An Australian company called Solar D recently patented sunscreen capable of shielding people from harmful UV rays while also allowing for the absorption of vitamin D. This scientific breakthrough has wide-ranging implications for preventing cancer and a number of other health problems related to vitamin D deficiency.
The scientific breakthrough: vitamin D enhancing sunscreen
This is sunscreen that will be useful for humanity as every nation is affected by the worldwide epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. In Australia alone, one in four adults are vitamin D deficient and seven per cent of the population have a moderate or severe deficiency, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
This could be a major breakthrough in cancer research. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that experimental evidence suggests there is a potential connection between vitamin D deficiency and certain cancers.
Plus, Cancer Council Victoria explains that it is a hormone that strengthens bones, contributes to muscle health and prevents osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets.
Vitamin D is called the Sunshine Vitamin for a reason. While you can take vitamin D supplements, a Harvard University medical report states that their effectiveness is still debated. At the very least, supplements are just not as efficient a way of getting the vitamin from the sun.
PR Newswire reports that the unconventional sunscreen has been patented in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, with applications pending in the U.S., Canada, the European Union and Brazil.
Now, direct exposure to the sun and absorption of the vitamin without the detrimental rays may be possible.
Patents are meant to help the world
Patents have an economic objective, but they are also intended to encourage innovations that benefit society at large.
Patents are intended to encourage innovations that benefit society at large.
IP Australia states that international treaties involving IP rights are intended to promote innovation and the transfer of technology across nations to the advantage of the entire world. Treaties such as the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) are specifically aimed at reducing differences between Australia and other countries, especially the US.
This patent aims to create life-changing conditions for how people around the world are exposed to the sun, and will only encourage more research and innovation into vitamin D-promoting technologies.
If you would like expert advice on how to write about the benefits your patent will bring to society in a patent application, contact Alder IP today.