Articles tagged with Cellular Energy
SmartLight, a new technology developed by UC researchers, uses electrofluidic cells to channel sunlight into buildings, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The system can be controlled wirelessly via a mobile app, adjusting brightness according to user preferences.
Scientists at Empa have developed a new manufacturing technique for high-efficiency CIGS solar cells, achieving a record-breaking energy conversion rate of 20.4%. This improvement enables CIGS cells to compete with polycrystalline silicon cells, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Physicist Jennifer Ross is using a super-resolution microscope to study the organization of proteins and organelles inside cells. By understanding these fundamental workings, she hopes to uncover the universal physical laws governing cell development and organization.
Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.
The new institute explores basic science of energy conversion on nanoscale, with potential to discover new ways of generating energy. Scientists will explore biological systems and build hybrid/artificial systems to revolutionize energy science.
Researchers identified the subunit where binding took place and showed that a known activator fully activates AMPK through biochemical communication with other subunits. This discovery confirms the activation site and enables the modeling of potential drugs.
Researchers at Aarhus University have described the structure of the sodium-bound state of the pump, a vital enzyme in all human cells. This knowledge is essential for understanding the matter and energy balance and developing new medicines targeting the pump.
The circadian clock enables cells to use stored fuel efficiently when we fast, with NAD+ and Sirtuin 3 playing a critical role. Disrupting the clock leads to metabolic disorders, but providing NAD+ supplements can restore mitochondrial function.
The Hydrogen Tools app offers a range of resources and web-based content to help users design, approve, or use hydrogen fuel cell systems and facilities. Key findings include guidance on ventilation, storage, and safety procedures for hydrogen, as well as best practices for handling the gas.
A study led by Dr. Luca Scorrano and Dr. José Antonio Enríquez found that the OPA1 gene can regulate cellular metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for mitochondrial diseases. The researchers discovered that increasing OPA1 activity enhances energy production and cell growth.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, are studying complex networked systems, from nanomachines to nation-states, to find ways to intervene in networks to better control them or prevent catastrophic cascading breakdowns.
Researchers at PNNL have equipped four refrigerated trucks with hydrogen fuel cells to make deliveries in Texas, California, and New York. The project aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs, while creating jobs and increasing fuel cell manufacturing volume.
A UCSF team discovered that a chemical found in an anti-wrinkle cream can increase mutant PINK1 enzyme activity to near normal levels, reversing cell death caused by Parkinson's-disease mutations. This finding suggests potential for new treatment strategies and raises hope for combatting other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
A new process, dubbed 'bio-inspired approach to thermal control,' has been developed by University of Toronto professor Ben Hatton and his colleagues. This technique involves attaching optically clear, flexible elastomer sheets to regular glass window panes, resulting in a 7-9 degree cooling effect. The innovation could lead to signifi...
A team of researchers has identified a gene mutation responsible for a severe form of pontocerebellar hypoplasia, a currently incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting children. A nutritional supplement, AICAR, bypasses the block that prevents protein synthesis, restoring neuronal survival.
The new device achieves a conversion rate of 7.3%, nearly double the original 4% rate, due to its two-layer design and novel materials. Researchers envision solar-powered windows and smartphone displays that can generate energy while maintaining transparency.
A Penn State University team wins the US Department of Energy poster competition using only 1000 commonly used words, explaining how energy from sunlight is captured by plants and stored in plant cell walls. The team's creative approach helped them win first prize out of 31 submissions.
A study from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found a central signaling response in mitochondrial energy diseases, which may offer a common avenue for targeted treatments. Nicotinic acid partially restored normal functioning in cells taken from patients with mitochondrial disease.
Researchers at UNIST have created a novel method for direct nitrogen fixation using ball-milling graphite in the presence of nitrogen gas. This process enables the production of nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets, which can enhance energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and fuel cells.
A new drug called Bendavia has been shown to prevent acute kidney injury (AKI) in animal models and is currently being studied for kidney disease. By protecting the unique fatty compound cardiolipin, Bendavia helps preserve mitochondrial structure and function, leading to accelerated ATP recovery and reduced cell death.
