Tag

Skin Microbiome

All articles tagged with #skin microbiome

science19 hours ago•13 min saved

Skin microbes steer which mosquitoes bite you, Florida study finds

A Florida study of three common mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus) shows that individual skin odors and microbes influence how attractive someone is to each species, with little overlap—no person was a universal magnet. The work used a uniport olfactometer on 119 participants to link specific skin bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium) and odor compounds to attraction, revealing both shared attractants (like certain fruity esters) and distinct preferences (ketones for Ae. albopictus, alpha-pinene for Cx quinquefasciatus). Findings could guide new repellents and probiotic approaches to reduce bites and disease risk.

via The Conversation|

#aedes-aegypti #aedes-albopictus #culex-quinquefasciatus

science15 days ago•11 min saved

Skin oils and fatty acids, not sugar, determine who mosquitoes target

Researchers linked who mosquitoes bite most to skin chemistry rather than blood sugar. In a nylon-sleeve assay, volunteers with higher sebum-derived carboxylic acids—driven by skin bacteria—were far more attractive to Aedes aegypti, with one subject about 100 times more attractive. About 50 elevated skin compounds were identified as correlates of this “mosquito magnet” profile. The work suggests the skin’s chemical signature governs attraction and hints at microbiome-based interventions, but it’s not yet known how universal this is across mosquito species or how easily the effect could be altered.

via Space Daily|

#body-odour #carboxylic-acids #mosquitoes

science17 days ago•7 min saved

Mosquito Magnets: Why Some People Draw More Bites and How to Fight Back

Mosquito bites aren’t random: a mix of cues—carbon dioxide output, heat, moisture, and skin odors—along with genetics can make certain people more attractive to mosquitoes. Factors like exercise, alcohol consumption, clothing color, and pregnancy can increase bite risk, while location and exposure also matter. Practical protections include covering exposed skin, using tested repellents (DEET or picaridin), wearing light-colored clothing, reducing standing water around home, and using citronella or lemon eucalyptus candles in the yard; beware unproven remedies like garlic or vitamin supplements.

via Good Housekeeping|

#bug-bites #carbon-dioxide #mosquitoes

environment1 month ago•3 min saved

Beat the bite: science-backed ways to be less attractive to mosquitoes

Mosquito attraction is driven by skin-emitted carboxylic acids shaped by your genes and microbiome; a Rockefeller University study found 'mosquito magnets' can be up to 100 times more attractive, with this ranking staying stable over time. The most reliable protection is an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET or picaridin applied after showering. Surprisingly, some floral-fragranced soaps can increase attraction, so a fragrance-free routine (and rinsing off sweat to reduce lactic acid) helps. Myths like garlic, vitamin B, repellent wristbands, bug-zappers, and citronella offer little protection. Bottom line: you can’t change your skin, but a proper repellent and scent-free evening routine can meaningfully reduce bites.

via futura-sciences.com|

#deet #environment #mosquitoes

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Scratch Less: Research Links Itching to Increased Inflammation in Eczema

University of Pittsburgh researchers show that scratching an itch activates mast cells to release histamine and substance P, boosting inflammation and prolonging the itch-scratch cycle in an eczema-like mouse model; mice prevented from scratching or lacking itch-sensing neurons had less inflammation, while scratching altered the skin microbiome, suggesting itching evolved partly to defend against infection but worsens chronic dermatitis. Cold compresses and 1% hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching.

via Fox News|

#eczema #health #inflammation

science3 months ago•6 min saved

Why Some People Attract More Mosquitoes: It’s All About Chemistry

A new synthesis of decades of research shows female mosquitoes first zero in on humans by exhaled carbon dioxide, with body size, metabolism, pregnancy, and exertion increasing the cue. Once close, skin-emitted chemicals—notably carboxylic acids from sweat and skin microbes, plus the mushroom-scent compound 1-octen-3-ol—drive bite attraction and are resilient to washing due to rapid skin-microbiome reestablishment. Blood type signals remain inconclusive, while dark clothing and alcohol can heighten risk. Notably, some pathogens may manipulate hosts to attract more mosquitoes (malaria via HMBPP; dengue/Zika through skin-microbiome changes). Practically, this points to repellents that mask key signals or alter the microbiome, and field tests to identify transmission hubs.

via Indian Defence Review|

#1-octen-3-ol #carbon-dioxide #host-selection

health5 months ago•5 min saved

Living Together, Sharing Microbes: How Partners’ Bacteria May Shape Health

Cohabiting couples share a sizable portion of their microbiomes, with about 30% of gut bacteria and notable overlaps in oral and skin microbes, driven by shared environments and daily habits. Greater microbial diversity from living together can be linked to lower risks of IBS, cardiovascular disease and high blood sugar, but the health impact depends on which bacteria are shared; some bacteria can be beneficial, others harmful. Saliva exchange during kissing further spreads oral bacteria, and while overall effects are still being studied, the shared microbiome is a real and ongoing area of research.

via The Conversation|

#couples #gut-microbiome #health

health6 months ago•10 min saved

Your skin hosts tiny mites—and that’s usually normal.

