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By Vijay Kumar Malesu Feb 14 2024 Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, a group of researchers evaluated how melanin content and distribution affect ultraviolet (UV)-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in skin, using reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) models.

Study:  Significance of melanin distribution in the epidermis for the protective effect against UV light . Image Credit: rangizzz/Shutterstock.com Background 

While ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is crucial for vitamin D and endorphins, its overexposure increases the risk of skin cancer through DNA damage.

This damage occurs via UV-B absorption and UV-A-induced radicals, leading to specific DNA lesions. Thanks to melanin, skin pigmentation offers substantial photoprotection, notably reducing cancer rates in darker skin.

Melanin's effectiveness is attributed to its UV-blocking, antioxidant, and radical-neutralizing properties. Nonetheless, the role of melanin is complex, as it may also enhance cell sensitivity to UVR damage.

This contradiction prompts a need for further research to understand melanin's dual effects on photoprotection and photosensitization in skin cancer dynamics. About the study 

In the present study, RHE models developed from primary epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes of Asian-Caucasian and Afro-American donors were categorized into tanned and light based on their melanin content, established through a newly validated method on ex vivo human skin.

This method involved melanin extraction and spectrometric analysis at 500 nm wavelength, correlating melanin levels with the Individual Typological Angle (ITA°), a measure of skin pigmentation.

Ex vivo human skin samples, sourced from healthy individuals of various ethnic backgrounds undergoing surgery, were used to calibrate the melanin quantification process. These samples allowed researchers to classify the RHE models according to melanin content, facilitating a comparison between light and tanned models. Related StoriesGenetics of estrogen production linked to endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal womenPlant-based diet linked to less erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patientsTiny device could help improve safety, effectiveness of cell therapy for spinal cord injury patients

The study assessed DNA damage in these models following UV irradiation, employing immunohistochemical staining to quantify damage.

Additionally, the effect of UV exposure on radical formation was examined using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, revealing insights into the oxidative stress induced by UV light in different melanin concentrations.

A critical aspect of the research was investigating melanin distribution within the epidermis, utilizing techniques like Fontana-Masson staining and Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (TPE-FLIM).

These methods provided a detailed view of melanin's localization, contributing to understanding its protective versus potential photosensitizing effects. Study results 

After extracting melanin from human epidermis samples and RHE, researchers quantified the total melanin content spectrometrically by measuring absorbance at 500 nm.

In ex vivo skin samples, melanin content varied significantly, correlating strongly with the skin's ITA°, indicating a methodological validation. This approach was then applied to RHE, revealing distinct melanin levels between tanned and light models.

The correlation between melanin content and ITA° was used to categorize RHE models by skin color, confirming the method's applicability across different epidermal sources.

The study further evaluated DNA damage through immunohistochemical staining, quantifying the extent of damage by the presence of cyclobutane-pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in cells post-UVR exposure.

Results showed significant DNA damage across all RHE models immediately after exposure, with variances in damage levels based on the type of UVR and the model's pigmentation.

Notably, tanned RHE models exhibited more damage than light ones, especially after specific types of UV irradiation. This damage assessment highlighted potential photoprotection discrepancies tied to melanin content and distribution.

Additionally, the research investigated radical formation post-irradiation, finding that tanned RHE models produced more free radicals than light models under certain conditions, suggesting melanin's complex role in the skin's response to UV exposure.

Contrary to in vivo skin, where melanin typically encapsulates keratinocyte nuclei, providing a protective barrier, tanned RHE models displayed a non-homogeneous melanin distribution. This misallocation potentially undermines melanin's protective efficacy against UVR.

The examination extended to the melanin coverage within basal cells, revealing a stark contrast between in vivo conditions and tanned RHE models.

In vivo, melanin distribution was relatively uniform across different skin types, whereas tanned RHE showed minimal melanin presence, diverging significantly from expected patterns. This inconsistency underscores a fundamental difference in melanin's protective mechanism in vitro versus in vivo. Conclusions 

To summarize, melanin plays a dual role in the human body, acting as a skin pigment that protects against solar radiation while also exhibiting photosensitizing properties linked to skin pathologies like melanoma.

This complex molecule's protective and harmful effects on the skin are still not fully understood.

Research using reconstructed RHE of tanned and light skin types has sought to delve deeper into melanin's multifaceted roles, examining how melanin content and distribution influence UV-induced DNA damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

These studies have shown that despite higher melanin levels in tanned models suggesting greater protection, all models exhibited significant DNA damage following UV exposure, challenging the notion of melanin's protective efficacy.

