References & Sources

Unraveling the Mystery of Melanin
Does a tan protect skin from sun damage or contribute to it?

By studying melanin’s response to light in test-tube experiments, chemists hope to unravel how it functions in the skin.

References:

Krol, E.S., and D.C. Liebler. 1998. Photoprotective actions of natural and synthetic melanins. Chemical Research in Toxicology 11(December):1434.

Further Readings:

1996. Here comes the sun . . . and wrinkles. Science News 149(Feb. 10):93.

1994. Sunlamp use linked to melanoma. Science News 146(Nov. 5):296.

1994. Estimating UV’s human cancer risk. Science News 146(Oct. 15):255.

1994. Sunscreens: Everything new under the sun. Consumer Reports on Health 6(July):73.

1994. Into every life some UV must fall. Science News 146(July 23):61.

Adler, T. 1994. Sunscreen can’t give blanket protection. Science News 145(Jan. 22):54.

Chedekel, M.R., and L. Zeise. 1988. Sunlight, melanogenesis and radicals in the skin. Lipids 23(June):587.

Facklemann, K.A. 1994. The dark side of sunlight: Skin cancer. Science News 146(Dec. 24&31):422.

Fackelmann, K. and C. Wu. 1998. Melanoma madness. Science News 153(June 6):360.

Hayden, C.G.J., et al. 1997. Systemic absorption of sunscreen after topical application. Lancet 350(Sept. 20):863.

Kollias N., et al. 1991. Photoprotection by melanin. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, B: Biology 9(May):135.

Montemarano, A.D., et al. 1997. Insect repellents and the efficacy of sunscreens. Lancet 349(June 7):1670.

Murdoch, G. 1994. A consumer’s guide to sun protection. Consumer’s Research Magazine 77(July):10.

Wu, C. 1997. How UV light causes cancer and wrinkles. Science News 151(April 26):258.

______. 1997. Here comes the sun . . . and wrinkles. Science News 149(Feb. 10):93.

Zeise, L., R.B. Addison, and M.R. Chedekel. 1992. Bio-analytical studies of eumelanins: I. Characterization of melanin the particle. Pigment Cell Research 2(Supplement):48.

Zeise, L., B.L. Murr, and M.R. Chedekel. 1992. Melanin standard method: Particle description. Pigment Cell Research 5(September):132.

Sources:

Daniel C. Liebler
University of Arizona
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Tucson, AZ 85721
Web site: http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/people/pharmtox/liebler/index.html

John D. Simon
Duke University
Department of Chemistry
Durham, NC 27708

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 12, September 18, 1999, p. 190. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.