A patch that tells you when you've had a little too
much sun? I could certainly warm to the idea.
I can't say that getting sunburned has ever been much
of a problem for me in the UK.
But the threat of global warming and the gloomy
expectations that temperatures will soar - even in Britain
- mean I could be tempted by a new product being developed by scientists in Scotland.
Canny researchers from the University
of Strathclyde in Glasgow, are behind an innovative new "intelligent ink" strip that attaches to skin or clothing and warns the wearer
when it's best to cover up while outdoors.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can be deceptive. Even
after basting ourselves in all manner of oils and creams, too much sun can be
potentially dangerous.
This new strip aims to give us some advance warning of
when we're getting a little crispy.
Researchers
point to the UV sensitive agent in the ink that reacts with a dye after
exposure to UV light. These color-changing inks and dyes can be
printed onto different surfaces such as paper or plastic, and used to detect
high levels of UV light. Responsiveness can be tweaked depending on skin type,
meaning no one should suffer red raw shoulders or burnt legs again.
Although there is now far greater awareness about the
dangers of the sun, many still fall foul of overexposure. Typically, any sign
of burning or irritation is delayed for four to eight hours after exposure,
catching thousands of us offguard each year.
According to the charity, Cancer Research UK, this is the main cause of malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
A history of sunburn doubles the risk.
Figures show that malignant melanoma incidence rates
in Britain
have quadrupled since the 1970s and have risen faster than any other common
cancer over the past 25 years. More than 70,000 people in the UK are
diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
With plans underway to start a consumer trial, and the
University hopeful that full production and commercialisation could start later this year, there's
now no reason for anyone to be left red-faced.
