Monthly Archives: November 2013

Discovery of genomic variant associated with sun sensitivity, freckles

Researchers have identified a genomic variant strongly associated with sensitivity to the sun, brown hair, blue eyes - and freckles. In the study of Icelanders the researchers uncovered an intricate pathway involving the interspersed DNA sequence, or non-coding region, of a gene that is among a few dozen that are associated with human pigmentation traits.

First topical pharmacologic therapy to enter clinical trials for “double chin”

Topokine Therapeutics has initiated dosing in a Phase 2, randomized controlled clinical trial of XAF5 Gel for reduction of excess submental fat, commonly known as "double chin." XAF5 Gel is a proprietary skin formulation of a compound already known to reduce fat around the human eye. Study participants are applying XAF5 Gel or placebo once a night to skin under the chin.

New layer to the skin’s fight against infection

The layers of skin that form the first line of defence in the body's fight against infection have revealed a unanticipated secret.The single cell type that was thought to be behind the skin's immune defence has been found to have a doppelganger, with researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute showing the cells, despite appearing identical, are actually two different types.