Tag

Melanin

All articles tagged with #melanin

science15 days ago•6 min saved

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

science1 month ago•6 min saved

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

science1 month ago•5 min saved

Chernobyl Fungus Thrives on Radiation, Sparking Radiosynthesis Debate

In the radioactive ruins of Chernobyl’s Reactor 4, the black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum appears to grow better in ionizing radiation, a finding that rekindles interest in melanin’s role in radiation interactions and the radiosynthesis hypothesis, though a proven energy-conversion pathway has not yet been demonstrated.

via The Daily Galaxy|

#chernobyl #fungus #melanin

science3 months ago•2 min saved

Radiation-Absorbing Fungus Converts Nuclear Fallout into Energy

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.

via My Modern Met|

#adaptation #chernobyl #fungus

science4 months ago•3 min saved

Chernobyl Fungus Shows Promise as Space Radiation Shield

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.

via UNITED24 Media|

#bioshielding #chernobyl-fungus #melanin

science4 months ago•4 min saved

Chernobyl's Black Fungus: A Radiation-Eating Marvel with Space Colonization Potential

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.

via ScienceAlert|

#chernobyl #fungus #melanin

health-and-wellness5 months ago•4 min saved

Top 5 Foods to Help Prevent Gray Hair

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.

via Vogue|

#foods #gray-hair #hair-health

health1 year ago•3 min saved

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

health1 year ago•2 min saved

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

space-science2 years ago•7 min saved

"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

nature2 years ago•2 min saved

"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

health2 years ago•7 min saved

"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

science2 years ago•4 min saved

"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

health2 years ago•1 min saved

The Science Behind Grey Hair and Possible Remedies

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.

via Geo News|

#grey-hair #hair-aging #hair-health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Revolutionary 'Super Melanin' Cream: The Ultimate Solution for Skin Protection and Healing

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.

via Good News Network|

#health #melanin #skin-care