The Strange Case of the Missing Sunscreen Gene

The video discusses how some organisms naturally produce their own sunscreen compounds, unlike mammals who lost this ability due to evolutionary changes. It explains the discovery of UV-protective compounds like mycosporine and gadgesol in various vertebrates, and how these genes were likely acquired through horizontal gene transfer from algae. The video also covers how mammals adapted to darkness, losing the need for such genes, and explores modern research into environmentally friendly sunscreen alternatives.

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