Melanin News and Research

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In humans, melanin is the primary determinant of skin color. It is also found in hair, the pigmented tissue underlying the iris of the eye, and the stria vascularis of the inner ear. In the brain, tissues with melanin include the medulla and zona reticularis of the adrenal gland, and pigment-bearing neurons within areas of the brainstem, such as the locus coeruleus and the substantia nigr

Nearly 50 people present with rare eye cancer - ocular melanoma

At least 50 people have been diagnosed with a rare type of eye cancer called ocular melanoma. They are all residents of two locations - Huntersville, North Carolina, and Auburn, Alabama. The cancer is rare and occurs in only six per 1 million population. The high rate of incidence of this cancer in these two locations has stumped researchers.

2 May 2018

Dermatologists use novel combination therapy to restore skin color in vitiligo patients

Building on prior research that examined the use of an arthritis medication to treat vitiligo, a team of Yale dermatologists has successfully applied a novel combination therapy -- the medication and light -- to restore skin color in patients.

31 Jan 2018

Children in Middle Eastern countries vulnerable to low vitamin D levels

A renowned UK skin clinic, which is attending Arab Health 2018, has warned against the dangers of insufficient Vitamin D levels amongst Middle Eastern children.

19 Dec 2017

Brazilian researchers identify genes linked to melanoma progression

When researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil treated human melanoma cell lines with a synthetic compound similar to curcumin, one of the pigments that give turmeric its orange color, they identified genes with altered expression in potentially invasive tumors and malignant cells resistant to chemotherapy.

6 Dec 2017

Conventional sunscreens do not block skin damage caused by visible light

There is something wrong with people's exposure to sunlight. Despite rising worldwide consumption of sunscreens, the number of cases of skin cancer continues to grow. One of the reasons may be the action of visible light, which is also harmful to skin and is not blocked by conventional sunscreens.

5 Dec 2017

Study reveals gene linked to metastatic melanoma

A study by Craig J. Ceol, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, has revealed a protein active during early embryo development called GDF6 plays a primary role in metastatic melanoma.

4 Dec 2017

Cornell study reveals how UV radiation triggers melanoma

Melanoma, a cancer of skin pigment cells called melanocytes, will strike an estimated 87,110 people in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A fraction of those melanomas come from pre-existing moles, but the majority of them come from sources unknown – until now.

18 Oct 2017

Genes that determine skin color studied - new revelations

Human populations vary vastly in skin tones. European populations have been studied and some of the genes that determine skin color have been found. A latest study in a varied African population has found the specific and new genetic variants that could determine skin color and skin pigmentation. The study report is published in the journal Science.

16 Oct 2017

Novel dental imaging technique using food-grade cuttlefish ink developed

A team of researchers and engineers from the University of California San Diego have found a new use for food-grade cuttlefish ink – to detect gum disease.

7 Sep 2017

New photoacoustic imaging technique uses squid ink to examine patient's gum health

Squid ink might be a great ingredient to make black pasta, but it could also one day make getting checked for gum disease at the dentist less tedious and even painless.

7 Sep 2017

Researchers find mechanism that explains differences in skin’s responsiveness to heat, mechanical stimuli

Researchers at the Bluestone Center for Clinical Research at the New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) have identified a novel molecular mechanism which explains why dark-skinned and light-skinned people respond differently to heat and mechanical stimulation.

6 Sep 2017

Melanomas mostly from from new spots rather than existing ones

According to a new study appearing this week in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, melanomas do not grow from existing moles and skin growths, but from new ones. Therefore it is vital that people keep a careful eye for new growths over their skin in order to detect early stages of melanomas.

29 Aug 2017

Manipulation of single gene defines new pathway to mood disorders

Removing a single gene from the brains of mice and zebrafish causes these animals to become more anxious than normal.

24 Aug 2017

Study outlines key features linked to amelanotic melanoma

New findings from an international research team led by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists may improve detection of skin cancer that lacks any brown or black color.

9 Aug 2017

Breakthrough study opens door to design of whitening compounds for removing skin discolorations

Spots resulting from too much sun exposure and other effects of dysfunctional melanin production may become a thing of the past.

5 Jul 2017

Researchers find molecule that darkens skin without UV exposure and may protect against skin cancer

A study published in the journal Cell on June 13 has found that a class of small molecules can successfully penetrate and darken human skin samples. The drug developed in the laboratory by researchers in Boston also generates protective tans in red-haired mice.

14 Jun 2017

Melanoma could affect anyone regardless of skin color

Sidney Brown thought the mole on his nose was just an annoying pimple. He didn't consider that it could be a cancerous tumor, because, Brown thought, "skin cancer is something white people get."

23 May 2017

Photoacoustic imaging technique provides real-time view of small animal's internal functions

Biomedical engineers are now able to take a live, holistic look at the inner workings of a small animal with enough resolution to see active organs, flowing blood, circulating melanoma cells and firing neural networks.

10 May 2017

Study suggests ‘synergistic’ link between exercise and vitamin D for better heart health

Johns Hopkins researchers report that an analysis of survey responses and health records of more than 10,000 American adults for nearly 20 years suggests a "synergistic" link between exercise and good vitamin D levels in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

27 Apr 2017

Dermatologist shares essential sun safety tips for children

With summer fast approaching, make sure you’re ready to protect your child’s skin against harmful UV rays. British Skin Foundation spokesperson and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto shares essential sun safety advice.

27 Apr 2017