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Understanding the functioning of a new type of solar cell

Scientists from EPFL investigated how generated electrical charges travel across perovskite surfaces of solar cells built with different architectures. The results showed two main dynamics: charge separation through electron transfer at sub-picosecond timescales, and significantly slower charge recombination for titanium oxide films.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 19, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Hugging hemes help electrons hop

Bacteria use molecular groups called hemes to transfer electrons through tiny protein-based wires. The researchers found that evolution has set the protein up so that when electrons have a strong drive to hop, heme stepping stones are less tightly connected, and when the drive is low, they are more closely connected.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2014

Working together: Bacteria join forces to produce electricity

Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute demonstrate that light-responsive Chlorobium can act in tandem with Geobacter to produce electricity. The two bacteria work together to generate current when Chlorobium transfers electrons to Geobacter, which then produces electricity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 8, 2013

Solving electron transfer

Researchers at EPFL's LSU employed a world-unique setup to observe electron movement with unprecedented time-resolution. The study revealed that solvent configuration significantly affects electron departure, extending residence time up to 450 fsec.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Picking apart photosynthesis

Caltech chemists have explained one of the remaining mysteries of photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy and generate oxygen. The discovery provides a new way of approaching the design of catalysts that drive water-splitting reactions in artificial photosynthesis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2013

UMass Amherst researchers reveal mechanism of novel biological electron transfer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified the importance of amino acids in facilitating electrical conductivity in bacterial pili, a paradigm shift from traditional understanding of biological electron transfer. This discovery has significant implications for environmental cleanup and renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalmBio·DateMar 19, 2013

Next scientific fashion could be designer nanocrystals

Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing 'designer atoms' through nanocrystal assembly, offering new opportunities for solar energy, quantum computing, and functional materials. By controlling electron correlation, they aim to create strongly correlated systems with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateDec 5, 2012

Breakthrough offers new route to large-scale quantum computing

Researchers at Princeton University have made a breakthrough in creating a working quantum computer by developing a method to quickly and reliably transfer quantum information. This achievement enables the creation of larger systems with millions of qubits, solving problems that cannot be solved with conventional computers.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2012

Odorant shape and vibration likely lead to olfaction satisfaction

A new study suggests that the shape and vibrational characteristics of odorant molecules play a crucial role in our ability to detect different smells. Researchers found that the vibrations of an odorant molecule's chemical bonds contribute to electron transfer, which sends signals to the receptor, enhancing detection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateSep 19, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Clearer look at how iron reacts in the environment

Researchers used ultrafast X-rays to observe electron transfer in iron oxide nanoparticles, shedding light on the environmental impact of rust. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells and a better understanding of contaminant remediation efforts.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2012

New twist on old chemical process could boost energy efficiency

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2012

The smallest conceivable switch

Researchers at TUM have developed a molecular switch with a surface area of one square nanometer, controlled by transferring protons within a porphyrin ring. The switch can be set to four distinct states and operated up to 500 times per second.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 12, 2011

Scientists play ping-pong with single electrons

Researchers at Cambridge University have developed a technique to transfer quantum information by controlling individual electrons in Gallium Arsenide. This innovation has the potential to enable faster and more efficient processing in quantum computers, addressing complex problems beyond classical computers' capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2011
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pairing quantum dots with fullerenes for nanoscale photovoltaics

Researchers develop surface-based assembly method to produce promising power sources with controlled electron transfer rates. By varying particle size and linker length, they enhance electron transfer rate and suppress fluctuations, leading to stable charge generation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMay 10, 2011

Size matters: Smaller particles could make solar panels more efficient

Researchers have discovered that smaller quantum dots can increase the efficiency of solar panels by generating multiple excitons from a single photon of light. This breakthrough has significant implications for commercial realizations of multiple-exciton generation (MEG) technology.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 25, 2011

Berkeley Lab scientists open electrical link to living cells

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have designed an electrical link to living cells, allowing for the transfer of electrons across a cell membrane. This breakthrough could yield cells that can read and respond to electronic signals, leading to new biotechnologies such as self-replicating solar batteries and more efficient energy production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2010

Watching electrons move in real time

Researchers used femtosecond X-ray powder diffraction to observe the relocation of charges in an ammonium sulfate crystal after photoexcitation. The technique produces a 'molecular movie' of atomic movement at atomic time and length scales.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 21, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How the first step affects the (watery) result

Researchers from Germany and the US developed a new synthesis paradigm for efficient hydrogen generation. The team found that the light wavelength used in the process affects its efficiency, with redder light resulting in better outcomes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 24, 2010

Raising the bar for biomolecular modeling

Researchers found that amino acid residues form a barrier to help electron transfer by keeping water molecules away from the bridge, reducing the rate of transfer. This discovery provides fundamental insight into biochemical reactions and has potential applications in genetically modified organisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Brown chemists report promising advance in fuel-cell technology

Researchers have developed a unique core and shell nanoparticle that uses far less platinum yet performs more efficiently and lasts longer than commercially available pure-platinum catalysts. The new catalyst generates 12 times more current than existing models, offering a promising advance in fuel-cell technology.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2010

Measuring protein movements with nanosecond resolution

Scientists at TUM developed a novel method to observe local movements in proteins on a time scale of nanoseconds to microseconds. They found two structures of the villin protein that were previously undistinguishable from one another, with different dynamic properties.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010

Scientists unlock mystery in important photosynthesis step

Researchers at Arizona State University and Max Planck Institute have discovered how light initiates electron transfer in the photosystem I reaction center. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient artificial photosynthetic devices, providing a clean source of renewable fuel.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2010

