Nature’s Sunscreen: How Animals Protect Themselves from the Sun

by Rosa January 19, 2020

written by Rosa January 19, 2020

Sea Urchin Sunscreen and Other Creative Sunscreen Strategies in the Animal Kingdom

Sea Urchins: Sunscreen Masters

Sea urchins, despite their unassuming appearance, have evolved an ingenious sunscreen strategy. They possess light-sensitive tube feet that allow them to detect sunlight. When exposed to UV radiation, urchins seek out algae, coral fragments, and other materials to attach to their bodies. This protective layer acts as a physical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.

Mud and Blood for Sun Protection

Mud provides an effective sunscreen for many animals, including rhinos, elephants, and pigs. It acts as an extra layer of skin, cooling the body and repelling insects. Hippos, however, have a more unusual approach. They secrete a red, oily sweat that contains pigments that block sunlight and provide antibacterial protection.

Zebrafish: Sunscreen Producers

Researchers have discovered that zebrafish possess the remarkable ability to produce a sunscreen compound called gadusol. This substance protects their eggs from UV damage. Unlike mammals, zebrafish synthesize gadusol on their own, highlighting the diverse sunscreen strategies in the animal kingdom.

Whales: Melanin for Protection

Whales, lacking gadusol-producing genes, rely on melanin, the pigment that gives human skin its color, for sun protection. Whales with higher melanin levels exhibit reduced sun damage.

Bioengineered Sunscreen from Yeast

Scientists are exploring the potential of genetically modified yeast to produce gadusol. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly sunscreen products.

Additional Sunscreen Strategies

Animals exhibit a wide range of other sunscreen strategies, including:

Wallows: Animals like rhinos and elephants use mud baths to protect themselves from the sun.
Sweat: Elephants secrete a clear sweat that evaporates to cool their bodies.
Scales: Fish scales provide protection from UV radiation and dehydration.
Feathers: Birds’ feathers offer insulation and protection from the sun.
Fur: Mammals’ fur insulates against cold and provides some protection from UV rays.

Implications for Humans

The sunscreen strategies employed by animals offer valuable insights for human sun protection. While our bodies cannot produce sunscreen on their own, we can learn from the animal kingdom’s ingenuity and develop more effective and sustainable sunscreen solutions.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.