Most adults carry mites like demodex on their skin; they live in hair follicles and pores, feed on skin oils and dead cells, and are typically harmless symbionts. A shift in balance due to immune suppression or damaged skin can be linked to conditions such as rosacea and blepharitis, but the mites are usually not the main culprits. Dust mites in bedding can trigger allergies, scabies is a disease caused by a mite that requires treatment, and head lice are insects, not mites. Humans are ecosystems, and most of the microscopic life on skin is harmless or beneficial.

via The Conversation|

#demodex #health #mites

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Tiny Eyelash Bugs: Cause for Concern?

Demodex mites, tiny bugs living in our eyelashes and on our faces, are generally harmless and part of our normal skin microbiome. While they can cause symptoms like redness, inflammation, and vision issues if their population grows too large, these mites are usually kept in check by our immune systems. Treatments are available if problems arise, and maintaining good facial hygiene can help prevent overpopulations.

via Yahoo Life|

#demodex-mites #eye-health #eyelashes

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Are Tiny Bugs Living in Your Eyelashes?"

Demodex mites, tiny creatures living on our faces and eyelashes, are generally harmless and part of our normal skin microbiome. While they can cause symptoms like redness and inflammation if their population grows too large, simple treatments can manage these issues. Maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help keep their numbers in check.

via The Washington Post|

#demodex-mites #eye-health #eyelashes

medical-research2 years ago•8 min saved

"Engineered Skin Microbes Deliver Acne Treatment Molecules in Mice"

Researchers have developed an engineered skin microbe that delivers a sebum modulator to mice, potentially offering a new approach to treating skin conditions. This study adds to the growing body of research on engineered bacteria for medical applications, including skin health and cancer immunotherapy. The skin microbiome and its interaction with skin conditions like acne are areas of active research, with potential implications for developing new treatments.

via Nature.com|

#engineered-bacteria #medical-research #sebum-modulator

health2 years ago•2 min saved

The Impact of Ear Piercing on Your Skin Microbiome

A study conducted by researchers from McGill University in Canada examined the impact of ear piercings on the skin microbiome. The study found that getting a piercing creates a significant shift in the microbiome, leading to greater biodiversity and ecological complexity. The areas around piercings began to resemble other moist patches of skin, such as the armpit or nose. The presence of certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, was observed, but they tended to keep each other in balance. This research sheds light on the consequences of piercings on the skin's smallest lifeforms and could contribute to a better understanding of maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.

via ScienceAlert|

#balance #biodiversity #ear-piercing

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Uncovering the Hidden Microbial World on Our Skin

A study by researchers at the George Washington University has found that the composition of the skin microbiome varies across dry, moist, and oily regions of the skin. The study, which tested the "Grandmother Hypothesis," showed that areas like behind the ears and between the toes, which are often washed less frequently, can harbor different types of bacteria compared to areas that are cleaned more thoroughly. The researchers found that these hotspots had a less diverse collection of microbes, potentially leading to skin diseases like eczema or acne. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene in maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.

via Phys.org|

#grandmother-hypothesis #health #hygiene

health3 years ago•3 min saved

The Surprising Benefits of Acne-Causing Bacteria for Skin Health

Contrary to popular belief, acne-causing bacteria, specifically Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), may actually be vital for maintaining healthy skin. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that C. acnes triggers skin cells to increase production of lipids, such as ceramides and triglycerides, which are essential for maintaining the skin barrier and protecting against damage. The bacteria achieve this by producing propionic acid, which not only limits pathogen growth and reduces inflammation but also helps maintain a balanced skin microbiome. These findings shed light on the important role of C. acnes in shaping the composition of skin lipids and may lead to new treatments for skin conditions.

via ScienceAlert|

#acne-causing-bacteria #health #lipid-production

health3 years ago•2 min saved

Unveiling the Link Between Acne Bacteria and Essential Skin Lipids

New research conducted by the Gallo Lab at the University of California, San Diego, in collaboration with SILAB, has found that the common skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) triggers certain skin cells to significantly increase production of lipids that are essential for maintaining the skin barrier. The study revealed that C. acnes induces an increase in lipid production by producing propionic acid, which not only limits pathogen growth and reduces staph infections but also contributes to anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. The lipids produced after exposure to C. acnes or propionic acid have antimicrobial effects against C. acnes, suggesting a dual role in controlling its presence on the skin and maintaining the balance of the skin microbiome. This research highlights the important role of C. acnes in shaping the composition of skin lipids and may lead to new treatments for skin conditions.

via The Conversation|

#acne-bacteria #health #lipids