Scientists at Stanford University were recently able to make a mouse’s skin transparent using a common food dye, something the study’s author told Fox News Digital could have exciting benefits for humans once additional research is conducted.
The paper, titled “Achieving optical transparency in live animals with absorbing molecules,” was published in the journal “Science” on Sept. 5.
In it, the researchers used a solution of red tartrazine, a food dye known as FD&C Yellow 5, on the abdomen, scalp and hindlimb of a sedated mouse, said a release from Stanford University.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSES BILL TO BAN SOME FOOD PRODUCTS WHILE NUTRITIONISTS FRET ABOUT ‘GROSS’ INGREDIENTS The dye turned the mouse’s skin red, which then made the skin appear transparent – and the mouse’s organs were visible to the naked eye, said the release.
“The researchers believe this is the first non-invasive approach to achieving visibility of a mouse’s living internal organs,” the release noted.
The mouse’s skin returned to normal once the dye was washed off.
While this study has only been done on animals, the ability to make skin temporarily transparent “could offer a variety of benefits in biology, diagnostics and even cosmetics,” Hong told Fox News Digital.
“It could also enhance procedures like laser tattoo removal by allowing more precise targeting of the pigment beneath the skin.”
FD&C Yellow 5 is found in many foods, including soda, candy, chips, and pastries – including Doritos, says the product’s website.
“We strongly discourage attempting this on the human skin, as the toxicology of dye molecules in humans, particularly when applied topically, has not been fully evaluated,” he said.
A common food dye was used by Stanford University scientists to make a mouse’s skin transparent recently; the study’s author told Fox News Digital that this could have exciting implications for humans after more research is done.
The article, “Achieving optical transparency in live animals with absorbing molecules,” appeared in the September issue of the journal “Science.”. Five.
In it, the stomach, scalp, and hindlimb of a sedated mouse were treated with a solution of red tartrazine, a food coloring known as FDandC Yellow 5, according to a Stanford University news release.
While nutritionists are outraged by “gross” ingredients, California is proposing a bill to outlaw some food products.
The release stated that the dye caused the mouse’s skin to turn red, which in turn caused the skin to appear transparent. As a result, the organs of the mouse were clearly visible.
The news release stated, “The researchers believe this is the first non-invasive approach to achieving visibility of a mouse’s living internal organs.”.
According to Stanford, the impacts were temporary. After removing the dye, the mouse’s skin resumed its natural state.
Even the researchers were taken aback by the study’s findings.
Dr. Guosong Hong, senior author of the paper and assistant professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford, said in an email to Fox News Digital, “The most surprising part of this study is that we usually expect dye molecules to make things less transparent.”. “When mixing blue pen ink with water, for instance, the more ink you add, the less light the water can let through. “.
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Nevertheless, he noted that the more tartrazine dissolved in flesh or muscle, which are typically opaque materials, “the clearer the material becomes – but only in the red part of the light spectrum.”.
“This defies our typical expectations regarding dyes,” Hong continued.
Making skin temporarily transparent “could offer a variety of benefits in biology, diagnostics and even cosmetics,” according to Hong, who spoke with Fox News Digital, despite the fact that this research has only been conducted on animals.
For example, he stated, “doctors may be able to diagnose deep-seated tumors by merely examining a person’s tissue without the need for invasive surgical removal,” as opposed to depending on invasive biopsies. “. .
“By making it easier for phlebotomists to find veins beneath the skin, this technique may help make blood draws less painful,” he said. “By enabling more accurate targeting of the pigment under the skin, it could also improve processes such as laser tattoo removal. “.
According to the product’s website, FD&C Yellow 5 is present in a wide variety of foods, including soda, candies, chips, and pastries, including Doritos.
Nonetheless, Hong advised against dousing oneself in color just yet.
“We strongly advise against trying this on human skin because it is not fully known how toxic dye molecules are to people, especially when applied topically.”.
According to Hong, human skin is “much thicker than mouse skin,” and the epidermis’ outer layer acts as a “substantial barrier that prevents effective delivery of molecules into the dermis.”. “.”.
Still, this might come to pass in the near future.
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“After a thorough assessment of its possible effects on human skin, a safe technique for the percutaneous delivery of light-absorbing molecules may lead to its clinical application in the future,” he stated.
