In a major revelation, American scientists have come forward to advocate the use of sunscreen based on caffeine that could help to shield from UV rays.

For the study, a team of researchers from Rutgers University in New Jersey genetically modified the mice so they did not produce any ATR in the skin. Following 19 weeks of efficient research, the team found that the GM mice had
70% fewer tumours and the cancers were not lethal enough to have penetrated the skin.

Caffeine has a tendency to lower the levels of ATR, pushing UV-damaged cells towards suicide.

The study stated: “At any given point in time the average number of tumours in [modified] mice was significantly lower”.

Though the study has recommended adding caffeine or related molecules to sunscreens, it needs to be verified that there is no adverse effect of caffeine on the incidence of other cancers, especially melanoma, said Prof. Dot Bennett, Professor of Cell Biology, St George's University of London.

However, it could prove out to be a solution for tanning. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the authors are of the opinion that though caffeine has UV protective shield, significant efforts are required to be pushed in the direction to make substantial claims.