Norwegian scientists are currently recruiting for volunteers to take
part in studies of an anti-jellyfish sting agent incorporated into a
sunscreen - a product which is likely to be in high demand as
jellyfish populations are soaring.
The University of Oslo appears to be having difficulties recruiting
for volunteers for the study, where a jellyfish sting is an
inevitable part of the test.
The study, sponsored by AC Suncare, a Norwegian sun care company and
manufacturer of the product, will test the efficacy of an
anti-jellyfish sting sunscreen developed by Nidaria an Israeli
technology company.
Scientists estimate that there are more than 2,000 species of
jellyfish, ranging from those whose sting is not harmful or even
perceptible to humans to killers such as the Portuguese Man of War.
However, it seems that jellyfish populations are rising rapidly. This
is due to ocean warming, protective structures off the coast and
indiscriminate fishing practices that lead to favourable conditions
for the polyps.
In this increasingly jellyfish friendly environment, demand for this
type of product is likely to increase as worried holiday makers aim
to protect themselves from two holiday dangers.
The sunscreen's anti-jellyfish effect is inspired by the natural
protective mechanisms of the clown fish against the poisonous
stinging sea anemone; mechanisms that allow for the symbiotic
relationship made famous by Disney's Finding Nemo.
The clown fish's defence system relies on a protective layer of
mucous that stops the anemone recognising the fish as prey.
The sunscreen is a man made replication of this protective mucous,
helping to protect humans from many types of jellyfish sting as well
as fire coral, sea lice and other stingers.
A jellyfish tentacle contains large numbers of stinging cells,
containing a highly folded needle which unfolds and penetrates the
skin as the jellyfish stings.
A square millimetre of human skin will be penetrated by over 2000
needles during a jellyfish sting, leading to the characteristic pain
and inflammation.
The stinging mechanism relies on an increase in pressure within the
capsule, causing the capsule to open and shooting out the needle with
the poison; one of the fastest mechanical events in cellular biology.
The sunscreen provides a multi pronged defence system against the
stings: firstly it has a waterproof slippery texture that makes it
difficult for the tentacles to attach to the skin, secondly compounds
in the cream mimic the self recognition system of the jellyfish so
that is unable to detect the human as prey, and thirdly the cream
contains positively charged ions that reduce the osmotic pressure
that leads to the stinging
The sun care range is being marketed as perfect for divers, as well
as tourists heading to locations where jellyfish stings are common.