Fish
Golden fish swim in an aquarium as they are display at a pet shop in IN PHOTO: Amman June 22, 2005. The Jordanian market for fish and pets is seeing increased business with rising economic growth in the country. Reuters/Ali Jarekji

Scientists discovered that a certain fish breed is able to produce sunscreen on their own. This discovery paves the way to mass production of the chemical that can be used as sunscreen for humans.

The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University, finds that a type of fish, called zebrafish, has the ability to synthesise a chemical known as gadusol, which acts as protection from UV radiation. Scientists replicated the method of chemical synthesis to turn it into sunscreen that humans can use.

The compound gadusol is also produced by most species of marine mammals; there are also birds that can produce the same chemical. Originally, scientists identified the compound in cod roe, and since then, other animals such as sea urchin eggs, sponges, and eyes of the mantis shrimp were found to also have this chemical.

Nature World News reports there was an initial thought that the chemical production in fish may have something to do with their diet or through their synergetic relationship with bacteria, but the discovery proves that is not the case.

Marine animals that inhabit the upper parts of the ocean are exposed to intense sunlight. The scientists take interest in gadusol and other similar compounds because of the animals’ ability to create protection from UV rays and eventually DNA damage. "The fact that the compound is produced by fish, as well as by other animals including birds, makes it a safe prospect to ingest in pill form," said lead author Professor Taifo Mahmud, in a press statement.

Humans don’t possess the same gene codes responsible for gadusol production; however, scientists can copy the method by expressing the fish genes in yeast, which makes it possible to “use yeast to produce large quantities of this natural compound for sunscreen pills and lotions, as well as for other cosmetics sold at your local supermarket or pharmacy," said Mahmud.

Scientists believe that more studies should be performed to assess how the compound works in the body to establish its safety and effectiveness when used in humans. The study was published on May 12 in the journal eLife.

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