2008 Woodie Awards
Mice hold the secrets to sunless tan
Scientists use plant compound to tan and protect mouse skin
Brett Corrigan '09
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: World
A new study has been developed by The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute that could not only assist in the prevention of skin cancer but also potentially provide a safer alternative to tanning salons for those who wish to achieve the perfect bronze.
The experiment, which was tested initially on mice, may even help the palest among us to achieve that fresh from the beach glow. The study began by focusing on redheads, most known for fair skin which more often than not is subject to sunburn.
Scientists discovered that redheads, and those who seem prone to burning have an abnormality in their melanocytes, which are pigment-producing skin cells. The receptor protein in the cells, known as MC1R, has a different shape in redheads which keeps the skin from reacting properly when exposed to UV (ultra violet) rays.
According to Scientific American magazine, the researchers applied the plant compound forskolin to the mice; after the experiment, the mice developed a rich dark tan, which also resulted in the mice being more protected from future exposure to UV rays and lowered the occurrence of cancerous skin cells among the mice. Due to these favorable effects, researchers are now working to identify a compound that would generate a similar tanning response in humans-which would not only result in a sunless tanning product, but more importantly, a product to lower the risk of skin cancer cases.
This new development could open up an entirely new awareness, particularly in younger generations, which may or may not frequent tanning salons.
"I don't disagree with tanning salons, but I myself choose to not go to them," said Elida Cristaldi '09. "I think they are too fake. . . If this solution came out, I would definitely purchase it. A healthy glow would be awesome, and even better with the sure prevention of cancer," she added.
Skin cancer, scientifically known as melanoma, "begins in the melanocytes, cells deep in the outer layer of the skin of the epidermis, that manufacture the dark protective pigment called melanin. The risk of melanoma is highest among fair-skinned people," according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The ACS also states that more than one million of skin cancer diagnoses this year "could have been prevented by protection from the sun's rays." Researchers say these developments may have a big impact on dermatological health, as many other cancers have decreased in response to public health solutions and general awareness.
Melanoma is the most rapidly growing type of cancer in the world, and is responsible for 8,000 deaths in the United States annually, yet many do not see it as a threat.
Scientists hope that new developments like this one have the potential to not only allow people to get the tan look they desire without the harmful UV rays, but to actually prevent future sun damage to skin through new topical solutions.
The experiment, which was tested initially on mice, may even help the palest among us to achieve that fresh from the beach glow. The study began by focusing on redheads, most known for fair skin which more often than not is subject to sunburn.
Scientists discovered that redheads, and those who seem prone to burning have an abnormality in their melanocytes, which are pigment-producing skin cells. The receptor protein in the cells, known as MC1R, has a different shape in redheads which keeps the skin from reacting properly when exposed to UV (ultra violet) rays.
According to Scientific American magazine, the researchers applied the plant compound forskolin to the mice; after the experiment, the mice developed a rich dark tan, which also resulted in the mice being more protected from future exposure to UV rays and lowered the occurrence of cancerous skin cells among the mice. Due to these favorable effects, researchers are now working to identify a compound that would generate a similar tanning response in humans-which would not only result in a sunless tanning product, but more importantly, a product to lower the risk of skin cancer cases.
This new development could open up an entirely new awareness, particularly in younger generations, which may or may not frequent tanning salons.
"I don't disagree with tanning salons, but I myself choose to not go to them," said Elida Cristaldi '09. "I think they are too fake. . . If this solution came out, I would definitely purchase it. A healthy glow would be awesome, and even better with the sure prevention of cancer," she added.
Skin cancer, scientifically known as melanoma, "begins in the melanocytes, cells deep in the outer layer of the skin of the epidermis, that manufacture the dark protective pigment called melanin. The risk of melanoma is highest among fair-skinned people," according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The ACS also states that more than one million of skin cancer diagnoses this year "could have been prevented by protection from the sun's rays." Researchers say these developments may have a big impact on dermatological health, as many other cancers have decreased in response to public health solutions and general awareness.
Melanoma is the most rapidly growing type of cancer in the world, and is responsible for 8,000 deaths in the United States annually, yet many do not see it as a threat.
Scientists hope that new developments like this one have the potential to not only allow people to get the tan look they desire without the harmful UV rays, but to actually prevent future sun damage to skin through new topical solutions.