J Exp Med April 2018 PMID 29511065

Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal.

Anna Baranska, Alaa Shawket, Mabel Jouve, Myriam Baratin, Camille Malosse, Odessa Voluzan, Thien-Phong Vu Manh, Frédéric Fiore, Marc Bajénoff, Philippe Benaroch, Marc Dalod, Marie Malissen, Sandrine Henri, Bernard Malissen

Mentions

223
Peak: 46 in Nov 2020
across 5 sources since Aug 2019

Extended reach

317,546
potential audience

Total likes

9,064

Video views

161,556

Mentions per month

Aug 2019 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News134 articles
  • X / Twitter66 posts
  • Blogs11 articles
  • Facebook10 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

People frequently reference the role of macrophages in tattoo permanence, describing how they 'eat the ink' and pass it along as a cycle, reflecting both understanding and curiosity about the biological process. The tone often mixes awe and enthusiasm, highlighting the research's potential to revolutionize tattoo removal techniques.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the findings, emphasizing how macrophages are responsible for tattoo longevity and removal processes.

InterestHigh interest

The topic sparks high curiosity, with many expressing fascination and surprise about the new biological insights.

EngagementHigh engagement

Discussions delve into details of the research, including the cyclical process of pigment uptake and cell death, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While some recognize the potential applications in tattoo removal, overall, the discussions show interest but might not see an immediate societal impact.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Ya'el Courtney, PhD
@ScienceYael · X

See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/HCqBii7SGj

Nov 18, 2020 · 550 likes · 48 shares · 7,965 followers View post →
DrNicoleCampbell.bsky.social
@nk_campbell · X

For most of human history, no one knew exactly why tattoos were permanent. For a while, it was assumed that the ink was absorbed by long-lived skin cells or fibroblasts. In 2018, a paper by Baranska et al. made a surprising discovery. 2/10 https://t.co/IzkI71PxjM

Aug 4, 2023 · 71 likes · 8 shares · 578 followers View post →
Clement Chow
@ClementYChow · X

Woah. Convince me that Biology is not magic https://t.co/Ua7NgItIUq https://t.co/i5dJWrsLYa

Nov 18, 2020 · 27 likes · 4 shares · 15,652 followers View post →
Jean-Michel Lemieux
@jmwind · X

But the ugly tattoo I got in high school is still there? TIL: macrophage cells eat tattoo ink and pass it along from one generation to the next. https://t.co/GzgBZdmYEg https://t.co/XugycFklQ8

Apr 18, 2022 · 19 likes · 46,800 followers View post →
Remsha Afzal
@RNAngel394 · X

Tattoos can last a lifetime because the body thinks its under attack. So macrophages underneath the skin start eating up the ink pigments and just sit there all pigmented. When they die they pass it on to their replacements! #macrophagesarecool https://t.co/dRO4zfMLJn

Oct 30, 2020 · 11 likes · 291 followers View post →
Jenny Schneider
@JennySc12 · X

I love science! https://t.co/dikhgb6qkc https://t.co/hIpHUzUj2n

Nov 19, 2020 · 5 likes · 219 followers View post →

All mentions

Tattooing & Human Nature
@Inking_Immunity · X

The first two studies used genetically altered mouse models. This study uses simulated human skin. The first study (Baranska et al 2018) using this model showed that macrophages engulf pigment, excrete when they die, & are re-engulfed. https://t.co/uEF64Vx06P

Jul 3, 2024 · 488 followers View post →
Filip Lardon
@FilipLardon · X

@Sfekke2 https://t.co/mcSwT8CzsI / https://t.co/84A3NZtfJy

Nov 2, 2023 · 1 like · 3,260 followers View post →
Thilo
@sourbeerdough · X

RT @nk_campbell: For most of human history, no one knew exactly why tattoos were permanent. For a while, it was assumed that the ink was ab…

Aug 18, 2023 · 8 shares · 307 followers View post →
Tor Erik Rusten
@rustenlab · X

RT @nk_campbell: For most of human history, no one knew exactly why tattoos were permanent. For a while, it was assumed that the ink was ab…

Aug 8, 2023 · 8 shares · 534 followers View post →
Hans Collin
@HansCollin2 · X

2/4) El hombre se ha tatuado la piel desde por lo menos unos 3300 años AC, pero solo desde hace 5 sabemos por qué es permanente. Simplemente, cuando algo debe desaparecer del cuerpo, los macrófagos se lo comen. Son los carroñeros del sistema inmunitario. https://t.co/eOgcE9ZYsF https://t.co/866GYG3J0y

Aug 7, 2023 · 2,066 followers View post →
Theo Sanderson
@theosanderson · X

RT @nk_campbell: For most of human history, no one knew exactly why tattoos were permanent. For a while, it was assumed that the ink was ab…

