In the article "Why does skin get 'leathery' after too much sun? Bioengineers examine cellular breakdown," the study investigates how exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can alter the microstructure of human skin. Collagen, a protein that connects tissue, tendons, cartilage, and bones in our bodies, is particularly affected by this exposure. The researchers used stretch tests to determine whether the skin becomes more flexible or stiffer after UV exposure. They observed that as the skin absorbs more UV radiation, it becomes less flexible and more prone to damage. This supports the cross-linkage theory of aging, which suggests that the accumulation of molecular bonds over time can lead to cellular dysfunction and tissue degradation. Research has discovered similarities in how skin cells and cardiac cells respond to damage. This shows the importance of understanding cellular mechanisms in different tissues, which can help us understand broader biological processes. UV radiation has the potential to cause genetic mutations and damage DNA, which can ultimately lead to cancerous changes. The study focuses on understanding the structural and cellular changes in the skin and their relationship to gene expression and regulation in response to environmental stressors such as UV light. The cross-linkage theory in genetics emphasizes how molecular changes and the accumulation of bonds over time can impact cellular function, leading to age-related diseases. This theory proposes that genetic factors influence how skin and other tissues respond to environmental stressors and aging.
This article makes me think about how far we really have come in biology. It is crazy to think about how back in the 1900s, UV radiation was not known to be harmful and was used for treating things like acne. I wonder if this can be reversed in genes
ReplyDeleteThe article provides a fascinating and thorough exploration of why skin becomes ‘leathery’ after excessive sun exposure. it is interesting to how the study delves into the molecular and biological mechanisms behind skin damage and aging, highlighting the importance of understanding these processes to develop better protective strategies.
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