Researchers confirm their 2008 model for mitochondrial function, which explains the symptoms of diseases and reveals the role of five molecular machines in converting energy. The study also highlights the dynamic nature of mitochondrial energy extraction, which can be optimized based on dietary composition.
Researchers are working to replace expensive platinum catalysts with non-precious materials, reducing the cost of fuel cells and making them more viable for mass production. The goal is to eliminate platinum completely, which would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on oil.
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have gained insight into how Hsp70, a key molecular player, binds with ATP to enhance its activity and efficiency. This understanding paves the way for designing efficient small molecule drugs to specifically modulate Hsp70's function, potentially treating cancers and neurodegenerative disor...
A study found that increasing detection intervals in ICDs reduces unnecessary therapies, shocks, and hospitalizations while maintaining appropriate shock frequency. The long-detection strategy may be a useful approach for ICD recipients to reduce unfavorable outcomes.
The Autism BrainNet network will acquire, process, store, and distribute brain tissue resources to accelerate understanding of the biological basis of autism. The network aims to broaden the reach of existing brain donation programs, expanding access to research for scientists and families affected by autism.
Scientists at ETH Zurich demonstrated that white and brown fat cells can convert into each other, challenging current beliefs. This interconversion process is likely to occur in humans as well, offering a novel strategy for treating obesity by promoting brown fat formation.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar-cell coating that can boost efficiency to 34%, harnessing the energy of visible light to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. The breakthrough could lead to significantly higher solar panel performances, potentially reaching over 30% efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed microbatteries that out-power supercapacitors, offering both power and energy. The batteries can charge 1,000 times faster than competing technologies, enabling devices to be smaller and more powerful.
Thin film solar cells can be removed from a silicon substrate by dipping them in water at room temperature. The cells can then attach to almost any surface after exposure to heat of about 90°C for a few seconds.
A study from Newcastle University found that vitamin D supplements improve muscle efficiency in patients with severe deficiency, leading to reduced fatigue and improved mitochondrial oxidative function. The research suggests a link between vitamin D and mitochondrial function, potentially offering a new way to boost energy levels.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University developed efficient solar cells using natural substrates derived from trees, enabling quick recycling in water. The organic solar cells reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7 percent, paving the way for a truly recyclable and sustainable solar cell technology.
Researchers found that melanoma cells develop resistance to BRAF inhibitor treatment by shifting to alternative energy production methods. By targeting mitochondrial metabolism, combination treatments may improve the efficacy of current therapies.
Researchers discovered that crippled mitochondria in Schwann cells lead to a toxic substance build-up, causing nerve damage and symptoms like numbness and pain. This finding may lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat peripheral neuropathies, including drugs that block toxin buildup.
Researchers from P&G Beauty & Grooming present advancements in skin aging and stress sweat, including a facial moisturizer that improves uneven skin texture and a study showing niacinamide's ability to prevent and restore cellular metabolism. The findings have potential for innovation in Olay and Secret brand products.
Scientists have discovered that superoxide dismutase (SOD1) regulates cell energy and metabolism, preventing uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer. This enzyme also protects cells from free radical damage.
Researchers found that phenformin, a derivative of metformin, decreased tumor size and increased survival in mice with advanced stage lung tumors lacking LKB1 gene. Early treatment with phenformin causes slower tumor progression and increased survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new type of solar cell that converts 44% of sunlight into electrical energy, surpassing previous records. The cell uses multiple layers to capture different wavelengths of light and has the potential to be used in utility-scale energy production.
Scientists found that impure domains in polymer-based organic photovoltaic cells can lead to improved performances if made sufficiently small. By studying the trifecta of ALS beamlines, they discovered a happy medium between purity and domain size that should be easier to achieve than ultra-high purity.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified TRIP-Br2 as a major regulator of energy metabolism and fat storage. In mice fed high-fat diets, TRIP-Br2 levels were elevated in visceral fat, leading to increased fat accumulation and decreased energy expenditure.
