Sunscreen: It's in the Trees?

A molecule found in wood can block ultraviolet rays, say US Forest Service scientists and partners, and could replace less environmentally friendly compounds found in sunscreen. The molecule, lignin, is often left over after wood is processed into paper and other products, meaning that adding it to sunscreen would reduce industry waste. And unlike other compounds in sunscreen, lignin seems to better absorb ultraviolet rays after it's exposed to sun and doesn't harm coral reefs. To further this research, scientists are pioneering ways to use less energy to extract lignin from wood.