Richard Weller

Prue Hart, an immunologist at the University of Western Australia, and Richard Weller, a medical dermatology professor at the University of Edinburgh, dive into the surprising health benefits of sunlight. They discuss how ultraviolet radiation could potentially treat autoimmune diseases and even lower cardiovascular risks. The duo explores the impact of sunlight on mood, immune signaling, and geographic health disparities. They also touch on the balance between sun exposure benefits and the risks of skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of safe sun practices.

Dermatologist Prof. Richard Weller discusses how increased UV light is linked to lower mortality rates and highlights the benefits of sunlight in improving cardiovascular and overall health. The conversation challenges sun-phobic narratives, explores skin physiology, skin protection mechanisms, UV exposure patterns, melanoma risks, vitamin D levels, and the non-vitamin D benefits of sunlight on health. They also touch on nitric oxide release from the skin, immune system effects, and mortality outcomes related to sun exposure.

Join Prue Hart, a leading researcher on ultraviolet radiation and immune health from the University of Western Australia, and Richard Weller, a medical dermatologist from the University of Edinburgh, as they discuss the surprising healing powers of sunlight. They delve into the therapeutic effects of UV light for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. The conversation navigates the balance between sunlight's health benefits and the risks of skin cancer, while revealing fascinating insights on cardiovascular health and the evolution of skin pigmentation.