Coral shields are resistant to ultraviolet rays

British scientists have discovered a mechanism to create sunburns for marine corals, which can be used as a sunscreen for humans and develop temperate crops in the tropics.

British researchers have discovered that coral shields can protect against harmful ultraviolet rays (UV). Dr. Paul Long, a 3-year lead researcher at Napier analyzed coral samples from Australian reefs, by collecting corals when exposed to the sun and discovering mechanisms. Production of sunscreen .

This mechanism is formed by the interaction between corals and algae living inside corals.'Algae have created compounds that move into corals, which are then changed into a sunscreen for the benefit of corals and algae,' Long said.

Picture 1 of Coral shields are resistant to ultraviolet rays

'Not only that, coral-eating fishes also benefit from this,' Long added.

This proves that sunscreens are formed through the food chain.

So scientists believe that the discovery could pave the way for a revolution in producing sunscreens with skin and eye protection drugs based on compounds found in corals.

Scientists say corals can create more than 20 sunscreen compounds.

Another important application of the study is being able to create sun-tolerant crops, boosting the world's food supply, through the addition of coral genes that can make plants Temperate, like wheat and potatoes, can thrive in the tropics.