Latest news with #Staphylococcusepidermidis
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bacteria Living on Your Skin May Help Protect You From The Sun, Study Says
The bacteria that live on your skin could be playing a role in protecting you from the sun's harmful UV rays, scientists have discovered. In response to solar ultraviolet radiation, our skin cells produce a molecule that, it turns out, is gobbled up by some species of bacteria that live on our skin. In doing so, they eliminate this substance, which is associated with some of the harmful effects that come with repeated sun exposure. "We have known for a long time that UV radiation modulates immune responses directed against environmental antigens on the surface of the skin and, more recently, that the skin microbiome also plays a role in regulating these responses," says lead author VijayKumar Patra, a biotechnologist from the University of Lyon. "What intrigued us was the idea that certain microbes could be actively involved in or even interfere with UV effects." The researchers specifically tested in vitro bacteria, as well as those found on the skin of mice, for their responses to UVB, the kind of radiation that leads to sunburn. They found certain species of bacteria, commonly found on the surface of humans and rodents alike, can break down a molecule that appears to be involved in skin cancer. That molecule, cis-urocanic acid, is produced when another molecule in the outermost layer of skin – trans-urocanic acid – is hit with ultraviolet rays. Previous studies have found cis-urocanic acid suppresses our skin cells' immune systems by binding to serotonin receptors. There are concerns that this, along with the molecule's ability to kick-start oxidative DNA damage, contributes to the development of skin cancer. Somewhat paradoxically, researchers have also found that if cis-urocanic acid is injected into a skin tumor, it can actually have the opposite effect, acidifying the tumor's normally neutral core and killing those cells. Basically, cis-urocanic acid isn't always a villain, but if it builds up around healthy cells, it can be bad news. That's where the bacteria come in. The researchers found common skin bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis can actually digest cis-urocanic acid using an enzyme called urocanase. This suggests our skin's microbiome may be regulating the way UV exposure affects our bodies long-term. "This is the first time we have demonstrated a direct metabolic link between UV radiation, a host-derived molecule, and bacterial behavior that affects immune function," says skin immunologist Marc Vocanson, from the International Center for Research in Infectiology in France. "As interest grows in both microbiome research and personalized medicine, understanding these microbe-host interactions could reshape the way we think about sun protection, immune diseases, skin cancer, or even treatments like phototherapy." When UVB sunscreens were first invented in 1928, by Australian chemist Milton Blake, very little was known about the microbiome, a term which was only coined in 2001. These bacteria obviously can't handle the job of sun protection all on their own – which is why people still get skin cancer when they ignore the sun safety measures recommended by health experts – but now that we know what these microbes are doing, we might be able to find ways to use this to improve skincare. "These findings open the door to microbiome-aware sun protection, where we not only protect the skin from UV radiation, but also consider how resident microbes can alter the immune landscape after exposure," says photodermatologist Peter Wolf, from the Medical University of Graz, Austria. He thinks treatments applied directly to the skin may one day be used to enhance or minimize the cis-urocanic acid metabolisms of these microbes to achieve desired outcomes in clinical treatment. This could be useful, for instance, during phototherapy, in which ultraviolet light is used to treat conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis and vitamin B deficiency. Removing the bacteria prior to these treatments could enhance their effects. In the other direction, products that encourage the growth of S. epidermidis, or contain the urocanase enzymes, could potentially help protect the skin's immune system, which may reduce the chances of skin cancer. Of course, because these findings are based on test-tube experiments and the skin and microbiomes of mice, all these human applications are still speculative. Far more research is needed before any burgeoning 'urocanase-enriched sunscreen' products can earn the scientific seal of approval. This research was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Do Eyes Really See The World Upside Down? Here's The Science. Your Heart Begins to Suffer After Just 3 Nights of Bad Sleep Experimental Therapy Suppresses Immune Reaction to Gluten in Mice
See - Sada Elbalad
16-05-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
The Skin Microbiome: The Invisible Guardian of Skin
