Skin keeps time independent of the brain
Neuropsin is expressed in the hair follicles of mice and synchronizes the skin's circadian clock, independent of the brain or eyes.... Read More...
skin
New pain organ discovered in the skin
In a groundbreaking finding, researchers have identified a new sensory organ under the skin that can detect pain as a result of impact or pinpricks. The organ comprises of glial cells with multiple long protrusions which collectively make up the mesh-like organ under the skin.... Read More...
Skin nerves anticipate and fight infection: New type of immunity discovered
Mouse study reveals pain-sensing neurons also help fight skin infections and help prevent its spread. The findings suggest a new type of immunity. ... Read More...
Skin discovery may help explain why women get autoimmune diseases far more often than men
Skin cells may hold the key to explaining why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus than men. Researchers found women have more VGLL3 in their skin cells than men. VGLL3 pushes the immune system into overdrive, resulting in the 'self-attacking' autoimmune response, the mouse study revealed. Findings strongly implicate VGLL3 as a pivotal catalyst in sex-based autoimmunity.... Read More...
Gene Therapy Via Skin Protects Mice From Lethal Cocaine Doses
Using CRISPR gene editing techniques, researchers create modified skin grafts that rapidly degrade cocaine and reduce drug seeking behaviors in mouse models of addiction.... Read More...
How Our Skin Communicates with the Brain
Inhibition of the P2X4 protein receptor in sensory neurons decreases sensitivity to touch, a new study reports. The findings could have implications for the development of new topical treatments for psoriasis and dermatitis.... Read More...
Prion Protein in Skin of CJD Patients
Researchers have detected a prion protein associated with CJD on the skin of almost two dozen people who died from the disease. The findings raise questions as to whether transmission of the disease via skin transplantation may be possible, and whether a simple skin test could detect the disease.... Read More...
Touching Research: Fighting Pain Through Knowledge of Sensory Organs in Fingertips
Researchers look at how sensory organs in the skin work, The findings may help solve certain sensory pain disorders.... Read More...
Light Touch: How Embedded Optical Sensors Could Make Robotic Hands More Dexterous
Researchers have developed a new soft robotic hand with numerous embedded fiber optic sensors and a new type of stretchable optical sensor. They believe incorporating the stretchable optical material into the hand could help provide more feedback.... Read More...
New Array Measures Vibrations Across Skin may Help Engineers Design Tactile Displays
Using a specially designed vibrotactile display mounted around the waste, researchers study how people use vibrotactile cues to navigate unfamiliar surroundings.... Read More...
How Skin is Wired for Touch
Compared to our other senses, scientists don't know much about how our skin is wired for the sensation of touch. Now, research reported in the December 23rd iss... Read More...