Reddening
Reddening refers to the process or state in which an object or surface turns red or becomes redder. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, including astronomy, medicine, botany, and material science. The causes and implications of reddening differ significantly across these fields.
Astronomy[edit | edit source]
In astronomy, reddening describes the scattering of starlight by interstellar dust, which causes the light from stars to appear redder than it is. This effect, known as interstellar reddening, occurs because dust grains more effectively scatter shorter (bluer) wavelengths of light, while allowing longer (redder) wavelengths to pass through. This phenomenon is a critical consideration in the study of the interstellar medium and the intrinsic properties of stars, as it affects observations of their brightness and color.
Medicine[edit | edit source]
In medicine, reddening of the skin, known as erythema, can indicate a variety of conditions ranging from simple sunburn to more serious diseases such as infections, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. Erythema can be a sign of inflammation, indicating an underlying issue that may require medical attention. Understanding the specific patterns and causes of skin reddening is essential for diagnosis and treatment in dermatology.
Botany[edit | edit source]
In botany, reddening can refer to the change in color of plant leaves or fruits, often associated with the process of ripening or the onset of autumn. This change is typically due to the breakdown of chlorophyll and the accumulation of red pigments such as anthocyanins. Reddening in plants can also indicate stress, such as nutrient deficiency, drought, or disease, making it a significant indicator of plant health and vitality.
Material Science[edit | edit source]
In material science, reddening might refer to the corrosion or oxidation of materials, such as the rusting of iron or the tarnishing of silver, which can result in a reddish appearance. Understanding the mechanisms and prevention of such processes is crucial for the longevity and maintenance of materials in various applications.
 | This astronomy-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
 | This botany article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
This material science related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
