Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
« Back to the grid | Next story »

Broccoli Blocks Skin Cancer

Posted Oct 23, 07 1:05 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Green may be the new white, at least in sun protection. A green smear of broccoli extract  prevents cancer-causing damage from ultraviolet light—not by blocking the rays, but by activating  the skin’s natural cancer-fighting abilities, a new study finds. One advantage: Unlike conventional sunscreen, broccoli doesn't  keep the sun’s rays from creating vitamin D in the skin. Another: The effect lasts even after the extract is washed off.

Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli—especially 3-day-old broccoli sprouts—activates “Phase 2” enzymes in human skin cells, the Washington Post reports. Those enzymes neutralize DNA-damaging molecules stimulated by sunlight and temper the inflammatory reaction that can turn precancerous cells into tumors. The product is still in an early stage; one thing scientists would like to figure out is how to remove the green pigment.

Source Washington Post

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Cancer Genes Decoded For First Time

    Nov 6, 08 2:10 AM CST
    Cancer Genes Decoded For First Time Scientists have unlocked cancer's genetic blueprint for the first time, the New York Times reports. Working with cells from a woman who died of leukemia, they decoded her entire DNA sequence and zeroed in on ten mutations that occurred only in the cancerous cells. Researchers say the breakthrough could someday yield powerful new tools to diagnose and treat cancer.
    More »

  • Doctors Fight to Beat Cultural Cancer Taboos

    Oct 4, 08 10:33 AM CDT
    Doctors Fight to Beat Cultural Cancer Taboos The fight against cancer is being hindered by the stigma the illness carries in many cultures, the Wall Street Journal reports. Chinese, Russians, Muslims, and many other groups may shun treatment and try to keep their condition secret. Experts believe the taboo plays a big role in the higher cancer mortality rates in some communities and are working to boost doctors' cultural awareness.
    More »

  • Moisturizers Increase Skin Cancer in Mice

    Aug 15, 08 12:34 PM CDT
    Moisturizers Increase Skin Cancer in Mice Moisturizers used by millions around the world each day may increase skin cancer in mice, the Daily Mail reports. But many more tests are needed before researchers can draw conclusions about humans. In mouse experiments, animals primed to develop skin cancer were exposed to UV light. The moisturized mice developed non-melanoma cancers at a faster rate than the others, as well as twice as many tumors. More »

  • Tobacco May Help Cure Cancer

    Jul 22, 08 5:39 PM CDT
    Tobacco May Help Cure Cancer Scientists are trying to use the tobacco plant to produce a cancer vaccine, Newsweek reports. Ironic though it may be, the plant could someday offer fast and cheap production of antibodies personalized for individual’s tumor cells. In the first study of its kind, scientists found that the plant-based vaccine triggered the immune systems of patients with a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma without dangerous side effects. A larger study will now determine how effective the vaccine is at fighting the cancer. More »

  • Burning Fans Revolt as Yanks Ban Sunscreen

    Jul 22, 08 1:49 PM CDT
    Burning Fans Revolt as Yanks Ban Sunscreen Yankee Stadium’s upper deck has been burning with resentment, the New York Post reports, over a newly expanded ban on sunscreen. Stadium security has taken to confiscating bottles of all shapes and sizes recently, a crackdown that came into focus during the weekend heat wave. “I need my sunblock,” one fan complained. “After they saw me dousing myself with it, it should have been obvious that it was sunblock and not some explosive.” More »

  (Index Open)
  (Index Open)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

cancer • cancer research • skin cancer • cancer treatment • sunburn


Loading...

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »