Hippo Sweat Key to Phat Sunscreen

Researchers aim to harness properties of hippo secretions for human use
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2009 3:02 AM CDT
Hippo Sweat Key to Phat Sunscreen
Scientists say hippo sweat has both sun-blocking and sun-screening properties.   (©tomsaint11)

Scientists puzzling over how hippos can loll around in the sun all day without getting burned believe they may have hit upon the next big thing in sunscreen, Discovery News reports. The animals secrete a substance that protects them from burns by scattering light. Researchers hope to someday recreate the important properties of hippo sweat in a product humans can take to the beach.

"It would be nice to also try and replicate the antiseptic and insect-repellent characteristics of the sweat, to obtain a four-in-one product," said one of the researchers. "Just so long as the stuff doesn't smell like hippo." (More hippopotamus stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X