Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Caffeine Can Save You From Skin Cancer, Says Science
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Aug 16, 2011
Modified Aug 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Aug 16, 2011
Modified Aug 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Although we were recently told that wine is the solution to skin cancer, it now appears that coffee might be the cure, too. Which means that all of our favorite vices are finally paying off!
According to a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists have discovered how caffeine can protect against certain skin cancers by changing sun-damaged cell's gene activity. Rutgers University scientist Allan Conney exposed mice with caffeine-enhanced genes to UV lights, and learned that the caffeinated mice developed less tumors. "All of this suggests the possibility that caffeine, possibly [applied to the skin], would have an inhibitory effect on sunlight-induced skin cancer," said Conney.
But before you start chugging those espressos, be warned: other scientists point out that Conney's study only examined caffeine's effect when it's applied directly to the skin, not ingested. "It didn't look at the effects of drinking coffee, so doesn't tell us whether or not this could reduce the risk of skin cancer," one spoilsport researcher told the Guardian. But pay no heed to the pale-skinned buzzkills: we'll take Conney's findings, paired with these ones, and see you in the park, shirtless and fidgety. [Via The Awl]
Tagged
caffeine
food science
health
science
skin cancer
study
sun damage
Jamie Feldmar
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .