It has been reported that Queensland, Australia has the highest number of malignant melanoma cases in the world.

To reduce the incidents of melanoma deaths in Australia, a new "super sunscreen" may be required. At present, Australia registers about 900 melanoma deaths in a year.

To resolve this grave problem, scientists at the University of Queensland are undertaking an investigation regarding the efficacy of extremely protective sunscreens. They also wish to determine whether a more powerful version of the sunscreen is required to shield people from harmful UV rays.

Dr .Elke Hacker, post doctoral fellow with Queensland University’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation has evinced that the study would be the first and foremost human trial carried out to determine the effect of sunlight on melanocytes - melanin-producing cells in the skin. The study will also investigate whether an SPF 30-Plus sunscreen offers an efficient barrier to damaging UV radiation.

Dr. Hacker remarked, "Melanocytes are the pigmented cells of the skin that give skin its color and are also the precursors to melanoma. We know that the risks of melanoma are far greater for fair-skinned people with more moles than those who have darker skin and fewer moles”.