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Sunburn mystery solved as scientists pinpoint RNA damage over DNA triggering fast pain
Science
Published on 28 April 2026
It happens in minutes and it is not DNA
A new study suggests sunburn’s rapid inflammation and redness come from damage to RNA, not DNA. Researchers in Denmark and Singapore found this mechanism explains why symptoms show up so quickly after sun exposure, overturning long-held textbook ideas. The finding could reshape skincare approaches, with future treatments aimed at protecting RNA to reduce immediate burns.
- Sunburn pain may start from RNA damage, not DNA
- Researchers say the mechanism explains symptoms appearing fast
- Findings challenge decades of textbook understanding
- New skincare treatments could focus on RNA protection
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times