Scientists in Chile have discovered molecules in two species of Antarctic flowers able to protect the plants from solar radiation. These could potentially be used in products such as sunscreen for humans, and as protection for vulnerable crops.
Researchers at the University of Santiago investigating the Antarctic plants grown under controlled conditions found that Colobanthus quitensis (pearlwort) and Deschampsia antarctica (hair grass) could tolerate high levels of ultraviolet radiation.
According to the British Antarctic Survey, these are the only two flowering plants found in the icy polar region, growing around its more temperate edges.
Photo: Reuters
照片:路透社
The scientists have identified a group of molecules in the flowers, particularly Colobanthus, that acts as a solar filter and prevents radiation damage, said project leader Gustavo Zuniga.
The university is seeking commercial partners to develop spin-off products from the research.
“It could be used in the not too distant future,” he said. “For example, for a crop that doesn’t tolerate increasing levels of radiation, that genetic information could be used to make the crop respond better.”
Natural sunscreens or creams could also be developed incorporating the molecules, he added.(Reuters)
智利科學家發現南極有兩種開花植物,因具有特殊的分子,不會受到太陽輻射的傷害。科學家希望將這種分子應用於研發防曬霜相關產品及保護脆弱的作物。
聖地牙哥大學研究團隊透過栽培南極漆姑草和南極髮草發現,這兩種植物能夠承受高強度紫外線輻射。
根據英國南極勘測計畫的資料,這兩種植物為冰封的南極地區僅有的開花植物,生長在南極圈較溫暖的邊緣。
研究負責人朱尼卡說,這些植物有一種分子群,可過濾太陽輻射,以避免曬傷,其中又以南極漆姑草的過濾能力較強。
聖地牙哥大學現在正在招募商業夥伴,希望利用此項發現再研發出新的衍生產品。
朱尼卡說:「也許不久以後,我們就能應用這項發現。比方說,某些作物無法承受增強的輻射,或許就能利用這種遺傳信息進行改善。」
他並指出,這種植物的分子也可用來研發天然防曬霜或具有防曬功能的乳液。
(台北時報編譯涂宇安譯)
South Korea’s famous kimchi is falling victim to climate change, with scientists, farmers and manufacturers saying the quality and quantity of the napa cabbage that is pickled to make the ubiquitous dish is suffering due to rising temperatures. Napa cabbage thrives in cooler climates, and is usually planted in mountainous regions where temperatures during the key growing summer season once rarely rose above 25 degrees Celsius. Studies show that warmer weather brought about by climate change is now threatening these crops, so much so that South Korea might not be able to grow napa cabbage one day due to the intensifying heat. “We
It’s widely recognized that there are far more right-handed people than left-handed people in the world. Being right-handed simply means preferring to use one’s right hand for tasks that involve only one hand, such as writing and eating. But have you ever wondered about the possible reasons behind the global dominance of the right hand over the left? As with many complex biological questions, multiple factors appear to be at play. First, one reason seems to be genetics. __1__ Therefore, the global dominance of right-handedness is something that has been passed down through many generations of humans. Next,
A: What’s even more horrible is that the five suspects who purposely supplied ketamine to actor Matthew Perry were all his “friends.” B: Who exactly are the five suspects? A: They include Matthew’s two doctors, a broker, a drug dealer, and even his live-in assistant. B: Those scumbags should go to jail. A: Yeah, one of the doctors may be sentenced to up to 120 years in prison. A: 更可怕的是,提供男星馬修派瑞「K他命」的5人全是他的「朋友」。 B: 嫌犯是誰啊? A: 其中包括他的2位醫生、1位仲介、1位毒販、甚至他的同居助理! B: 那些人渣真該去坐牢。 A: 對啊,其中1位醫生可能面臨120年徒刑。 (By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times/台北時報張聖恩)
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