Health and Human Services News

Why you should wear sunscreen even in the fall 

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As the weather starts cooling down in the fall, many people try to retain their tans by not wearing sunscreen.  

But there’s a harsh reality – ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin even when the sun isn’t shining as much. 

Dr. Joshua Smith, a Missouri State University expert in how UV rays affect our skin, explains the importance of taking care of your skin – no matter the season or your age. 

The risks 

There are three types of UV rays: A, B and C.  

“UV C tends to get stuck in the ozone and is not as much of a problem,” said Smith, interim department head and professor in the department of biomedical sciences. “But UV A and B can come through the clouds and UV A can sneak through the glass of your car windows.” 

UV A and B are a dangerous duo.   

“UV A is the main culprit for the aging sun exposure can cause,” Smith said. “And UV B is responsible for the skin’s change in color as it damages the cells.” 

Smith notes that shifts in skin color after being outside is not a good sign. 

“When your skin changes pigmentation after being outdoors, it’s a response of UV light damage,” he said. “If you’re properly applying sunscreen, you should not see a color change.” 

Debunking sunscreen myths 

Social media is the source behind many myths about sunscreen chemicals and their link to cancer and/or disease. As such, many people believe only natural agents should be applied on your skin. 

But according to Smith, most natural sunscreens are not strong enough to provide sufficient protection.   

“The only real risk associated with sunscreen comes from allergies and skin sensitivities from certain ingredients,” Smith said. “Even so, the worst thing that can happen to the skin is a rash or irritation.  

“I haven’t found any scientific research or evidence that shows an increase in cell growth from applying sunscreen.”    

Sun damage isn’t seasonal 

During fall and winter, temperatures drop and there’s less sunlight. This makes it seem that sunscreen is not necessary.   

But in reality, UV rays reflect off shiny things like water, sand and snow.   

“Both the American Cancer Society and the American Society for Dermatologists recommend if you’re going to be outside at any time of the year, then you need to wear sunscreen,” Smith said. “The more you wear sunscreen, the less you’ll age.” 

He suggests a few things to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen. 

“If your sunscreen doesn’t have an SPF of at least 30, it’s not good enough,” Smith said. “Additionally, you should reapply at least every two hours.” 

Learn more about biomedical sciences

 

MSU alumna thrives at Massachusetts General Hospital

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Studying cell and molecular biology and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and her master’s degree in August 2022 from Missouri State University, Emma Wise has only continued to move onward and upward.  

Positive MoState memories 

For the first few years of college, Wise was a flute and piccolo player for the MSU Pride Marching Band. She had a wonderful experience and met a lot of great people through the music program.

In her free time and while studying, Wise loved to spend time on campus.

“I always enjoyed the fountain and the hammock stations. One of my all-time favorite spots to relax was behind the Plaster Student Union, especially in the spring when the trees are in bloom.”  

Oodles of hands-on research 

Because MSU allows undergraduate students to participate in research, Wise learned proper lab etiquette, how to operate complex equipment and how to properly analyze results. 

Wise started volunteering in Dr. Amy Hulme’s lab in 2019 where they investigated the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Wise continued this research when she transitioned to working on her master’s degree — finally completing her thesis on how the cellular factor Cyclophilin-A interacts with HIV-1.

“Missouri State fully prepared me for my current position,” she said. “Participating in real research early on in my academic career helped me gain the skills I use every day in my current profession.”   

Wise working on cell cultures in a laminar hood.

Life in the Anderson Lab  

Wise now works for the Wellman Center of Photomedicine in the Anderson Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her focus is on how lasers and light can help the body.  

The lab’s current project involves studying how specific wavelengths of red light can affect muscle endurance. To do this, Wise treats muscle cells with light and then ‘exercises’ them using electric pulse stimulation to make them contract.   

After the exercise regimen, she analyzes different cellular byproducts, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or lactate, to see what effect the light has on exercising cells.  

Recently, red light therapy is being considered for patients to help with blood flow and skin conditions, as well as to relieve muscle pain. Wise loves learning exactly how this light can affect the body at a cellular level.

“I’m enjoying my time at MGH and learning a lot from the Anderson Lab, as well as the other labs at the Wellman Center.”