The distribution of melanin, particularly its concentration in certain cells and absence in others, may contribute to its photosensitizing effects, leading to increased free radical production and DNA damage.  Journal reference:

Zamudio Díaz, D.F., Busch, L., Kröger, M. et al. (2024) Significance of melanin distribution in the epidermis for the protective effect against UV light. Sci Rep. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53941-0. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53941-0 

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Environment

Lectric Ebikes may be launching a new XP 4 this week, and it could change everything

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Lectric Ebikes may be launching a new XP 4 this week, and it could change everything

Lectric Ebikes appears to be preparing for a major new product launch, teasing what looks like the next evolution of its wildly popular folding fat tire electric bike. Based on the clues, it looks like a new Lectric XP 4 could be inbound.

In a social media post released over the weekend, the company shared a minimalist graphic reading “XP4” along with the message “Tune in 5.6.2025 9:30AM PT.” That date – this Tuesday – suggests we’re just hours away from the big reveal of the Lectric XP 4.

If true, this would mark the next generation of the most successful electric bike in the U.S. market. The current model, the Lectric XP 3.0, has become an icon of accessible, budget-friendly electric mobility. Starting at just $999, the XP 3.0 offers a foldable frame, fat tires, a 500W motor, a rear rack, lights, and hydraulic brakes – all packed into a highly shippable design that arrives fully assembled. It’s the kind of package that has helped Lectric claim the title of best-selling e-bike brand in the U.S. for several years in a row.

With the XP 3.0 still going strong, the teaser raises plenty of questions. Will the XP 4.0 be a modest update or a major leap forward? Could we see new features like torque-sensing pedal assist, a location tracking option, or upgraded performance? Or is Lectric preparing a more comfort-oriented variant, maybe even with upgraded suspension or even more accessories included standard?

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The teaser image, which features stylized stripes in grey, blue, and black, may hold some clues. One theory is that the colors represent new trim options or component upgrades. Another possibility is that Lectric is preparing multiple variants of the XP 4.0 – perhaps targeting commuters, adventurers, and off-road riders with purpose-built versions. We took the liberty of a bit of rampant speculation late last year, so perhaps that’s now worth a revisit.

At the same time though, Lectric’s penchant for launching new models at unbelievably affordable prices has never run up against such strong pricing headwinds as those posed by uncertainty in the current US-global trade war fueled by rapidly changing tariffs for imported goods.

lectric xp 3.0 hydraulic
Previous versions of the Lectric XP e-bike line have seen sky-high sales

Whatever the case, Lectric’s knack for surprising the industry with high-value, customer-focused e-bikes means expectations will be high. The brand has built a loyal following by delivering reliable performance at a price point that few can match, and any major update to the XP lineup is likely to ripple across the market.

As a young and energetic e-bike company, Lectric is also known for throwing impressive parties around the launch of new models. It looks like I may need to hop on a red-eye to Phoenix so I can see for myself – and so I can bring you all along, of course.

Be sure to tune in Tuesday at 9:30AM PT to see what Lectric has in store – and you can bet we’ll have all the details and first impressions as soon as they drop.

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Politics

Industry calls for urgent crypto law reforms after Australian election

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Industry calls for urgent crypto law reforms after Australian election

Industry calls for urgent crypto law reforms after Australian election

The Australian crypto industry has called on the newly reelected Labor government to urgently make digital asset legislation a top priority to ensure Australia doesn’t fall further behind global markets.

The incumbent Australian Labor Party was returned in a landslide on May 3, picking up 54.9% of the two-party-preferred vote, against the Liberal and National Parties on 45.1%. Both parties went to the election promising crypto law reform, but only the opposition pledged to deliver draft legislation within 100 days.

Joy Lam, Binance’s head of global regulatory and APAC legal, said the exchange has been consulting with Treasury officials since late 2023 about its proposed legislation, and it was now time for action.

“Timing is really quite critical now because obviously it’s something that has been discussed and kicked around for quite a few years,” she told Cointelegraph.

Coinbase managing director for APAC John O’Loghlen said the reelected Albanese Government has the “opportunity and the responsibility to move quickly on this issue” and called for a Crypto-Asset Taskforce to be established within its first 100 days “with the aim of bringing forward legislation that protects consumers, promotes innovation, and stops the exodus of talent and capital to other markets.”

Cryptocurrencies, Australia, Bitcoin Regulation
Reelected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Source: Anthony Albanese

BTC Markets CEO Caroline Bowler said that “beyond the political implications, this result sets the stage for meaningful progress in Australia’s approach to digital asset regulation.”

