Articles tagged with Cellular Energy
A new study has found that iodide-based perovskites produce a gaseous form of iodine during operation, causing further degradation of the material. The researchers suggest that developing new materials with reduced iodine concentrations or reinforced structures could help address this issue.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel technique to identify carbohydrates, which play a vital role in life processes. The new method, called 'sequencing by recognition,' uses electricity to release current spikes that can be measured and analyzed to identify specific carbohydrate molecules with high accuracy.
Researchers at Michigan Tech created a new way to synthesize sodium-embedded carbon nanowalls, which have two orders of magnitude higher conductivity than three-dimensional graphene. The material also retains high capacity after 5,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it ideal for supercapacitors and energy devices.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a key protein, Rab10, that helps hungry liver cells locate and break down fat for energy. This discovery could lead to new treatments for fatty liver disease.
Researchers developed catalysts with tensile surface strain, improving oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability. The nanoplates showed minimal decay in catalytic activity after 50,000 voltage cycles.
Researchers are exploring the dynamics between a gene that regulates fat metabolism and a protein that makes lipid droplets available for energy in heart cells. They hope to understand how this imbalance can lead to heart failure and find ways to intervene, such as by regulating lipid use and maintaining balance.
Michigan State University researchers have developed a low-cost nanogenerator that can harness energy from human motion, powering devices such as smartphones and headsets without batteries. The device, called FENG, is flexible, biocompatible, and scalable, with advantages including being lightweight and robust.
Case Western Reserve University researchers are scaling up a prototype iron-flow battery to provide cleaner and cheaper power when renewable energy sources are ebbing or demand is peaking. The battery can store excess electricity and increase overall efficiency.
Scientists at Cornell University developed a system where enzymes are attached to nanoparticles to mimic the efficient energy-producing mechanism of sperm tails. The tethered enzyme system processes glucose to lactate more efficiently than free-floating enzymes, with potential applications in powering devices that carry out various jobs.
Researchers found that brain cells in specific columns cycle independently between active and inactive states during both sleep and wake. This cycling is linked to improved attention and response to external stimuli.
A UCF scientist has developed filaments that can harness and store sunlight, weaving them into textiles for a breakthrough in wearable technology. The innovation could revolutionize military and civilian applications, including powering smartphones and electric cars.
University of California, Irvine researchers employed a graphene sensor to monitor changes in mitochondria, indicating the start of programmed cell death. The study found two electrochemical gradients in energy production, altering scientific understanding of cellular function.
Researchers found that supplementing healthy mice with NMN reduced signs of aging such as weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity, and declines in physical activity. Long-term effects showed improved energy metabolism, better liver function, and increased tear production.
Scientists at the University of Virginia have made new inroads on understanding the fundamental physics behind hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), a class of materials that are extremely lightweight and flexible. By discovering ways to stabilize their properties, researchers hope to expand the temperature stability range of H...
Quiescent human cells exhibit an inflammatory profile similar to acute infections when energetically stressed, suggesting a pro-survival strategy may not be well-suited for long-term chronic stresses. This could impair genome repair and increase cancer risk.
Researchers at UNIST developed a new type of organic solar cell that maintains up to 80% of its initial efficiency after 60 days in high-temperature conditions. The team used a macromolecular additive to improve and stabilize the device performance, yielding unprecedented power conversion efficiency.
Scientists have made a significant advance toward more practical, environmentally friendly solar cells using inexpensive halide perovskite materials. The new cells have a power conversion efficiency of 15 percent and contain 60% less lead than traditional cells, representing a major step towards sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers discovered that Antarctic basidiomycetous yeast Mrakia blollopis consumes high amounts of energy during growth to cope with cold stress. The strain accumulates aromatic amino acids, which improve cell growth at low temperatures.
Efficient organic solar cells have been created using a non-fullerene material, achieving high energy efficiency rates of up to 9.5%. This breakthrough indicates that the intrinsic limitations of organic solar cells are comparable to other photovoltaic technologies, paving the way for commercialization.
A joint NASA-JAXA mission observed two persistent hot towers south and east of Hermine's center, influencing its strengthening. Repeated cloud-top height measurements suggested these towers, lasting 9-12 hours, could eject energy into the atmosphere.
