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Majority of Missouri tan salons allow pre-teens

A Missouri survey found that 65% of tanning salon operators would allow children aged 10-12 to use tanning beds, despite evidence showing a link between tanning bed use and an increased risk of skin cancers. Many employees claimed no risks or benefits from indoor tanning, but these claims are false.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 25, 2013

Solar sponge' soaks up CO₂ emissions

CSIRO researchers develop a 'solar sponge' that captures CO2 using natural sunlight, then releases it instantly when exposed to UV light. This breakthrough presents an energy-efficient method for recycling CO2 emissions, reducing the need for coal-based energy and conserving up to 30% of power plant production capacity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 18, 2013

Study finds linchpin of skin response to UVA light

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human melanocytes rely on the TRPA1 ion channel to detect UVA light and trigger the production of melanin. This discovery strengthens the evidence of a parallel between the skin's response to UVA light and the eye's detection of light.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2013

A New Year's gift from NASA and Penn State

Astronomers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Penn State have released a vast image gallery featuring ultraviolet and optical images captured by the Swift satellite's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope. The collection includes early images, stunning views of galaxies, and rare types of stars.

Deep-sea crabs grab grub using UV vision

Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 6, 2012

Controlling superconductors with light

Scientists have discovered a way to manipulate superconducting materials using light. This breakthrough allows for the creation of ideal superconductors with continuous electrical current without losing any power. The research has potential applications in developing non-dissipated memories and improving energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 27, 2012

Sun monitor set to go on the market

A new UV dosimeter monitor is set to be commercially available, helping prevent sunburn and over-exposure to ultra-violet radiation. The device, developed at the University of Strathclyde, provides a visual warning when risk levels increase, allowing users to enjoy the sun safely.

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

New findings by GW researcher break tanning misconceptions: 'There is no such thing as a safe tan'

A GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences study published in Nature Communications reveals that traditional sun protection may not be effective against skin cancer. The research found that UVA radiation induces melanin formation, which is directly involved in melanoma formation, contradicting the notion of a 'safe tan'.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2012

Dark galaxies of the early Universe spotted for the first time

Astronomers have spotted the first direct detection of dark galaxies in the early Universe, shedding light on these elusive objects. The team used a bright quasar to illuminate gas-rich galaxies, revealing their existence and properties, including suppressed star formation efficiency.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 11, 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

First photo of shadow of single atom

A Griffith University research team has successfully photographed the shadow of a single atom for the first time. The achievement is made possible by a super high-resolution microscope that allows the creation of a darker image, enabling its capture. This technology has far-reaching implications for quantum computing and biomicroscopy.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2012

Sun exposure and cutaneous HPV infection found synergistic in skin cancers, Moffitt says

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center found a synergy between sun exposure and cutaneous HPV infection in developing non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. People with low melanin production, such as those with light skin, are more susceptible to these risks.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 25, 2012

SDO to observe Venus transit

The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will observe the June 2012 Venus transit to calibrate its instruments and learn more about Venus' atmosphere. The transit provides a unique opportunity to test the SDO's orientation accuracy and understand the point spread function of the telescope.

Quantum dots brighten the future of lighting

Researchers have successfully boosted the fluorescent efficiency of ultra-small quantum dots to as high as 45%, making them suitable for special lighting applications. This improvement translates to a higher luminous efficiency of about 40 lumens/watt, outperforming existing LEDs and incandescent bulbs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2012

A smarter way to make ultraviolet light beams

Researchers have optimized a type of optical resonator to boost infrared signals to higher-energy ultraviolet beams using low-power nonlinear processes. This enables the creation of low-cost, wavelength-tunable ultraviolet sources with applications in chemical detection, medical imaging and fine lithography.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 29, 2011