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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Sunburn


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A sunburn is an inflammation of the skin as a result of overexposure to the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays destroy the outer layer of skin cells and the tiny blood vessels underneath and cause a burn.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

The ultraviolet rays from the sun destroy the outer layer of skin cells, causing a sunburn. Risk factors that increase a person's chance of sunburn include the following:

  • fair skin
  • high altitude
  • living near the equator
  • wind
  • reflections from snow, sand, and water

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