Sugar + weed killer = potential clean energy source

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a fuel cell that extracts electrons from glucose and other carbohydrates, utilizing a common weed killer as a catalyst. The technology has shown a 29% conversion rate, paving the way for more efficient and commercially viable applications.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateSep 29, 2009

Diamonds may be the ultimate MRI probe, say Quantum physicists

Researchers have found a candidate quantum bit in diamond that can sense atomic-scale variations in magnetism, hinting at the possibility of MRI-like devices for probing individual drug molecules and living cells. This technology could sidestep the need for cooling, making it suitable for medical applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Making more efficient fuel cells

Researchers have discovered a strain of bacteria with pilin proteins that can conduct electricity, leading to increased power output in microbial fuel cells. This breakthrough could enable the use of microbial fuel cells in remote environments and monitoring devices, such as ocean floor sensors, to convert waste into electricity.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 6, 2009

Plugging in molecular wires

Researchers developed a new process to capture light energy with nearly equal efficiency by connecting molecular wires to biological photosynthetic systems. This approach improves the transfer of electrons, achieving high quantum yields similar to natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 12, 2009

News bits about qubits

Researchers successfully stored and retrieved information using the nucleus of an atom, demonstrating a single atomic nucleus as quantum computational memory. The breakthrough enables faster processing speeds and longer memory times for quantum computing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2008

Electron give-and-take lets molecules shine individually on camera

Scientists developed a new method to control and image individual fluorescent electron transfer molecules, revealing mavericks that shine when they shouldn't. This study aims to better understand electron transfer reactions central to photosynthesis and biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 24, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Biological electron transfer captured in real time

Biological electron transfer has been captured for the first time in real time by researchers at the University of Helsinki. The discovery could lead to significant medical advancements, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases caused by Complex I dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2008

Life at the jolt

A team of researchers at Arizona State University has gained critical insights into a promising microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology using bacteria to generate electricity. The MFC can handle various water-based organic fuels, making it a viable option for wastewater treatment and energy production.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJan 3, 2008

Working toward new energy with electrochemistry

Researchers design catalysts inspired by photosynthesis to produce fuels directly from carbon dioxide or water using renewable solar energy. They also reveal a jumpstart in organic electron transfer that could lead to technological advances in small-scale circuits for improving solar cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 20, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Discovery of new family of pseudo-metallic chemicals

A new discovery by a University of Missouri-Columbia research team allows scientists to manipulate molecules to give them metal-like properties, creating a new pseudo-element. This 'pseudo-metal' can be adjusted for various uses and may change the way scientists think about attacking disease or building electronics.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 24, 2007

Just the right chemistry earns UH professor Guggenheim Fellowship

Professor Bittner received the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship to study quantum dynamics in molecular electronic devices at Cambridge University. He is the first UH scientist named as a fellow in 18 years and joins an illustrious group of past recipients including Linus Pauling.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 23, 2007
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

MIT chemist studies how electrons behave

Van Voorhis is developing methods to simulate electron transfer and improve the efficiency of devices such as LEDs and optical displays. His research aims to create a larger portion of energy storage in artificial photosynthesis, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 28, 2006

Modeling the movement of electrons at the molecular scale

Researchers are developing models to understand electronic interactions in molecular systems, which could lead to more efficient energy production. By predicting the probability of electron transfer, scientists aim to design new technologies such as improved solar cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 11, 2006

Virginia Tech student selected to meet Nobel Laureates

A Virginia Tech student is selected to meet with Nobel laureates to discuss his research on bioremediation using bacteria-mineral interaction. The study aims to understand the fundamental reactions that dictate how bacteria interact with minerals, potentially leading to a safe and cost-effective means of environmental remediation.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 31, 2006
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Research highlights how bacteria produce energy

Researchers discover bacteria can transfer electrons through biofilms using conductive protein filaments, increasing power production. Genetically engineered bacteria can ferment cellulose biomass to ethanol with high yield.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2006

Electrons 'tunnel' through water molecules between nestled proteins

Researchers discovered that a small cluster of water molecules can facilitate electron transfer between proteins, contrary to expectations. At intermediate distances, the water molecules play a crucial role in mediating electron tunneling, making it stronger than previously thought.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists team up for multiyear studies of microbial mysteries

Two dozen researchers from 16 institutions will participate in three- to-five-year studies on membrane proteins in cyanobacteria and subsurface metal-reducing bacteria. These projects aim to advance knowledge on microbial interactions with their environment, leading to potential applications in groundwater remediation and energy genera...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2005

New device removes drinking water contaminants

A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 13, 2002

Argonne chemist wins national award for studies of plant energy

Argonne chemist Thurnauer has made a laboratory version of an energy 'pump' that keeps negatively charged electrons away from positively charged holes. This technology could be used to chemically neutralize toxic compounds, such as hazardous waste, through controlled electron movement.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UC chemist's 'light touch' is heavy duty help

Researchers have found a way to use a single photon to initiate the transfer of two electrons in a photochemical reaction, offering greater efficiency. The long-lived charge separation appears to last for several minutes, which is longer than usual.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 27, 2002

UW research boosts understanding of how hydrogen transfer works

Researchers at the University of Washington have made significant progress in understanding how hydrogen atoms are transferred between molecules, a key step in creating new compounds. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing methods, cleaner product development, and improved chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 2001

Creation of molecular nano motor: Fraser Stoddart/UCLA

The researchers designed and made a rotaxane-based nano motor powered by sunlight, which operates according to a four-stroke cycle. The system works continuously without consuming chemical fuels or generating waste.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2000
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

DNA Won't Carry Electrons Very Far

Research at Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory reveals DNA's limitations as a molecular material. Despite carrying electrons, the rate of electron transfer falls off quickly with distance, rendering it unsuitable for practical applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 1997