Dr. Magdy Badran The skin is not just a protective barrier — it's a dynamic ecosystem and the body's first line of defense against harmful invaders. Living on its surface is a vast, invisible community of microorganisms known as skin microbiome. Far from being harmful, most skin microbes work with our bodies to protect, repair, and regulate. An imbalance in microbiome (dysbiosis) has been linked to various skin disorders. As science continues to uncover the importance of this microbial world, skincare is evolving toward nurturing the microbiome rather than sterilizing it. What Is the Skin Microbiome? The skin microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human skin. These microbes vary depending on the part of the body, the individual, age, sex, lifestyle, environment, and even climate. Some microbes reside in oily regions like the face and back, while others prefer dry or moist areas such as the elbows or armpits. Key Players in the Skin Microbiome Beneficial bacteria – Such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, which help protect against harmful bacteria and produce antimicrobial substances. Fungi – Primarily from the Malassezia genus, which feed on skin oils and help maintain balance. Viruses and bacteriophages – Infect bacteria and may help regulate bacterial populations. Microscopic mites – Like Demodex, which live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Functions of the Skin Microbiome The skin microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the health and integrity of the skin. It acts as a protective shield by competing with harmful microbes for space and nutrients, thereby preventing infections. Beneficial bacteria on the skin produce antimicrobial substances that deter pathogens. The microbiome also helps regulate the immune system, teaching it to tolerate harmless organisms and respond appropriately to threats. It contributes to maintaining the skin's acidic pH, which is crucial for barrier function. Some microbes promote wound healing by stimulating tissue repair. The microbiome supports hydration by preserving the skin's natural oils. It also plays a role in controlling inflammation and preventing allergic reactions. A balanced microbiome keeps the skin calm and resilient. Overall, it is essential for both physical protection and immune harmony. Factors Affecting Skin Microbiome Health The health the skin microbiome is influenced by several lifestyle and environmental factors. Overuse of antiseptics and harsh soaps can strip away beneficial microbes, weakening the skin's natural defenses. Similarly, both topical and oral antibiotics disrupt microbial diversity, potentially leading to imbalances and overgrowth of harmful organisms. Diet also plays a crucial role—diets high in sugar and unhealthy fats promote inflammation, which negatively impacts the microbiome. Chronic stress alters hormone levels and immune responses, indirectly disturbing microbial stability. Environmental exposures, such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and extreme weather, further affect the skin's microbial composition. Inadequate hygiene or excessive cleanliness can also disturb microbial equilibrium. Skin care products with alcohols and preservatives may be too harsh for the microbiome. Even clothing materials and personal habits, like smoking, can influence microbial health. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential to support a healthy and resilient skin microbiome. Acne and the Skin Microbiome Acne is a common skin condition often influenced by imbalances in the skin microbiome. While Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) naturally resides in healthy skin, certain strains can become overactive, triggering inflammation and clogged pores. These harmful strains produce enzymes and inflammatory substances that damage skin tissue and attract immune responses. A disrupted microbiome—often due to harsh skincare products, antibiotics, or hormonal changes—can reduce microbial diversity and promote acne flare-ups. Beneficial microbes that usually keep C. acnes in check may decline, allowing the harmful strains to dominate. Restoring microbial balance through gentle skincare and targeted probiotics is a promising approach. Supporting the skin microbiome may reduce acne severity and improve overall skin health. Eczema and the Skin Microbiome Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is strongly linked to imbalances in the skin microbiome. People with eczema often have reduced microbial diversity and an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can worsen inflammation and skin barrier damage. This imbalance weakens the skin's defense, making it more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. The disrupted microbiome also impairs the immune system's ability to regulate inflammation properly. Maintaining or restoring a healthy microbial balance through gentle skincare and probiotic treatments can help reduce eczema flare-ups. Psoriasis and the Skin Microbiome Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with changes in the skin microbiome. Research shows that people with psoriasis often have altered microbial communities, including decreased diversity and an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria. Certain bacteria may trigger or worsen inflammation by interacting with the immune system, contributing to the characteristic redness and scaling. This microbial imbalance can disrupt the skin barrier, making symptoms more severe. Restoring a healthy microbiome through targeted therapies and gentle skincare may help reduce inflammation and support skin healing. Understanding the skin microbiome's role in psoriasis opens new avenues for treatment. Supporting microbial balance is increasingly seen as part of comprehensive psoriasis care. Fungal Infections and the Skin Microbiome Fungal infections occur when there is an overgrowth of certain fungi on the skin, often due to an imbalance in the skin microbiome. The genus Malassezia is a common resident fungus that usually coexists peacefully but can proliferate excessively under certain conditions, causing issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Factors such as humidity, weakened