ScienceDaily (Nov. 5, 2007) — Scientists have been researching fluorescent proteins found in nature which have had purposes from markers for tracing molecules in biomedicine to probes for testing environmental quality.
Until now, such proteins have been identified mostly in jellyfish and corals, leading to the belief that the capacity for fluorescence in animals is exclusive to such primitive creatures. Researchers are saying that green fluorescent proteins, which could play role as ‘sunscreen’ or stress reducer, may be widespread in animal kingdom.
Could these marine creatures be the future of protection against the elements? Scientists reports that the fluorescent proteins might be used as a form of "sunscreen," protecting the animal by absorbing harmful ultraviolet light and shielding it away as fluorescent light and may also act as anti-oxidants.
Adapted from materials provided by University of California – San Diego.
