The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects animal and plant life on Earth from powerful UV rays. Story highlights Scientists credit the ozone layer's gradual healing to a chemical banSince 2000, ozone hole has decreased by about 1.5 million square miles(CNN) The Antarctic ozone layer, which shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays, shows encouraging signs that it's beginning to heal, according to research published in the journal Science. When the ozone layer is weakened, more UV rays can get through and affect humans, making them prone to skin cancer, cataracts and other diseases. "The ozone layer is expected to recover in response, albeit very slowly," wrote the researchers in the study which was released Thursday. There also may be consequences for plant life, including lower crop yields and disruptions in the ocean's food chain.

Source: CNN July 01, 2016 05:03 UTC