Probiotics can strengthen coral’s immune system.
But suncream worn by swimmers often damages it. Enter a research team in Singapore and its coral-friendly UV protection agent made from camellia and sunflower pollen.
Their shells, after all, are not only extremely tough biopolymers but also naturally UV-resistant. The team removed the inner contents of the flower’s pollen and made their water-based gel with shells.
Both gels offered as much UV protection as traditional sunscreens, while the camellia pollen also kept skin temperature cooler by 5°C for up to 20 minutes. SPV is around 30.
Some of the team have already focused on pollen’s potential to remove oil spills. Underwater molluscs could also teach humans a thing or two about UV protection.
