Scientists Trick Skin Cells Into Fending Off UV Damage; Stops Skin Cancer And Tans Skin Too

Boston University School of Medicine scientists say they've discovered a way to "trick" skin cells into protecting themselves from DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. In research with mice, the researchers showed skin cells can be made to believe they've suffered DNA damage. That triggers natural defense mechanism against further DNA damage, thereby reducing cancer caused by subsequent UV light exposure. The findings appear in the March 1 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.