- Title: Scientists find sunscreen potential in Antarctic plants
- Date: 26th July 2017
- Summary: SANTIAGO, CHILE (JULY 25, 2017) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LEADER OF PROJECT TO IDENTIFY ANTARCTIC PLANTS THAT COULD BE USED IN SUNSCREEN, DR. GUSTAVO ZUNIGA, SAYING: "And in this material, we have identified products that have different properties, specifically in the case of Colobanthus, we identified a group of molecules that act as solar filters and that is very interesting because, of course, one understands that given the environment in which the plant develops [meaning Antarctica], in the spring-summer, the radiation [UV] levels are very high. The plant has strategies to avoid the damage that this radiation generates."
- Embargoed: 9th August 2017 17:51
- Keywords: Dr. Gustavo Zuniga sunscreen Antarctic flowers solar radiation
- Location: SANTIAGO, CHILE AND CHILEAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY
- City: SANTIAGO, CHILE AND CHILEAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY
- Country: Chile
- Topics: Human Interest / Brights / Odd News,Science
- Reuters ID: LVA0036RCRT4Z
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Scientists in Chile have discovered molecules in two species of Antarctic flowers that protect the plants from solar radiation and could potentially be used in products such as sunscreen for humans and protection for vulnerable crops.
Researchers at the University of Santiago investigating the properties of Antarctic plants grown under controlled conditions found that Colobanthus quitensis (pearlwort) and Deschampsia antarctica (hair grass) could tolerate high levels of ultraviolet radiation.
According to the British Antarctic Survey, these are the only two flowering plants found in the icy polar region, growing around its more temperate edges. But climate change and melting ice are increasing their range, the Chilean researchers said.
The scientists have identified a group of molecules in the flowers, particularly Colobanthus that acts as a solar filter and prevents radiation damage, said project leader Gustavo Zuniga.
The university is seeking commercial partners to develop spin-off products from the research, he said.
Natural sunscreens or creams could also be developed incorporating the molecules to protect human skin from damage from ultraviolet radiation, he added. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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