Aug 7, 2023 · 8 shares · 12,928 followers View post →
DrNicoleCampbell.bsky.social
@nk_campbell · X

For most of human history, no one knew exactly why tattoos were permanent. For a while, it was assumed that the ink was absorbed by long-lived skin cells or fibroblasts. In 2018, a paper by Baranska et al. made a surprising discovery. 2/10 https://t.co/IzkI71PxjM

Aug 4, 2023 · 71 likes · 8 shares · 578 followers View post →
Kevin Tharp
@Derpology · X

https://t.co/eLqBJ0aTk0

Jun 30, 2023 · 1,494 followers View post →
Nicølªs Kluger
@NicoKluger · X

@Fraslin Le rôle des macrophage dans les tatouages, c’est connu depuis longtemps. Mais l’article parlent des travaux de Marseille sur les macrophages poke @henri_sandrine https://t.co/MMv9zU0pu7

Apr 19, 2023 · 1 like · 5,600 followers View post →
Jenn Payne
@DrPayne_AMR · X

Macrophages might be the key to tattoo removal! Learn more here https://t.co/P6lhw0zOir

Oct 17, 2022 · 680 followers View post →
Tima Karginov
@takarginov · X

Late to the game on this but this is VERY cool. https://t.co/if5LR9Pa4H https://t.co/XCCmV3PELj

Jul 27, 2022 · 2 likes · 199 followers View post →
Jean-Michel Lemieux
@jmwind · X

But the ugly tattoo I got in high school is still there? TIL: macrophage cells eat tattoo ink and pass it along from one generation to the next. https://t.co/GzgBZdmYEg https://t.co/XugycFklQ8

Apr 18, 2022 · 19 likes · 46,800 followers View post →
RRID Robot
@RobotRrid · X

RRIDs were included in the Journal of Experimental Medicine paper "Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both t…" (https://t.co/gcaW5GxYXm). We appreciate the author's support of reproducibility. #ReproducibleResearch #RRID

Apr 14, 2022 · 161 followers View post →
Sara Alexandra Martinez
@saralexmartinez · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Jun 25, 2021 · 48 shares · 4 followers View post →
Regina Joyce Ferrer
@rjeferrer · X

Love the Harry Potter reference

May 5, 2021 · 2 likes · 65 followers View post →
Cristina D. del Arco
@crisdelarco · X

⚫️ Pigment may be permanent due to a cycle of capture, release and recapture: macrophages die and release pigment, which is taken up by other macrophages before it can disperse. https://t.co/vhsC20EglY

Apr 17, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,998 followers View post →
nomad nowhere
@dreamingdrumer · X

큰포식세포의 문신 유지 기전 https://t.co/ttUNoSJqen

Nov 29, 2020 · 1,689 followers View post →
Βιολογία να φαν κ οι κότες
@bio_koko1 · X

ΥΓ. Μια πιθανή μελλοντική λύση για να αφαιρεθεί πλήρως πλέον το *ΟΝΟΜΑ_ΠΡΩΗΝ Σ’ ΑΓΑΠΩ ΠΑΝΤΑ!!* είναι ο συνδυασμός λέηζερ με ειδική κατάλυση των μακροφάγων στην περιοχή εκείνη. Paper εδώ: https://t.co/YQYj9v5EZZ 5/5 https://t.co/D0PwtZMfI5

Nov 26, 2020 · 1 like · 7 followers View post →
Laura
@MissCadaver0usx · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 21, 2020 · 48 shares · 473 followers View post →
찌그러진 초코토끼✿
@Choco_Rabbits · X

머야 찐인가 본데 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ https://t.co/I3HO4vgSpl

Nov 20, 2020 · 1 like · 405 followers View post →
Aku.C
@Ch01_Aku · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 971 followers View post →
Katara Nomi Korra Nands Kali
@softwarmechanic · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 279 followers View post →
빨덕후
@Ryuzeh · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 3,108 followers View post →
기루 : 203 Non-Authoritative Information
@rave0206 · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 90 followers View post →
☁️
@hellooolangit18 · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 1,170 followers View post →
josang
@itstreason_then · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 316 followers View post →
siningning ✨
@baconyoj · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 407 followers View post →
Devi Prasad V
@theywoulddo · X

I'd never have imagined this!

