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Are we trading energy conservation for toxic air emissions?

A Yale University study finds that compact fluorescent lighting can increase mercury emissions in certain countries and US states, offsetting energy conservation gains. The switch to CFLs may reduce emissions in some areas, such as Estonia and China, but increase them in others, like South America and parts of Europe.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 1, 2008

Fantastic photographs of fluorescent fish

Research published in BMC Ecology reveals at least 32 reef fish species exhibiting red fluorescence, a previously unknown signaling mechanism. The authors speculate that this phenomenon may serve as a private communication system among fish, allowing for attraction and presence detection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 15, 2008

Brightening prospects of using fluorescent nanotubes in medical applications

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have overcome a major obstacle in producing fluorescent nanotubes, which can be used as contrast agents in cells and tissues. The breakthrough allows for the creation of trillions of nanotubes with high quantum efficiency, making them suitable for medical applications such as anti-cancer treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2007

Yale researchers make cell biology quantitative

Yale researchers have developed a method to count absolute numbers of individual protein molecules inside living cells and measure their locations with high accuracy. This breakthrough addresses fundamental hurdles for studying biology quantitatively, enabling the measurement of protein concentrations in various cellular structures.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2005

Tagging pathogens with synthetic DNA 'barcodes'

The researchers created 'nanobarcodes' that can be read by computer scanners or observed under fluorescent light microscopes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens. The technology has potential applications in genomic research, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 13, 2005

Carbon nanotubes found to fluoresce

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that carbon nanotubes can fluoresce in the near-infrared spectrum, which could lead to the development of inexpensive and simple diagnostic tests for diseases. This technology has the potential to target specific targets within the body, such as tumor cells or inflamed tissues.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 2002

Underwater show stoppers

Scientists have observed glowing coral reefs when illuminated with blue light, which could be used to map specific coral groups within a reef. This phenomenon is related to species and coral health, providing a potential tool for managing sensitive military areas and detecting man-made objects.