Researchers at Arizona State University have fabricated an artificial protein and examined its effects on living cells, revealing a peculiar set of adaptations including filamentation, ATP depletion, and the formation of endoliposomes. These findings may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Scientists propose that early life forms utilized deep-sea hydrothermal vents to harness energy, driving the emergence of complex cellular structures. The new theory explains why all living organisms conserve energy in the form of ion gradients across membranes.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory have discovered new ways to use a well-known polymer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), eliminating the need for an increasingly problematic metal-oxide. The researchers' findings show that PEDOT:PSS OLEDs are at least 44% more efficient and flexible than traditional ITO-based devices.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University aim to increase the power density of their iron flow battery, enabling greater energy storage capacity while maintaining a lower cost. The new design could replace traditional storage technologies like pumped hydro and compressed air systems, offering flexibility for grid-scale energy supply.
A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Temple University discovered an essential mechanism that regulates calcium uptake into mitochondria, crucial for ATP synthesis. The newly described protein MCUR1 interacts with MCU to establish proper calcium levels under normal conditions.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that deleting the Arntl clock gene in fat cells causes mice to become obese due to a shift in eating timing. Supplementing with fish oil-like fatty acids can rescue this phenotype.
Researchers discovered MICU1's crucial role in regulating mitochondrial calcium uptake, preventing overload and cellular stress. The protein acts as a gatekeeper, setting a brake for calcium influx to maintain beneficial levels.
Researchers create a dynamic gel made of DNA that mechanically responds to stimuli in the same way cells do. The DNA gel's movement runs on ATP, allowing for faster and stronger mechanics than other smart gels based on synthetic polymers.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg develop method to observe and prevent solar cell degradation before production, improving industry efficiency. Thin film solar cells can be degraded during production, but new findings show it's reversible with quick treatment.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University found that some mixing of donor and acceptor layers in polymer-based solar cells can increase efficiency. The study showed that controlling the mixing of domains can lead to better performance, contradicting previous assumptions that pure layers were best.
A team of three from Case Western Reserve University will demonstrate their 'Budget It Yourself' app, which tracks home electricity use and costs, at the Department of Energy's Energy Datapalooza. The app, developed with Android devices in mind, aims to help users budget their power consumption and costs via a smartphone.
Researchers found that direct fed microbials lead to increased energy expenditures by the immune system in broiler chickens. This could have long-standing implications for poultry health and disease management.
Scientists at Virginia Tech and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that two mini-molecules called microRNAs can help stem the nation's obesity epidemic. The discovery suggests that treatments targeting these two specific microRNAs may help regulate cellular metabolism and increase energy expenditure, leading to r...
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a microscopy technique to map oxygen vacancies in fuel cell materials, which can affect device efficiency. The research aims to improve fuel cells with longer lifetimes and lower prices.
Researchers developed a self-charging power cell that converts mechanical energy into chemical energy, eliminating the need for separate generators and batteries. The device can harness mechanical energy from walking or other sources, generating enough current to power small electronic devices.
Researchers have developed a new mass spectrometry technique that allows for the mapping of metabolites in plant material at the single cell level. This breakthrough provides unprecedented insights into plant biological processes and has significant potential for advancing biofuels research and crop genetics.
Researchers from Drexel University have developed a novel electrochemical flow capacitor that combines the strengths of batteries and supercapacitors, addressing scalability issues. The technology allows for rapid charging and discharging ability, enabling efficient storage and delivery of renewable energy.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel biofuel production process that produces energy more than 20 times higher than existing methods. The process, known as microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), uses bacteria to breakdown and ferment agricultural waste into ethanol.
Yan Wang's new flow battery design has a 10-fold increase in energy density and 2.5 times the power density of conventional batteries, making it safer and more cost-effective. The technology will help address renewable energy's Achilles heel by storing and retrieving energy.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a new aspect of chemical reactions on metal oxide surfaces that could lead to more efficient energy systems. The new perspective proposes coupling electrons and protons, which could help reduce energy barriers in technologies such as solar cells and hydrogen fuel cells.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new type of hot electron bolometer that can detect infrared light with high sensitivity and speed. The device uses bilayer graphene to absorb low-energy photons, making it promising for applications in security imaging technologies and studying dark energy.