News

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the extensive remodeling and breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding the factors governing aortic instability - particularly the micro/nanoscale changes - is paramount for improving AAA management. A new publication, "Nano-mechanical Mapping of Human and Porcine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm" uses advanced imaging techniques...

Fibrosis, the pathological accumulation of collagen and other ECM components, is a major health concern implicated in an estimated ⅓ of all natural deaths. While current anti-fibrotic drugs aim to slow progression, advanced fibrosis is often left untreated, leaving transplantation the only remaining option in many cases. A new therapeutic approach is focusing on...

Collagen is skin's foundation, but how it's truly built has been hidden – until now. Discover how see-through axolotls are providing an unprecedented window into this process, revealing secrets that could reshape skin science.

  Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively impairs kidney function, affecting millions. Beyond kidney-related complications, patients often experience muscle weakness and reduced mobility, begging the question: does muscle fibrosis contribute to those limitations? Figure 1 demonstrates a significant increase in collagen deposition within the vastus lateralis muscle of CKD patients. Histochemical analysis using picro-sirius red...

     Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a significant contributor to lower back pain, a leading cause of disability in individuals over 45. IVD is marked by the degradation of collagen and the extracellular matrix, which triggers inflammatory responses, recruits macrophages, and accelerates degeneration. Monitoring the progression of IVD degeneration and assessing the effectiveness...