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Sunflowers, in visible spectrum on left half (yellow colors) and UV spectrum on right half (purple and white colors).
Sunflowers’ Bee-Attracting Ultraviolet Also Helps Retain Moisture
The dual purposes of the plants’ hidden colors may conflict as the climate warms, authors of a new study suggest.
Sunflowers’ Bee-Attracting Ultraviolet Also Helps Retain Moisture
Sunflowers’ Bee-Attracting Ultraviolet Also Helps Retain Moisture

The dual purposes of the plants’ hidden colors may conflict as the climate warms, authors of a new study suggest.

The dual purposes of the plants’ hidden colors may conflict as the climate warms, authors of a new study suggest.

UV light

A drawing of the sun on the sand, surrounded by items that people use to protect themselves from UV damage, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Taking Snapshots of DNA Damage in Skin Cancer
Deanna MacNeil, PhD | Aug 15, 2023 | 3 min read
Researchers turn to high resolution sequencing to explain recurrent melanoma mutations caused by UV exposure.
Two fingers grasp a vitamin D capsule
Vitamin D Deficiency Drives Opioid Addiction in Mice
Amanda Heidt | Jun 16, 2021 | 5 min read
Mice with low vitamin D had exaggerated craving for opioids and felt the drugs’ effects more strongly—results supported in part by human medical records—suggesting that supplements should be explored as treatments for opioid use disorders.
Infographic: Light Triggers Photocage Opening, Apoptosis Inhibition
Jef Akst | Jan 1, 2021 | 1 min read
Researchers develop a caspase inhibitor that only works after being irradiated with UV light, giving them control over apoptosis in human cells.
Tardigrades’ List of Super Powers Grows Ever Longer
Ashley Yeager | Jan 1, 2021 | 4 min read
Water bears can survive extreme temperatures, oxidative stress, UV radiation, and more, but as work in climate change biology shows, they’re not invulnerable to everything.
Light-Activated Molecules Stop Apoptosis at the Flip of a Switch
Jef Akst | Jan 1, 2021 | 3 min read
A new inhibitor gives researchers the ability to control programmed cell death in cultured human T cells.
Image of the Day: Hot Pink Squirrels
Carolyn Wilke | Feb 15, 2019 | 1 min read
Under UV light, flying squirrels give off a rosy glow.
Two More Corrections for Criticized Researchers
Kerry Grens | Sep 22, 2016 | 2 min read
A university investigation has so far found no wrongdoing by the principal investigator.
Next Generation: Nano Sunblock
Anna Azvolinsky | Sep 28, 2015 | 3 min read
A new nanoparticle-based sunblock is effective, long-lasting, and may eliminate absorption of potentially harmful chemicals into the skin and bloodstream, a mouse study shows.
The Dark Side of Melanin
Anna Azvolinsky | Feb 19, 2015 | 3 min read
Researchers uncover a previously unknown way UV light can act on melanin, spurring cancer-causing mutations hours after sun exposure.
UV Like an Addictive Substance?
Kerry Grens | Jun 19, 2014 | 1 min read
Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light leads to endorphin release and signs of addiction in mice.
Wary Reindeer
Rina Shaikh-Lesko | Mar 17, 2014 | 1 min read
UV light-emitting power lines may spook reindeer and other animals, a study finds.
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