Archive
Health & Sun Protection
A record of albinism news, research, and advocacy from trusted sources around the world. Reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchScientists map the genes behind white tea leaves
A new study published in Nature identifies the genetic pathways that cause a rare tea plant to grow without pigment, offering clues relevant to albinism research.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyA lipid molecule may explain how keloid radiotherapy works
Researchers have identified two molecular signals that drive the benefits of keloid radiotherapy, pointing toward treatments that do not require radiation access.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyImmune escape mechanism found in rare skin lymphoma
A Journal of Investigative Dermatology study identifies IL4I1-producing macrophages in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, pointing to a possible pathway tumours use to evade immune detection.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyWhat UV light does to moles, cell by cell
A new study mapped the effects of solar radiation on human skin tissue using single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Its findings add precision to what scientists know about UV and melanoma risk.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyMouse study probes Merkel cells and skin inflammation
A Journal of Investigative Dermatology study found that Merkel cells help regulate immune-driven skin inflammation in mice, with possible implications for photosensitive skin conditions.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyDermoscopy remains the standard for melanoma detection
A review of 114 studies finds skin cancer imaging tools are improving, but cost and access still limit their reach in under-resourced settings.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyA protein link between UV exposure and skin ageing
Researchers have identified Fibulin-5 as a target of the enzyme Granzyme B, offering a new explanation for how UV exposure breaks down skin's elastic structure.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologySkin and skull development traced to two proteins
A Journal of Investigative Dermatology study identifies KCTD1 and KCTD15 as regulators of the neural crest cells that shape the face, skull, and scalp skin.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyA new antibody approach targets hair loss inflammation
Researchers testing an antibody called hC2 found it reduced autoimmune activity linked to alopecia areata, without the side effects tied to current approved treatments.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismMerck Foundation trains oncology workers across 27 African countries
A partnership between the Merck Foundation and the Tata Memorial Centre has delivered specialised cancer training to health workers across 27 African nations, including Ghana.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismSouth African scientists decode a key cancer survival strategy
Researchers in South Africa have identified how the protein Mucin-1 shifts from protective sentinel to cancer enabler. The finding may open new directions in oncology research.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchPigeon pigmentation genes linked to human melanoma
A new study finds that the same genes governing colour mutations in pigeons can drive melanoma in humans, offering a fresh line of melanoma research.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologySkin proteins shape how dermal tissue grows after birth
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology finds that two proteins, YAP and TAZ, help fibroblasts build the collagen matrix that gives skin its structure.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismDiscovery members live longer, but chronic illness grows
Discovery Health's latest report finds members are living longer, but managing multiple chronic conditions at once. The pattern holds implications for people with albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchCave fish share one genetic root for albinism
A study in Nature finds that unrelated cavefish populations across separate geographies lost pigment through the same mutation in a single gene.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsGenetic study links inner ear development to Ménière disease
A genome-wide analysis across five biobanks has identified three genes tied to inner ear development and retinoic acid signalling as significant factors in Ménière disease.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyTwo skin treatments compared for UV-damaged skin
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology examines how 5-fluorouracil and photodynamic therapy differ in clearing precancerous mutations from sun-damaged skin.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyMouse model points to Merkel cell carcinoma's origins
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the Journal of Investigative Dermatology traces a rare and aggressive skin cancer to hair follicle cells. The finding could reshape how scientists study and treat Merkel cell carcinoma.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchCRISPR produces the first gene-edited lizards with albinism
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to disable pigmentation genes in anole lizards, producing the first reptiles with albinism created through gene editing.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGene mutations behind albinism mapped in Chinese families
A study published in Wiley Online Library examined mutations in three key genes linked to oculocutaneous albinism across Chinese families, adding to the genetic record.