Lichen's Endurance In Outer Space Can Suggest in Making Better Sun Creams

Some living organisms can survive in outer space, affirming the theories that life came from outer space find ESA scientists.

ESA's research on the International Space Station may also help in creating better suncreams.

Usefulness of Multifunctional Sunscreen Containing Cosmetics
In order to protect your skin against the damaging effects of sun’s harmful radiations, sunscreen should be used on the uncovered parts of the body. Sunscreen forms a protective covering on the skin.

In 2008 scientists sent the suitcase-sized Expose-E experiment package to the Space Station filled with organic compounds and living organisms to test their reaction to outer space.

When astronauts venture on a spacewalk, hours are spent preparing protective suits to survive the hostile conditions. No effort was made to protect the bacteria, seeds, lichen and algae attached to the outside of the Space Station, however.

"We are exploring the limits of life," explained ESA's Rene Demets.

Sun Facts
Summer is a time for sunbathing . But care must be taken to protect oneself against the harmful effects of the sun.

Our atmosphere does a wonderful job of protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV rays and keeping temperatures relatively stable.

In contrast, the space samples endured the full power of the Sun's rays. The samples were insulated somewhat by the Space Station but still had to cope with temperatures changing from -12 degree C to +40 degree C over 200 times as they orbited Earth.

Prevent Multiple Sclerosis the Natural Way
A few minutes of sun exposure a few times a day may be a pretty safe way to reduce risk of multiple sclerosis. Higher vitamin D levels also appear to be protective.

The samples returned to Earth in 2009.

Lichen have proven to be tough cookies - back on Earth, some species continue to grow normally.

United Kingdom: Making the most of sunshine without the cream
A recent survey has shown that nearly 25% of people in UK expose themselves to the rays of the sun without any protection of a cream, which has raised alarm among cancer experts,

"These organisms go into a dormant state waiting for better conditions to arrive," Rene explained.

The lichen has attracted interest from cosmetic companies. They can survive the full power of the Sun for 18 months, so knowing more could lead to new ingredients for suncream.

Living organisms surviving in open space supports the idea of 'panspermia' - life spreading from one planet to another, or even between solar systems.

It seems possible that organisms could colonise planets by hitching rides on asteroids. ESA is probing this intriguing theory further on future Station missions with different samples.

The results have now been published in a special issue of the Astrobiology journal.

Source-ANI