immunity, or disruption of bacterial communities can trigger fungal overgrowth. This imbalance disturbs the skin's natural defense, leading to irritation, inflammation, and infection. Maintaining a balanced microbiome through proper hygiene and avoiding harsh antimicrobials helps prevent fungal infections. Sleep and the Skin Microbiome Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. During deep sleep, the body undergoes repair processes that help restore the skin barrier and balance microbial communities. Poor or insufficient sleep can disrupt immune function, leading to inflammation and an imbalance in skin microbes. This imbalance may increase the risk of skin conditions like acne, eczema, and dryness. Adequate sleep supports the production of antimicrobial peptides, which protect against harmful bacteria. Moreover, good sleep helps regulate stress hormones that otherwise negatively impact the skin microbiome. Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for maintaining skin health and microbial harmony. Water and the Skin Microbiome Water quality and usage significantly affect the skin microbiome. Chlorinated or hard water can disrupt the delicate balance of skin microbes by altering pH levels and stripping natural oils, which serve as nutrients for beneficial bacteria. Overexposure to water—especially hot showers—can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness and microbial imbalance. Conversely, staying well-hydrated from within supports healthy skin by maintaining elasticity and optimal conditions for microbial life. Polluted or contaminated water may introduce harmful microbes that compete with or kill off protective bacteria. Using filtered or lukewarm water and limiting prolonged exposure helps protect the microbiome. Balanced water practices are key to maintaining skin health and microbial harmony. Tips for a Healthy Skin Microbiome Maintaining a healthy skin microbiome involves gentle and mindful care. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid stripping beneficial microbes. Avoid over-washing, as excessive cleansing can disrupt microbial balance. Incorporate moisturizers that support skin barrier function and provide nutrients for microbes. Limit the use of harsh antiseptics and antibiotics unless medically necessary. Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and pollution, which can damage microbial communities. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health from within. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress negatively affects the microbiome. Lastly, consider using skincare products formulated to nurture beneficial microbes, promoting resilience and skin vitality. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! 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India Today
06-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
The real story behind teenage pimples and how it can change future acne treatment
Ever wondered why acne strikes in your teenage years and lingers for some, while others breeze through with clear skin?The answer may lie not just in hormones, but in the invisible world of bacteria living on your face.A new study by researchers at MIT, published in Cell Host & Microbe, has uncovered fascinating insights into how bacteria on our facial skin evolve, especially during the teenage years. And their findings could reshape how we think about, and treat, THE SKIN MICROBIOME MYSTERYOur skin, especially on the face, is home to a bustling community of them, two bacteria dominate: Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis. For years, scientists knew these bacteria played a role in skin conditions like acne and eczema, but exactly how and when they settle in remained new research reveals that during the early teenage years, a time when oil production in the skin skyrockets, new strains of C. acnes begin to arrive and multiply rapidly. These strains then tend to stay put for years, forming a stable, personalised bacterial signature on each person's face. Our skin, especially on the face, is home to a bustling community of microbes. () advertisementThat stability, it turns out, is a double-edged sword."If we had a strain that we knew could prevent acne, these results would suggest we should apply it early, during the transition to adulthood, so that it has a better chance to settle in,' explained Dr. Tami Lieberman, senior author of the study and associate professor at TIMING MATTERSThe study tracked the skin microbiomes of 30 children and 27 parents. By collecting samples over time and sequencing individual bacterial cells, the researchers discovered that teenagers acquire many new C. acnes once a person reaches adulthood, the microbiome becomes mostly fixed, making it harder for new strains, even helpful probiotic ones, to take suggests a crucial takeaway: the early teenage years may be the ideal window to introduce acne-preventing probiotic treatments, when the face is still open to "welcoming" new strains."It's like planting seeds. The soil is more fertile during adolescence," said Lieberman. Once a person reaches adulthood, the microbiome becomes mostly fixed, making it harder for new strains, even helpful probiotic ones, to take hold. () The study also found that Staphylococcus epidermidis, the other major skin resident, behaves quite differently. Its strains tend to come and go, living for less than two years on average. Interestingly, even people living in the same house don't share many of the same this happens isn't fully understood. It may be due to individual skin care routines, genetics, or the bacteria themselves blocking new ones from moving IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE OF ACNE TREATMENTCurrent acne treatments often rely on antibiotics or retinoids, which can irritate the skin and have limited long-term benefits. But what if we could treat acne by tweaking the skin microbiome during its most vulnerable and flexible phase, adolescence?While this study doesn't offer a cure for acne yet, it points to a new direction: understanding when and how to introduce "good" bacteria to support skin health. The idea isn't far-fetched. Several companies are already exploring topical probiotics for acne. This study offers a clue: apply them early, before the skin's bacterial population teenagers struggling with acne, it's a reminder that their skin is undergoing a major transformation, one that could be better supported with well-timed, personalised treatments in the near research also sheds light on why some people get acne and others don't, even if they live together and use the same products. The answer may lie in what strain of C. acnes they carry and how their immune system responds to next step for the MIT team is to understand whether the timing of these bacterial takeovers affects long-term skin health—and how to use that information to design better treatments."We're each walking around with a unique skin microbiome, shaped by early events in our lives. If we can understand that better, we may be able to guide it toward healthier outcomes," said Reel
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fermenting Miso in Space Gives It a Unique Flavor, Study Finds
There's something about the space environment that changes the flavor of miso in interesting and subtle ways. An experiment to create the fermented soybean paste simultaneously here on Earth and aboard the International Space Station found that the space miso tasted intriguingly nuttier and more roasted than miso produced at the same time in the US and Denmark. "Fermentation [on the ISS] illustrates how a living system at the microbial scale can thrive through the diversity of its microbial community, emphasizing the potential for life to exist in space," says industrial design scientist Maggie Coblentz of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "While the ISS is often seen as a sterile environment, our research shows that microbes and non-human life have agency in space, raising significant bioethical questions about removing plants and microbes from their home planet and introducing them to extraterrestrial environments." Miso is a tasty, salty fermented paste used extensively in Japanese cuisine. It's made from steamed soybeans, salt, grains such as rice or barley, and kōji (Aspergillus oryzae), the fungus behind the miso fermentation process. The team's experimental setup was pretty simple. The researchers prepared three batches of miso starter, then sent these batches to the three different locations: Cambridge, Massachusetts; Copenhagen; and low-Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station. In the higher-radiation and microgravity environment of the ISS, the experimental batch fermented for 30 days, housed inside a specially designed sensing box that monitored temperature, humidity, pressure, light, and radiation. Meanwhile, the Cambridge batch was housed in an identical box, but the Copenhagen batch was not. This allowed the Copenhagen batch to serve as a control to gauge whether the sensing box itself altered the fermentation process. Once the 30-day fermentation process was complete, the miso was shuttled back home to Earth to be analyzed and compared to the two terrestrial control batches. That analysis involved genome sequencing to study the microbe populations in the miso pastes, assessment of the physical properties such as texture and color, and an evaluation of the flavor profiles. The space miso fermented successfully, but it was noticeably different from the Earth miso pastes. The microbial communities in the space miso, for example, contained higher populations of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus warneri, possibly as a result of the warmer temperature on the space station. In addition, the bacterium Bacillus velezensis was only identified in the space miso. As for the flavor of the three miso pastes, all had similar aroma compounds and amino acids, and the characteristic yummy salty flavor expected. However, the space miso was nuttier and more roasted in taste, the researchers found. This flavor is associated with pyrazine compounds that probably emerged as a result of the higher ISS temperatures too, which would have accelerated the fermentation process. It's a fascinating result that demonstrates the differences environmental tweaks can make on how life organizes itself, and how we might eat as we explore the stars – especially since our sense of taste is dulled in microgravity. "By bringing together microbiology, flavor chemistry, sensory science, and larger social and cultural considerations, our study opens up new directions to explore how life changes when it travels to new environments like space," says food scientist Joshua Evans of the Technical University of Denmark. "It could enhance astronaut well-being and performance, especially on future long-term space missions. More broadly, it could invite new forms of culinary expression, expanding and diversifying culinary and cultural representation in space exploration as the field grows." The research has been published in iScience. Rare Star Doomed to Explode Finally Confirms Astronomical Prediction Tardigrades Reveal The Secret to Surviving The Extremes of Space New NASA Space Telescope Unveils Its First-Ever Images
