Sunscreen Pills
Researchers
• Researchers from King’s College London team,
led by Dr. Paul Long.
• Professor Malcolm Shick
(University of Maine USA).
• Dr. Walter Dunlap
(Australian Institute
for Marine Science).
How is this Possible?
• Dr. Long and his team discovered
mycosporine-like amino acids produced by
coral.
• Algae living within the coral produce the
sunscreen-like compound and share it with
the coral.
• Compound blocks UV rays.
• Fish that eat the coral also benefit from this
compound.
Potential Effectiveness
• Protects a person from “the inside out” for
weeks on end.
• Protects your eyes as well as your skin.
• Minimizes wrinkles and other signs of aging.
• No reapplication of lotion is necessary.
Potential Downsides
• Most pills carry side-effects. Sunscreen lotion
currently has no dangerous side effects.
• Doesn’t help you get a tan.
• Might be prescription-only.
Potential Alternative Uses
• The mycosporine-like amino acids could be
used to genetically modify crops, so they can
grow in tropical regions regardless of harsh
exposure to UV rays.
• Could help save coral reefs
Current Status
• Funded for the next three years by the
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
Research Council.
• Still 3-5 years away from testing, and 10 years
from being made into an affordable product.