The molecule works by repairing the damage caused to the body's genetic material by sunlight. The artificial enzyme appears to search out and destroy destructive molecules formed in DNA by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Much more research is needed before the true anti-cancer potential of the molecule is fully known.
However, the US scientists behind the breakthrough say initial results from laboratory tests are encouraging. Skin cancer only usually develops after years of over-exposure to the sun. Scientists believe this should make it possible to repair DNA damage caused by ultra-violet rays before cancer has a chance to gain a strong foothold. The repair molecule was modelled on a natural enzyme produced by the E. coli bacterium. I'm pretty excited about it.