Novel Findings on Nature's UV Sunscreens

New study provided a unique insight into the behavior of nature's own UV sunscreens when they are exposed to different parts of the light spectrum. The findings of the study are published in the journal Scientific Reports.// Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) provide screening against ultraviolet radiation's damaging effects on living organisms in our oceans and lakes.

These compounds are known to grow in an environment where levels of UV are high.

But a new study by researchers at Swansea University has discovered that these compounds are also increased when living cells of algae are exposed to light at the far-red end of the light spectrum.

Whilst it is widely known that UV light enhances the concentrations of MAAs, no-one had studied the effects of other regions of the light spectrum.

The study's author Carole Llewellyn, stated: "It is fascinating that the far-red light plays a role in producing these UV sunscreen compounds and highlights how various regions of the light spectrum play an essential role in maintaining a healthy balance within cells."

"Our discovery also highlights the complex interaction in nature and throws into question the role of these sunscreen compounds with the possibility that they could also be valuable in contributing to the temperature regulation of the earth's surface."



Source-Medindia