Wise hopes to continue her education and become a research fellow — that way she can conduct her own research on any topic. For the time being, she’s content with exploring the research world and learning more about cell biology.

Explore the biomedical sciences program

Stellar staff 

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We are pleased to recognize academic advisors/retention specialists Emma Watkins and Julie Jones.  

Watkins advises undergraduate students with majors within the departments of biomedical sciences, kinesiology and public health and sports medicine, while Jones advises majors in the School of Nursing and the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. 

Let’s find out more about them. 

What is your favorite part about working here?    

Watkins: Being surrounded by an incredible team at MCHHS, the students, and, of course, being able to enjoy the bear sauce in the dining halls once more. 

Jones: The MCHHS advising team is my favorite part of working at MSU and a close second would be our student body.  This team has been incredibly supportive and a joy to work with.  I love the cohesiveness of my co-workers, as well as the camaraderie they have on a personal level. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Watkins: As an alumna, I deeply valued MCHHS for providing me guidance during my undergraduate years. In addition to the supportive community and opportunities for personal development, I felt a strong urge to give back. I hope to provide current students with the same level of support I received. 

Jones: MSU has a strong community presence and I’ve had many family members who are alumni. I’ve worked in higher education for over a dozen years and academic advising has been something I’ve always been interested in pursuing. I always thought it was parallel to my other experiences. When this position opened, I was excited to learn more about it. 

Where are you from? 

Watkins: I’m from Dittmer, Missouri (about an hour south of St. Louis). 

Jones: I’m originally from Stockton, Missouri. I lived in Kansas City for about three years, but otherwise I’m an Ozarks native. I lived in Nixa for 23 years and I’m an avid Nixa Eagles fan! 

How long have you been at Missouri State? 

Watkins: I’ve been at Missouri State for two months as of Sept. 5.  

Jones: I’ve been here for two months too. 

What are you most looking forward to this school year? 

Watkins: Building connections with students and being an active member of the community. 

Jones: I’m excited to keep learning nuances of the programs I advise and getting to know my students.  I’m eager to have one year of MSU experience under my belt so I can be more comfortable knowing what to expect and have a broader knowledge of the college.  

What is your favorite memory here so far? 

Watkins: Welcoming residence hall students to campus and handing out goodies during House Calls. 

Jones: Briefly participating in SOAR. I primarily observed the other advisors, but I enjoyed watching the enthusiasm of the incoming freshmen.  I hope to have many more “favorite memories” in the coming years! 

Learn more about MCHHS

Uncovering the truth about masking

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With the rise of wearing face masks during the pandemic and in the aftermath, do you know the effects of wearing a surgical mask? Could it cause any harm?

Dr. Patrick Brooks, assistant professor of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, made it his mission to find out.

In response to disinformation about the safety of surgical masking during the pandemic, Brooks developed a clinical trial alongside Dr. Jill Layman, associate professor in the School of Anesthesia and Jessica Willis, coordinator of the RStats Institute.

The study, titled Physiologic effects of surgical masking in children versus adults, was recently published in the Global Health section of PeerJ Life and Environment, an open access and peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Read the previous article

Putting a stop to disinformation

One common misconception about the effects of masking is unsafe levels of CO2 buildup. However, Brooks and his team found that CO2 levels, oxygen saturation and vital signs all remained well within the normal range after the subjects donned surgical masks.

The research team made sure to recruit as many people as possible for the study. A total of 119 people – 71 adults and 49 children – participated in the study.

Brooks, who’s also a physician and surgeon, wants to ensure people know the truth about masking and that the supposed dangers are only a myth.

“After all, surgical masks have been worn for over 100 years without any physiologic side effects,” Brooks said.

He hopes the results of this well-researched study will help to convince any skeptics.

“We completed the largest and most complete study assessing the physiologic safety of surgical masking,” Brooks said. “This is also the only study to compare adults’ and children’s physiologic responses to masking.”

This is important because there are a few key differences between the two:

  • Breathing rates: Children generally have higher respiratory rates than adults, which means they may breathe more rapidly.
  • Lung capacity: Children’s lung capacities are smaller than those of adults.
  • Facial proportions: Children’s faces are different from adults in terms of size and shape.

The study was officially registered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a clinical trial and is the first to be evaluated by MSU’s Institutional Review Board.

Learn more about the department of biomedical sciences