A photosensitive mannequin head may be the latest tool in skin cancer research.

We all know from experience that our cheeks and nose bear the brunt of sunburn to the face, but this has now also been scientifically proven thanks to Nathan Downs and Alfio Parisi from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Downs and Parisi created a model that highlights which parts of the face receive the most UV exposure, a tool that could be used in medical research. 'Comparing the patterns of UV exposure to data on the location of skin cancers and cataracts could help clarify the link between UV radiation and the development of these diseases,' said Downs. According to the Cancer Council Australia, over 1400 Australians die of skin cancer every year.

The researchers stuck UV dosimeters in 709 positions on a mannequin head. They used recently developed dosimeters only a few millimetres in diameter, a big improvement according to Downs. They fit into complex regions of the face and so could accurately measure shading caused by features like the nose.

A computer model created by Downs and Parisi converts the dosimeter measurements into 3D images showing regions of high and low exposure. Downs called the 3D reproduction a 'significant development', although it was 'not so much of a technological innovation but painstaking work' as each dosimeter position had to be individually measured and plotted in the model.

The researchers are currently collecting data from the bare head at various sun angles and in different weather conditions. Downs said that he will in time dress the mannequin in hats and sunglasses, and put it in different environments like under trees. He is also developing similar models for the arms and legs.

Danièle Gibney