Latest news with #Binghamton
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Wrinkle Formation Is Driven By Physics And Not Just Collagen Loss, New Study Reveals
A new study has revealed that wrinkles are formed due to how the skin tugs at the surface. The study mentioned that sun exposure and ageing accelerate this process. It's a common belief that wrinkles form due to age or prolonged sun exposure. But new research from Binghamton University challenges that notion, revealing that the mechanics of skin play a major role in how creases develop. Led by biomedical engineer Guy German, the study analysed human skin samples from donors aged 16 to 91 and found that, over time, skin doesn't stretch and retract uniformly. Instead, as the skin ages, it begins to tug more across its surface rather than along it, remaining under constant pressure even when at rest. When this sideways strain becomes too much, the skin folds, forming the familiar lines we associate with ageing. Published in The Journal of the Mechanical Behaviour of Biomedical Materials (July 22, 2025), this study offers the first concrete evidence that the development of wrinkles is rooted in physical stress, while collagen loss and UV exposure merely accelerate the effect. To study this mechanical behaviour, researchers used a low-force tensometer to apply gentle strain to skin samples. Younger skin showed resilience, snapping back into place without issue. Older samples, however, responded differently, contracting more across the surface than along the direction of pull. This mismatch created internal pressure, eventually causing the top layer to fold in on itself. This crumpling is known in engineering as 'buckling" – a structural failure seen when materials are compressed unevenly. While previous models predicted this outcome, the Binghamton research is the first to document it using real human tissue. Age isn't the only factor behind this buckling effect. Ultraviolet radiation is known to break down two key proteins in the skin: collagen and elastin. These proteins are crucial for elasticity and support. According to German, young individuals chronologically can experience early-onset wrinkling due to chronic sun exposure. The research explains why those with outdoor professions like farmers and sailors often develop deep lines earlier than peers who spend most of their time indoors. Sunlight essentially accelerates the mechanical breakdown that leads to creasing. Most anti-ageing products today focus on boosting collagen levels or preventing moisture loss. However, this new study suggests that the future of wrinkle care may lie in managing the physical stress within the skin. Researchers are exploring advanced solutions such as tension-balancing mesh patches and bioactive peptides that guide how skin cells arrange their fibres. Rather than treating just the symptoms or chemical changes, these innovations aim to delay the structural tipping point that leads to permanent wrinkles. Daily Habits That Still Make A Difference While the research opens new doors, dermatologists stress that time-tested skincare practices remain essential. Daily use of sunscreen remains the best defence against photo-ageing. Retinoids continue to be effective in repairing collagen networks, and a diet rich in proteins supports the skin's structural integrity. Gentle facial exercises may help maintain balanced tension across different facial muscles, possibly preventing the uneven stress identified in the study. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are also crucial, as they help maintain a flexible, well-supported skin matrix that's less prone to physical buckling. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:42 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Science proves why your skin wrinkles. Here is what you need to know
Researchers finally know why our skin wrinkles over time - and Silly Putty can help explain it. Scientists at New York's Binghamton University say experimental evidence shows that it's a similar process to stretching out a favorite hoodie or t-shirt from overuse. Essentially, aging skin stretches in one direction, contracts in another, and then collapses. As you age, the contraction gets bigger, resulting in the formation of the skin folds and creases. 'If you stretch Silly Putty, for instance, it stretches horizontally, but it also shrinks in the other direction — it gets thinner,' Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Guy German, explained in a statement. 'That's what skin does, as well.' Wrinkles start to appear after around the age of 25 years old, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Scientists have long believed that skin wrinkles due to genetics, the effects of disease, and damage from the sun. As you get older, your skin cells are replaced at a slower rate, causing the skin's outer layer to thin and forming wrinkles. Lines in the face, including forehead and frown lines, are largely out of our control, as they're caused by repeated muscle movements. Previous studies, using computational models, have also shown changes in the mechanical properties such as the elasticity and structure of the skin's middle layer during aging. The layer, which contains the proteins elastin and collagen, is the home to hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat glands. Until now, those changes had never been proven experimentally. 'When I got into this field, that was one of my goals – can I figure out aging?' said German. 'Because if I look at the TV, the radio, online, at shops, I'm being told 1,000 different things about how to improve my skin health, and I want to know what's right and what isn't.' To reach these conclusions, German and his team used a low-force tensometer to stretch out seven tiny strips of skin from people between the ages 16 through 91, simulating the forces the skin naturally experiences. The tensometer tests the maximum force a material can withstand while being pulled or stretched before breaking. The skin was collected through elective surgery or tissue from cadavers. They found that the skin has one set of mechanical properties when you're young. As you age, things get a bit 'wonky,' German noted. 'Things degrade a bit, and it turns out the skin stretches laterally more, which causes the actual wrinkles that form,' said German. 'And the reason why that exists in the first place is that your skin is not in a stress-free state. It's actually stretched a little bit. So there are inherent forces within your skin itself, and those are the driving force towards wrinkles.' The research, which didn't delve into how these forces could be halted, was published recently in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Of course, there are other things that we know affect the skin that can contribute to appearance over time. Spending too much time outside can result in a nasty sun burn, as well as age the skin prematurely with the same effect as aging naturally. 'If you spend your life working outside, you're more likely to have more aged and wrinkled skin than those who are office workers, for example,' German warned.
