SUNBATHERS may one day be rubbing on a lotion containing DNA to protect them
from sunburn. The DNA molecule is exceptionally effective at protecting itself
against damage by ultraviolet (UV) light, accurate new measurements confirm.
Sunscreen manufacturers might be able to exploit this property to block out
harmful UV rays.
When light falls on a DNA molecule it absorbs the photons and is boosted up
into a higher energy state. Eventually it falls back to normal—the ground
state—releasing heat in the process. Scientists have known for decades
that DNA molecules can rapidly return to the ground state.
Bern…
