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Sunscreen confusion may burn shoppers

A Northwestern Medicine study found that many people are confused by sunscreen terminology, with only 43% understanding SPF values and 7% knowing how to protect against early skin aging. This confusion can lead to inadequate protection against sunburns and premature skin aging.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 17, 2015

A 'forest instead of the trees' viewpoint may motivate change after negative feedback

Researchers found that people are more likely to accept criticism and make changes if they take a broad, high-level construal view. This involves considering the big picture and believing change is possible. The study's findings have practical implications for delivering negative feedback in the workplace and health education campaigns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2015

Feel-good hormones could cause UV addiction

Chronic UV radiation stimulates endorphin production, causing physical dependence and addiction-like behavior in mice. This finding could explain why people have an instinctive desire for sunlight despite its health risks. Researchers suggest that a conscious effort to limit sun exposure is needed to mitigate skin cancer risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

Study: Beauty not disease motivates teens to wear sunscreen

A University of Colorado study shows that teens who watched a video about the cosmetic effects of UV exposure were more likely to use sunscreen than those who watched a health-based video. This finding suggests that addressing appearance-related concerns can be an effective way to modify sun-protective behaviors in teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 13, 2014

A CNIO study finds a 'molecular scaffolding' that maintains skin structure and organisation

Researchers at CNIO discovered a connection between microtubules and cell-cell junctions that holds skin stem cells together to support skin architecture. This finding sheds light on the importance of cellular components in maintaining skin function and may lead to new regenerative or anti-cancer therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 16, 2014

Speeding up cancer diagnosis during surgery

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a highly accurate prototype technique to detect cancerous tissue during surgery. This technique can produce detailed maps of tissue rich in information at the molecular level, enabling fast and objective diagnosis of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2013

Discovery could lead to end of sunburn pain

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Surgery for nonfatal skin cancers might not be best for elderly patients

A new UCSF study urges doctors to consider patient risks and benefits when treating benign skin cancers in elderly patients, who may endure complications but not live long enough to benefit from treatment. The study found that most non-melanoma skin cancers were treated surgically, despite limited life expectancy or tumor recurrence ri...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2013

Climate concerns

A team of Harvard researchers has found a connection between climate change, ozone depletion, and an increase in skin cancer incidence. The study suggests that climate change may lead to more damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface, resulting in higher rates of skin cancer. The research also raises concerns abo...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 9, 2012

Researchers have identified a protein called α9β1, which inhibits airway smooth muscle contraction and may be used to develop treatment options for asthma. Additionally, studies have shown that LRH-1 plays a crucial role in glucose-sensing and coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 9, 2012

What happens when we sunburn

A new study reveals how sunburn occurs when UV radiation damages RNA in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to healing and potentially even cancer. The discovery may lead to the development of treatments that block this process without exposing patients to harmful UV light.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 8, 2012