The research aims to define the core molecular components of the Permeability Transition, a phenomenon that causes cell death during stress conditions. By understanding this process, novel treatment strategies can be designed to target specific non-proteinaceous components and prevent mPTP opening.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar cell that combines two layers to harvest more of the sun's energy, reaching theoretical efficiencies above 40 percent. The device can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost due to a novel low-cost manufacturing process, making it ready for commercialization within the next year or two.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have calculated significant energy savings of up to 31% and cost savings of up to 11% for light rail transit systems using flywheel technology. This innovative approach stores energy generated during braking, reducing power consumption and costs.
Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery on the structure of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), a membrane gateway that regulates calcium uptake. The study reveals that MCU activity is vital to calcium homeostasis and cell survival, and that it can be modulated through small molecule development.
A new class of fuel cells based on ion-pair-coordinated polymers can operate between 80°C and 200°C with water tolerance, enhancing usability in various conditions. The research breakthrough has the potential to accelerate commercialization of low-cost fuel cells for automotive and stationary applications.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a new imaging technique that allows scientists to probe the internal makeup of a battery during charging and discharging using different x-ray energies while rotating the battery cell. The technique produces a three-dimensional chemical map, enabling scientists to track chemica...
Researchers discovered that microvessels in the brain play a key role in reacting to spikes in demand and accelerating blood flow to respond to neuronal activity. The findings could help explain cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an oxygen-assisted aluminum/carbon dioxide power cell that captures CO2 while producing electricity and a valuable oxalate. This technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption in carbon capture systems, making it more commercially viable.
Scientists discover why fast-growing cyanobacteria thrives under intense light by expanding cellular machinery to build proteins. The organism can triple in size in less than 2 hours, producing more fuel and chemicals compared to slower-growing species.
A new molecular model of lithium's bioactive form suggests the drug works by forming an 'intimate association' with magnesium and phosphates in the brain. This interaction may prolong signaling pathways in neurons, contributing to its mood-stabilizing effects.
A ketone drink developed for soldiers improved endurance performance in highly trained cyclists, enabling them to cover an additional 400 meters. The supplement works by temporarily switching the primary source of cellular energy from glucose or fat to ketones, reducing lactic acid production and muscle fatigue.
The researchers successfully created dye-sensitized solar cells with inkjet-printed photovoltaic dyes, achieving efficiency and durability comparable to traditional methods. The printed solar cells endured over 1,000 hours of continuous light and heat stress without degradation.
Researchers from Tianjin University and Nankai University have unraveled the puzzle of how Zika virus replicates. They discovered a tunnel in the enzyme that holds viral RNA, allowing it to unwind its genetic material. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antiretroviral drugs against this spreading disease.
A study of 869 Tsimane women over 12 years found that high birthrates do not significantly impact maternal health, contrary to expectations. Despite a harsh environment with limited nutrition and high parasite exposure, women experience minimal health costs from their intense reproductive effort.
Researchers at Lund University have measured the flow of solar energy within and between different parts of a photosynthetic organism, revealing more efficient routes for transporting energy. This basic research could lead to the development of more efficient solar cell technologies.
Researchers improved understanding of the process that stops reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a clean energy technology that has struggled to gain wide acceptance. The study found that an electric field can prevent failures and improve system performance by capturing the complexity of the triple-phase boundary.
Researchers have identified a new organic molecule that converts a large amount of sunlight, enabling the development of stable solar cells with high efficiency. The new technology offers several benefits, including lower production costs and increased flexibility.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a possible secret to dramatically boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, potentially increasing conversion rates up to 31 percent. The discovery involves exploiting the unique properties of facets on individual grains in the crystalline material.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a previously unknown strategy that allows photosynthetic organisms like Chlorobaculum tepidum to survive exposure to oxygen, which could harm them. The 'photosynthetic volume control' mechanism involves two normal amino acids and works by dissipating excess energy as har...
A UK research team has discovered that proteins are exported from cells while preventing them from re-entering via a molecular turnstile. This discovery provides a solution to an outstanding problem in the protein transport field and may have implications for the development of new drugs.
A new study has identified a connection between a cancer gene and the metabolic processes that fuel the rapid growth and movement of aggressive cancer cells. Researchers discovered that the RhoC gene regulates cell metabolism and energy production, driving cancer cells to move faster than normal.
Researchers at UC San Diego, MIT, and Harvard have engineered 'topological plexcitons,' energy-carrying particles that enhance exciton energy transfer, leading to improved solar cells and miniaturized optical circuits. The discovery provides a directionality feature for efficient energy distribution in nanoscale materials.
Researchers have discovered that enhancing mitochondrial transport along neuronal axons improves the ability of mouse nerve cells to repair themselves after injury. The study suggests potential new strategies for stimulating human neurons to regrow after damage or disease.
Researchers at Center for Genomic Regulation discover a new pathway generating energy in the cell nucleus to deal with stressful situations and high levels of DNA damage. The key enzyme NUDIX5 is identified as crucial for nuclear ATP synthesis, which could lead to targeted cancer medicine and biomarker development.
Researchers developed a noninvasive data analysis technique to distinguish between actively driven and thermally induced motions inside cells. The method, based on statistical physics, tracks particle transitions between states and identifies imbalances that indicate active processes.
Researchers developed a compound called KUSs that may help prevent nerve damage in glaucoma, allowing patients to maintain near-normal vision. Early tests in mice showed promising results, suggesting these compounds could slow down disease progression and potentially treat other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a miniature fuel cell that can generate electricity from urine, offering an affordable and carbon-neutral way to produce power. The device has the potential to provide much-needed electricity to remote areas at low cost.
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has identified a pivotal role for sphingomyelin in driving inflammatory mechanisms underlying type 1 diabetes and obesity-related kidney dysfunction. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease and may lead to the development of novel treatments.
Argonne National Laboratory scientists have developed a new method for improving lithium-ion battery performance testing, utilizing a tiny measurement device called a reference electrode. The design enhances the quantity and quality of information extracted from battery cells during cycling, providing crucial insights into battery health.
Engineers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to transfer energy sources to virtually any shape using an efficient laser-writing technique. This technique enables the fabrication of microbatteries and micro fuel cells that are more environmentally friendly, highly designable, and thin.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new battery system that harnesses heat and uses no toxic materials, with efficiency improvements of over 1,000 times. The technology, based on carbon nanotubes, shows promise for powering small devices and has potential applications in fields such as energy storage and aerospace.
Researchers found that inhibiting calcium transfer to mitochondria selectively kills cancer cells by inducing bioenergetic crisis and autophagy. Providing metabolic substrates rescues the lethal effect, suggesting that cell death is caused by compromised bioenergetics.
Researchers found PGK1 plays a key role in coordinating cellular processes for cancer metabolism and brain tumor formation. The enzyme promotes energy production through the Warburg effect, leading to rapid cancer growth.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a simulation to predict the permeability of drug molecules across cell membranes, enabling faster testing and development of nerve-agent treatments. The simulation shaved weeks off compound testing, reducing the time required from six weeks to just 16 hours.
The research team improved cell voltage by shifting away from a standard processing step using cadmium chloride. This approach enabled the fabrication of CdTe solar cells with an open-circuit voltage breaking the 1-volt barrier for the first time.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Nicolau has created a model bio-supercomputer that processes information quickly and accurately using parallel networks, powered by proteins present in all living cells. The device uses much less energy than traditional electronic supercomputers, making it more sustainable.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that inducing the hypoxia response, the body's reaction to low oxygen levels, may relieve symptoms of mitochondrial diseases. Activation of this response alleviated mitochondrial pathology and extended survival in animal models.
A recent study by Hiroshima University has identified a key protein responsible for burning excess energy in the body, UCP1, found in brown fat cells. Increasing UCP1 levels can lead to a higher metabolism and less weight gain.
Researchers have discovered a way to maximize electricity generation from wastewater using a novel combination of substrates, allowing for more efficient energy production. This breakthrough could enable the development of microbial fuel cells and make wastewater treatment centers self-sustaining.
Researchers at TU Wien create a photo-electrochemical cell that can store the energy of ultraviolet light even at high temperatures. The new material combines photovoltaics with electrochemistry, paving the way for large-scale industrial storage.