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New research explains why wrinkles develop with age
Scientists at Binghamton University have experimentally shown that skin wrinkles as it ages due to a process where it stretches laterally and then contracts, forming creases. Associate Professor Guy German explained that the skin's mechanical properties degrade with age, causing increased lateral stretching driven by inherent forces within the skin. The research involved using a low-force tensometer on skin samples from individuals aged 16 to 91, providing experimental evidence for previously theoretical models of skin aging. This new finding complements existing knowledge that genetics, disease, sun exposure, and repeated muscle movements also contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, the study did not investigate methods to prevent these newly identified forces, though external factors like sun damage are acknowledged.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Science has proven why your skin wrinkles. Here is what you need to know
Researchers finally know why our skin wrinkles over time - and Silly Putty can help explain it. Scientists at New York's Binghamton University say experimental evidence shows that it's a similar process to stretching out a favorite hoodie or t-shirt from overuse. Essentially, aging skin stretches in one direction, contracts in another, and then collapses. As you age, the contraction gets bigger, resulting in the formation of the skin folds and creases. 'If you stretch Silly Putty, for instance, it stretches horizontally, but it also shrinks in the other direction — it gets thinner,' Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Guy German, explained in a statement. 'That's what skin does, as well.' Wrinkles start to appear after around the age of 25 years old, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Scientists have long believed that skin wrinkles due to genetics, the effects of disease, and damage from the sun. As you get older, your skin cells are replaced at a slower rate, causing the skin's outer layer to thin and forming wrinkles. Lines in the face, including forehead and frown lines, are largely out of our control, as they're caused by repeated muscle movements. Previous studies, using computational models, have also shown changes in the mechanical properties such as the elasticity and structure of the skin's middle layer during aging. The layer, which contains the proteins elastin and collagen, is the home to hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat glands. Until now, those changes had never been proven experimentally. 'When I got into this field, that was one of my goals – can I figure out aging?' said German. 'Because if I look at the TV, the radio, online, at shops, I'm being told 1,000 different things about how to improve my skin health, and I want to know what's right and what isn't.' To reach these conclusions, German and his team used a low-force tensometer to stretch out seven tiny strips of skin from people between the ages 16 through 91, simulating the forces the skin naturally experiences. The tensometer tests the maximum force a material can withstand while being pulled or stretched before breaking. The skin was collected through elective surgery or tissue from cadavers. They found that the skin has one set of mechanical properties when you're young. As you age, things get a bit 'wonky,' German noted. 'Things degrade a bit, and it turns out the skin stretches laterally more, which causes the actual wrinkles that form,' said German. 'And the reason why that exists in the first place is that your skin is not in a stress-free state. It's actually stretched a little bit. So there are inherent forces within your skin itself, and those are the driving force towards wrinkles.' The research, which didn't delve into how these forces could be halted, was published recently in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Of course, there are other things that we know affect the skin that can contribute to appearance over time. Spending too much time outside can result in a nasty sun burn, as well as age the skin prematurely with the same effect as aging naturally. 'If you spend your life working outside, you're more likely to have more aged and wrinkled skin than those who are office workers, for example,' German warned.
Fast Company
22-07-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
Medieval wellness is back—and it's all over your FYP
Social media is overflowing with wellness hacks and tips. While some should be avoided at all costs, others may actually be rooted in medicinal practices dating back to the Dark Ages, new research suggests. After examining hundreds of medieval manuscripts and compiling their findings into a catalog, a new international research project sheds fresh light on early medieval medical practices—many of which wouldn't be out of place on TikTok 's For You Page. As the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) sect and wellness girlies gain traction both online and in the Oval Office, natural remedies are back in vogue. From beef tallow as skincare to castor oil in the belly button, these hacks could just as easily have been scribbled in the margins of a 5th-century manuscript as featured in an influencer's get-ready-with-me video in 2025. 'A lot of things that you see in these manuscripts are actually being promoted online currently as alternative medicine, but they have been around for thousands of years,' wrote Meg Leja, an associate professor of history at Binghamton University. Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on who you ask. One medieval hack involves rubbing a mixture of crushed peach pit and rose oil on the forehead as a cure for headaches. Science now backs this up—a study from 2017 suggests rose oil may help relieve migraine pain. Another 9th-century hair hack recommends covering the scalp with herbal-infused salt and vinegar to disinfect it, followed by a salve of oils mixed with the 'ashes of a burnt green lizard' to enhance shine. Perhaps not one to try at home. Other topical ointments and detox cleanses made from dried herbs and distilled alcohols share similarities with recent TikTok trends, like drinking 'tadpole water' for debloating or eating dirt to reduce wrinkles. Many of these medieval health and beauty hacks were found scribbled in the margins of books unrelated to medicine, suggesting a preoccupation with wellness that feels distinctly modern. 'People were engaging with medicine on a much broader scale than had previously been thought,' Leja told Science Daily. 'They were concerned about cures, they wanted to observe the natural world and jot down bits of information wherever they could in this period known as the 'Dark Ages.'' Sounds like they would've loved TikTok.
