Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention
At the interdisciplinary Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, our mission is to support groundbreaking research that develops and implements novel methods, technologies, and tools to further the translation of cancer prevention work into clinical and public health practice. We are dedicated to prevention education and research across the cancer continuum.
FXB Building
651 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Earth Day 2025
Over exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light can be harmful to many things—including humans. UV light makes up just a small portion of the sun’s rays, but it is the primary cause of skin damage. Exposure to UV light causes damage to DNA in skin cells, increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates signs of aging such as fine lines, deep wrinkles and dark spots.
What is ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet (“UV”) light is one of the frequencies of light that is given off by the sun. Ultraviolet light is not visible to the human eye; it is an invisible part of the “electromagnetic spectrum.” Ultraviolet radiation, visible light and infrared energy are all given off by the sun
Watch white beads change to bright colors when taken outside the building!
When returned they turn back to white. What causes the change? Humidity? Temperature? Fresh air? Birds flying overhead? The beads contain pigments which react with ultraviolet light from the sun, even on a cloudy day. They also change with most classroom UV light sources. Use the beads to test the UV blocking effectiveness of sunblock, sunglasses, windows, etc.
How do the Ultraviolet Light Detecting Beads work?
Our UV-sensitive beads contain a unique pigment that changes color when exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or other UV sources. The beads are not affected by visible light—they are chemically developed to only react to UV light and will remain white indoors or when shielded from UV light. The electromagnetic radiation needed to affect a change in the color of the beads is between 360 and 300 nm in wavelength. This includes the high-energy part of UV Type A (400-320 nm) and the low energy part of UV Type B (320-280 nm). Fluorescent type black lights (both traditional tubes and CFLs) work very well, as do most UV LED lights, but please note that incandescent black lights (the type used to make fluorescent paints glow) will not change the color of the beads nor will UV Type C (280-1 nm).