More effective, longer-lasting sunscreen made from natural extracts

Apr, Tue, 2026
Innova1
Purchase & Order

Scientists from the Laboratory of Dermatological Photobiology of the University of Malaga, in collaboration with Cantabria Labs España, have carried out a study in which, for the first time, they have demonstrated how a natural extract—the Aspalathus linearis, the rooibos plant—could improve the effectiveness of traditional sunscreens, enhancing their absorption capacity, increasing their antioxidant levels, and providing longer-lasting protection against the risks of radiation.

More effective, longer-lasting sunscreen made from natural extracts
Scientists from the Laboratory of Dermatological Photobiology of the University of Malaga, in collaboration with Cantabria Labs España, have carried out a study in which, for the first time, they have demonstrated how a natural extract—the Aspalathus linearis, the rooibos plant—could improve the effectiveness of traditional sunscreens, enhancing their absorption capacity, increasing their antioxidant levels, and providing longer-lasting protection against the risks of radiation.
Water-based process could make compostable packaging practical at industrial speeds
About 30% of plastics consumed are made to last forever but are discarded after a single use. Researchers at Virginia Tech are working to change that with a new approach that could make environmentally responsible packaging more practical at scale.
Pure mycelium shoe debuts in Milan with a load-bearing fungal sole
A prototype shoe made entirely from pure mycelium, the root-like network of fungi, will debut at Milan Design Week. The project is a collaboration between researcher and designer Lars Dittrich of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and head shoemaker Marie De Ryck at La Monnaie/De Munt. It reframes how living materials enter application, moving beyond substitution toward a model in which design mediates between advanced biomaterials research and the demands of traditional craft.
How a new technique will help us mine rare-earth metals with plants
Researchers have developed a technique for detecting and measuring the concentration of many rare-earth elements in plants, without destroying the plant. The technique can be used to optimize "plant mining" efforts, in which plants take up and concentrate these critical materials so that they can be harvested for practical use. The paper is published in the journal Plant Direct.
Marine sponge bacterium enzyme reveals a two-part route to make terpenoids
The molecular structure of an enzyme from a marine bacterium with potential industrial uses has been determined by RIKEN researchers. The insights they have gained could help make a range of useful compounds through genetic modification. The research is published in the journal Chemical Science.