Nov 20, 2020 · 1 like · 196 followers View post →
Severo Maximo de Gante
@vampirofronte · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 20, 2020 · 48 shares · 237 followers View post →
(((Dorit Reiss)))
@doritmi · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 14,652 followers View post →
Eibhlín Ní Ruaidhrí
@EllenMellon_88 · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 914 followers View post →
Jenny Schneider
@JennySc12 · X

I love science! https://t.co/dikhgb6qkc https://t.co/hIpHUzUj2n

Nov 19, 2020 · 5 likes · 219 followers View post →
neb
@Mung_Bens · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 2,237 followers View post →
Tattooing & Human Nature
@Inking_Immunity · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 488 followers View post →
Liliana Gómez
@liligblue · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 369 followers View post →
Tattoo Removal Near Me
@TattooRemovalNM · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 894 followers View post →
Ann Robertson
@runtyann · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 354 followers View post →
Caitlin
@mrsrhysand · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 264 followers View post →
Kat
@mcem_kat · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 145 followers View post →
LAXTastic ♿
@jeduffy · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 1,071 followers View post →
Concepts of a Plan Monkey
@MedievalMonkey · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 368 followers View post →
Nasreen Ghazi, MD
@GhaziNasreen · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 605 followers View post →
Little Captain Minnow
@LilCaptMinnow · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 114 followers View post →
jenonthestreet
@jenonthestreet · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 599 followers View post →
Ramil R. NOCHE, Ph.D.
@docnitephd · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 649 followers View post →
Fandomguy (Destructive Creation arc)
@sciencefandom · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 922 followers View post →
Amy Gresham
@amygresham48 · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 1,001 followers View post →
rainbowlegume
@rainbowlegume · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 193 followers View post →
Nicholas Boerio
@NicBoerio · X

Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal | Journal of Experimental Medicine | Rockefeller University Press https://t.co/20taLAHVgX

Nov 19, 2020 · 1 like · 260 followers View post →
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
@INFJAngie · X

Trippy science! https://t.co/Z9mw22uUIr

Nov 19, 2020 · 1,511 followers View post →
Sushant Bangru
@sushantbangru · X

wait, what?? check out the paper...https://t.co/kKAMmVq5w8 https://t.co/LW30dcDtPh

Nov 19, 2020 · 333 followers View post →
John Penov
@PenovJohn · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 19, 2020 · 48 shares · 1,658 followers View post →
.
@SarcasticSaint · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 18, 2020 · 48 shares · 380 followers View post →
Tejbeer Kaur
@KaurTejbeer · X

Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal | Journal of Experimental Medicine | Rockefeller University Press https://t.co/IO9K7PNxkb

Nov 18, 2020 · 2 likes · 274 followers View post →
Tech TAM
@TheTechTam · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 18, 2020 · 48 shares · 375 followers View post →
Kyle Hernandez
@Evilution84 · X

Very cool and paper here https://t.co/I627wOiuzE https://t.co/PF8dOrAL9O

Nov 18, 2020 · 1 like · 820 followers View post →
Tim Kordas
@timothyzillion · X

RT @ClementYChow: Woah. Convince me that Biology is not magic https://t.co/Ua7NgItIUq https://t.co/i5dJWrsLYa

Nov 18, 2020 · 4 shares · 225 followers View post →
Clement Chow
@ClementYChow · X

Woah. Convince me that Biology is not magic https://t.co/Ua7NgItIUq https://t.co/i5dJWrsLYa

Nov 18, 2020 · 27 likes · 4 shares · 15,652 followers View post →
Darth Loquacious
@mainemoosetrax · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 18, 2020 · 48 shares · 863 followers View post →
Kortskalle (hän/hen)
@SaraHLahtinen · X

RT @ScienceYael: See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/H…

Nov 18, 2020 · 48 shares · 443 followers View post →
Koyal Garg
@GargKoyal · X

Upon tattooing, pigment particles are captured by macrophages. With time, macrophages die and release the tattoo pigment particles, where they are recaptured by other macrophages. Ongoing cycles of pigment capture & release account for tattoo persistence https://t.co/ksAKebEyGD

Nov 18, 2020 · 362 followers View post →
Ya'el Courtney, PhD
@ScienceYael · X

See paper here: Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/HCqBii7SGj

Nov 18, 2020 · 550 likes · 48 shares · 7,965 followers View post →
Remsha Afzal
@RNAngel394 · X

Tattoos can last a lifetime because the body thinks its under attack. So macrophages underneath the skin start eating up the ink pigments and just sit there all pigmented. When they die they pass it on to their replacements! #macrophagesarecool https://t.co/dRO4zfMLJn

Oct 30, 2020 · 11 likes · 291 followers View post →
arsenic
@500daysofAstrid · X

@ZavaYit https://t.co/6A12Rb2aNe Por si quieres leer algo más detallado sobre eso

Jun 4, 2020 · 1 like · 426 followers View post →
Dr Neil Bodie
@neil_bodie · X

What tattoos really do our bodies' immune systems -Also see “Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal” https://t.co/ugPLFAadOJ https://t.co/N1r0n1JqYJ

Oct 3, 2019 · 8,027 followers View post →
Mil aeruginosa
@Mil_Rivera · X

Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal https://t.co/l6RT2uNQzz *planea su primer tatuaje*

Aug 25, 2019 · 213 followers View post →