Pill to prevent sunburn 'within five years' A pill that prevents sunburn could be on the shelves within five years after British scientists discovered how coral shields itself against harmful UV rays. 
 
 Photo: ALAMY 

 A secret from the Great Barrier Reef could lead to a pill that prevents sunburn within five years, scientists say. 
 
 British researchers who analysed coral samples from Queensland's Great Barrier Reef have uncovered the unique way coral shields itself against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. 
 
 They believe the discovery could pave the way to a sunscreen revolution with a tablet that protects both skin and eyes. 
 
 The scientists are close to producing a synthetic anti-sun compound based on those found in coral. 
 
 If the research progresses as hoped, the first sunscreen pill could become a reality in five years.
– Coral from Australia's Great Barrier Reef has yielded a compound that could put a lot of sunscreen makers out of business. Researchers discovered that algae living in the coral created a compound that acts as a sunscreen to protect both the algae and the coral from the sun's rays. They say they are close to synthesizing the compound in the lab, and a pill to prevent both sunburn and eye damage could be on the market within 5 years, the Telegraph reports. Early testing will be carried out on human skin obtained from cosmetic surgeons. "After taking the tablet you'd find the compound in your skin and eyes," the lead researcher explains. "There would have to be a lot of toxicology tests done first, but I imagine a sunscreen tablet might be developed in 5 years or so. Nothing like it exists at the moment." The research may also be used to develop sun-resistant crops, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.