Fungus Could Grow Into a Living Shield for Spacecraft
science4 months ago

Radiation-Eating Fungus Could Grow Into a Living Shield for Spacecraft

Researchers studying Cladosporium sphaerospermum—an often-black fungus—found it not only tolerates radiation but may grow toward it and form biomass that, in tests aboard the ISS, accumulated faster (about 21% more quickly than Earth controls) under space conditions. Melanin-rich fungi could help absorb radiation, suggesting a potential “living shield” concept for future spacecraft, possibly combined with local materials in ISRU. The work, conducted in a CubeLab on the ISS, is a proof-of-principle with limitations (small payload, controlled Petri dish setup) and does not demonstrate radiosynthesis; further experiments are needed to assess reliability across conditions and particle types.

via Earth.com|
#fungi#melanin#radiation
health1 year ago

The Role of Skin Color in Medication Effectiveness

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.

via The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel|
#clinical-trials#diversity#drug-development
Could a Vitamin Deficiency Be Causing Your Premature Grey Hair?
health1 year ago

Could a Vitamin Deficiency Be Causing Your Premature Grey Hair?

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.

via LADbible|
#copperdeficiency#diet#greyhair
"Potential for Earth Life on Red Dwarf Planets"
space-science2 years ago

"Potential for Earth Life on Red Dwarf Planets"

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.

via Universe Today|
#astrobiology#exoplanets#habitability
"Genetic Breakthrough Solves Mystery of Rare Brown Pandas"
nature2 years ago

"Genetic Breakthrough Solves Mystery of Rare Brown Pandas"

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.

via IFLScience|
#bace2-gene#brown-and-white-panda#genetics
"Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency and Supplement Recommendations"
health2 years ago

"Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency and Supplement Recommendations"

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.

via CNBC|
#health#melanin#sunlight
"Melanin-Containing Black Spots Discovered on Salmon Filets"
science2 years ago

"Melanin-Containing Black Spots Discovered on Salmon Filets"

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.

via Phys.org|
#biochemistry#melanin#research