Our skin epidermis consists of many lifelong regenerating cell layers which provide a barrier that prevents water loss and protects us from heat and radiation. * In this video, CARIEN NIESSEN explores why these cells fail to regenerate in cases of disease or with age. Paying particular attention to the influence of cell structure, Niessen’s method focuses on three scale lengths: protein, cell and organ. * Outlining the ways in which biochemical and physical signals interact in the operation of the skin barrier, Niessen’s research has important implications not only for our understanding of these processes but also for diseases like psoriasis, diabetes and cancer. * This LT Publication is divided into the following chapters: 0:00 Question 1:35 Method 3:14 Findings 4:29 Relevance 5:58 Outlook