Lam noted that the UK released its draft regulations last week, stablecoin bills are moving forward in the US, and the EU has already implemented its MiCA legislation.

“So there’s a very clear shift. Everyone’s moving towards providing the regulatory framework that is needed for the industry to develop in a sustainable way. So time is really of the essence now.”

Draft crypto legislation within months

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ office told Cointelegraph that exposure draft legislation would be released sometime this year for consultation, and any legislated reforms would be “phased in over time to minimize disruptions to existing businesses.”

Although the Treasury has draft legislation on “regulating digital asset platforms” and “payments system modernization” scheduled for release by the end of June, Lam isn’t confident. “I don’t know whether this quarter specifically is still sort of the timeline,” she said.

Related: Australian election will bring pro-crypto laws either way

While the ALP has been attacked by some over not taking any action in its first term in government, that may actually have resulted in a better outcome than legislation that took its cues from the approach of Joe Biden’s administration, which took a hard line on banks dealing with cryptocurrency and viewed most coins as securities. 

Industry figures report a noticeable evolution in the government’s approach to crypto between when proposals were first put out for consultation at the end of 2023 and when the Treasury released its much more positive “Statement on Developing an innovative Australian digital asset industry” in March this year.

Cryptocurrencies, Australia, Bitcoin Regulation
Australia Votes running tally on the Australian election. Source: ABC

The statement sets out key priorities, such as using the existing Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) regime to underpin the regulation of Digital Asset Platforms and payment stablecoins. It’s focused on the safe custody of client assets by centralized providers and sidesteps issues around decentralized finance platforms

Lam welcomed the use of the AFSL regime. “Obviously, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” she said. “It’s something that people know and understand. It’s a pretty sensible move, and it’s also going to be much easier for regulators.”

Tokenization and sandbox

The government will also review the Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox, which aims to provide space for innovative digital asset startups to grow free of red tape. The statement also highlights opportunities with tokenization.

Lam said the change in emphasis showed the government has been listening to the industry. 

“It reflects the industry feedback that they would have received in 2023 as a result of the consultation, as well as the changing landscape because obviously it’s been evolving pretty quickly internationally,” Lam said.

“They do have the benefit now of looking at what has worked and hasn’t worked in other jurisdictions, and really building on those lessons.”

Dea Markovy, policy director at Fireblocks, told Cointelegraph that “a lot of the groundwork and research is done” and it was looking broadly positive.

“Of course, a lot of details are still to come around Australia’s Digital Asset Platforms (DAPs) regime. What is significant here is the willingness of the Government to cut through the complexity and uncertainty on crypto intermediaries licensing.” 

The securities regulator ASIC released its own crypto regulations proposals (INFO 225) in December, and feedback from those consultations will help inform the government’s new legislation. 

“In essence, it details how different token issuances and crypto intermediation will fit into Australia’s existing securities legislation, providing for a transition period,” explained Markovy.

The draft guidance suggests NFTs, in-game assets and memecoins are not financial products — the local equivalent of a “security” — while a yield-bearing stablecoin or a gold-backed token probably are.

The Treasury statement also highlighted issues with debanking. Lam said that simply regulating the industry would go a long way toward solving the issue.

“What we really want from governments and regulators is that clean licensing framework, because that goes a long way to mitigating the risk and giving the banks the comfort that they need,” she said. “And then, there’s probably going to need to be some additional guidance given to banks.”

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World

At least 15 injured in ‘US-British’ strike on Yemeni capital, according to Houthi group

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At least 15 injured in 'US-British' strike on Yemeni capital, according to Houthi group

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group has said 15 people have been injured in “US-British” airstrikes in and around the capital Sanaa.

Most of those hurt were from the Shuub district, near the centre of the city, a statement from the health ministry said.

Another person was injured on the main airport road, the statement added.

It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and their Iranian “masters” following a missile attack by the group on Israel’s main international airport on Sunday morning.

It remains unclear whether the UK took part in the latest strikes and any role it may have played.

On 29 April, UK forces, the British government said, took part in a joint strike on “a Houthi military target in Yemen”.

“Careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa,” the British Ministry of Defence said in a previous statement.

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On Sunday, the militant group fired a missile at the Ben Gurion Airport, sparking panic among passengers in the terminal building.

The missile impact left a plume of smoke and briefly caused flights to be halted.

Four people were said to be injured, according to the country’s paramedic service.

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