A team of researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) have found that zebra fish produces a substance called gadusol. The researchers affirmed that the chemical is quite similar to melanin found in humans.

Study’s lead researcher Taifo Mahmud, a professor at the OSU College of Pharmacy, was of the view that humans and mammals cannot produce this compound. It shall however, be noted that it has been found in other species of animals.

The genetics of gadusol cross many different animals. The researchers found that the gene needed to produce gadusol is quite similar to the one found in algae. The researchers were of the view that gadusol is an important gene that is being passed down through hundreds of millions of years of evolution.

The researchers affirmed that the first proof of an animal making gadusol was found in fish eggs. Talking about its similarities with melanin, the researchers affirmed that gadusol has UV blocking properties.

The researchers said there could be a chance that gadusol, an antioxidant, might also have other beneficial applications. “We know it provides UV-B protection, it makes a pretty good sunscreen. But there may also be roles it plays as an antioxidant, in stress response, embryonic development and other functions”, affirmed Mahmud.

It is produced in good amount at the time during the female’s development of embryos. During the study, it was also found that it was from algae from which the protection gene has come from. The researchers have explained the phenomenon as a horizontal genetic transfer. It might also explain what common ancestors are shared by the zebra fish and algae.