All articles tagged with #pigmentation
A Biology Letters study reveals platypus hair melanosomes are hollow and spherical—an arrangement previously observed only in birds—challenging assumptions about color in mammals and hinting at an evolutionary link to their aquatic past; echidnas do not share this feature.
Scientists have discovered preserved melanosomes in Diplodocus fossils, revealing that the dinosaur likely had a speckled, possibly iridescent appearance, challenging previous depictions of its dull coloration.
Google searches for serums targeting pigmentation have surged by 50%, reflecting a growing interest in over-the-counter solutions for dark spots and skin discoloration. Experts highlight the importance of ingredients like melasyl, alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C in treating pigmentation. The article reviews seven effective serums, including La Roche-Posay MelaB3, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, and Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum, each catering to different skin types and concerns. Results typically take a few months to become noticeable.
Chinese researchers have identified the gene responsible for the rare brown-and-white fur of a few giant pandas in China, including Qizai, the world's only captive brown-and-white panda. The brown pandas are missing a specific sequence of DNA in the Bace2 gene, leading to a malfunction of the protein responsible for pigmentation. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of the unique fur coloration and opens up new avenues for further research into the mechanisms behind the color change in pandas.
Paleontologists at University College Cork have discovered evidence of phaeomelanin, a pigment found in red hair, in a 10 million-year-old frog fossil. This finding will help researchers better understand the color profiles of extinct animals and the evolution of colors in animals. The discovery suggests that red hair gene dates back millions of years and was not exclusive to humans. The study also highlights the potential for exploring biochemical evolution using the fossil record. While red hair was once more common, it now only makes up two percent of the human population, making it the rarest hair color in the world.
Researchers have identified 135 new genes that are responsible for pigmentation and melanin production in humans. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the scientists systematically removed over 20,000 genes from melanocytes and observed the impact on melanin production. By separating cells with more or less melanin using a novel method, they identified both new and previously known genes that play important roles in regulating melanin production. The findings could help protect lighter-skinned individuals from skin cancer and lead to the development of melanin-modifying drugs for pigmentation diseases. The research could also be applied to identify genes that regulate melanin production in fungi and bacteria, potentially enabling the development of interventions against microbial diseases.
Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) are responsible for hair pigmentation, but with age, they can get stuck and become unable to perform their function, leading to hair graying. Researchers found that McSCs can switch between stem cell and maturing states, and dedifferentiate back into stem cells. The loss of chameleon-like function in McSCs may be responsible for graying and loss of hair color. The findings suggest that if McSC movement could be restored, it might prevent or reverse hair graying.
New research has found that gray hair may be preventable or even reversible by moving melanocyte stem cells to their proper location, where they continue to mature and generate pigment. This study also shows promise in the area of cancer research, as melanocytes are the cell types that proliferate uncontrollably in melanoma. While this new revelation is exciting, the research still has a way to go before it can be used safely in humans. Genetics and environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution also play a role in premature graying.
Scientists from New York University have discovered that hair turns grey as we age due to pigment-making cells losing the ability to mature. The team studied the process in mice and found that stem cells become "stuck" in limbo, failing to mature into fully-fledged melanocytes, which give hair its natural colour or shade. The researchers believe that the same fixed-positioning of melanocyte stem cells may exist in humans, presenting a potential pathway for reversing or preventing greying. The study could also help our understanding and treatment of certain cancers and other medical conditions.