Articles tagged with Sunlight
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A KAUST team has found that transition-metal carbides, known as MXenes, can trap sunlight energy to purify water through evaporation. The Ti3C2 MXene achieved 100% efficiency in converting light to heat, while other materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene also showed high efficiency.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and MIT have developed a solar-powered harvester that can collect water from the air even in extremely dry conditions. The device uses a metal-organic framework to absorb water vapor, which is then condensed and collected using sunlight as power.
A team of scientists has created a novel photothermocatalytic reaction that reduces CO2 to form useful carbon sources, opening new avenues for efficient CO2 conversion. The process utilizes powdered elemental boron as an all-in-one catalyst, light harvester, and hydrogen source.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the efficiency of nanomaterials that can harness sunlight to drive chemical reactions. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar panels and new technologies for destroying pollutants and cleaning water.
A circadian hospital lighting system significantly reduced depressive mood symptoms among stroke patients admitted for long-term rehabilitation. Blue light exposure was found to boost alertness and elevate mood, leading researchers to recommend its inclusion as part of rehabilitation unit environments.
Researchers found that male flies are attracted to specific flash frequencies from female wings, with a preference for young females' slower wing beats of 178Hz. The study suggests that wing movement contributes to mate selection and may be a common phenomenon in other insects.
Researchers created a solar still that converts water to vapor very efficiently, with only 12% of available energy lost during evaporation. The device can produce 3-10 liters of water per day, making it an ideal solution for small communities in developing areas and regions affected by natural disasters.
Researchers have developed an artificial leaf that converts sunlight into hydrogen fuel with improved efficiency, mimicking the natural process of underwater photosynthesis. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and providing a cheap, stable hydrogen fuel source.
Chemical engineers develop prototype reactor shaped like a leaf to capture sunlight and generate chemical reactions for drug production. The LSC material enhances the reaction process, increasing productivity by 40% even on cloudy days.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that sunlight, through a separate mechanism from vitamin D production, increases the movement of T cells. This activation enhances immune response and may have therapeutic potential for boosting immunity.
Researchers conclude that vitamin D supplementation does not improve musculoskeletal outcomes such as falls or fractures. For those at high risk of deficiency, sunlight exposure and diet should be prioritized, with low-dose supplements considered on an individual basis.
An international team of researchers visualized the process by which plants split water to produce oxygen using X-ray free-electron laser technology. This breakthrough enables the study of oxygen molecule formation and paves the way for the development of efficient clean hydrogen fuel devices.
A large international study found that living in northerly climes is linked to an earlier age of starting MS symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found that each 10° increase in latitude was associated with a 10-month earlier onset.
Brazilian researchers have identified a new species of dragonfly named Erythrodiplax ana, characterized by its brown spot on each wingtip and bluish waxy body coating. The discovery highlights the importance of urban areas as habitats for biodiversity, with the species found near a spring used to draw off water in an urban area.
Researchers at MIT create a bubble-wrapped, sponge-like device that captures ambient sunlight and concentrates it to heat water to boiling temperatures. The structure achieves 20% conversion efficiency and can be used for desalination, residential heating, wastewater treatment, and medical tool sterilization.
A team of scientists has discovered a class of materials that can surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit, allowing for more efficient solar cell conversion. By using a barium titanate crystal, they were able to extract power from a small portion of the sunlight spectrum with higher efficiency than previously thought possible.
Researchers have created a thin polymer layer that oscillates spontaneously in visible light, leading to potential self-cleaning surfaces. The material's unique behavior is attributed to the bending and stretching of light-sensitive molecules under visible light, resulting in vibration and possible applications in various fields.
Scientists at the University of Basel and Zurich have successfully reproduced one of natural photosynthesis' key phases with artificial molecules. They stored two negative charges for 870 nanoseconds, paving the way to harnessing sunlight into chemical energy.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will study asteroid Bennu in detail, collecting a sample to be analyzed on Earth. Four top-level maps will guide the sample collection process, assessing safety, navigation, surface material, and scientific value.
Researchers have modified microalgae to produce complex molecules using sunlight, enabling efficient production of pharmaceutical compounds. The method offers a sustainable and renewable energy-based solution for producing chemicals, potentially replacing traditional methods that rely on plants or yeast.
Researchers at UNSW have developed a new solar cell configuration that delivers a world-record 34.5% efficiency in sunlight-to-electricity conversion, nudging closer to the theoretical limits of such devices. The device uses a four-junction mini-module with a hybrid receiver to extract maximum energy from unfocussed sunlight.
A new NASA analysis of satellite data suggests that the expansion of the tropics is causing high altitude clouds to shift towards the poles. This shift affects Earth's climate by altering the amount of sunlight reaching the surface.
An international team led by IU biologist David M. Kehoe uncovered the regulation of a system that allows Synechococcus to efficiently capture sunlight and perform photosynthesis. The study also provides insight into how genes can be easily transferred between cells in the marine environment through horizontal gene transfer.
Researchers discovered that Saharan silver ant hairs use total internal reflection to reflect sunlight, resulting in a bright silver color. This adaptation allows the ants to stay up to 2°C cooler under simulated sunlight, making them well-suited for desert survival.
Research assistant professor Ezra Wood will investigate nighttime atmospheric chemistry of wildfires and their effect on climate. The study aims to quantify hydrogen oxide radicals and understand how long compounds last in the air.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a method to break down plant biomass using sunlight, potentially producing biofuels and biochemicals. The process, known as reverse photosynthesis, uses enzymes and chlorophyll to accelerate chemical reactions, reducing pollution and increasing production speed.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that a mother's increased vitamin D levels during the second trimester may lower her child's chance of developing asthma. The research found that increased sunlight exposure, which is where Americans get most of their vitamin D, reduces the risk of asthma in children.
A team of astronomers using HARPS spectrograph detected the motion of bright spots on Ceres, suggesting they are composed of volatile materials that evaporate in sunlight. The study revealed unexpected variations in the spots' brightness due to the action of solar radiation.
A new multilayered photoelectrode boosts the ability of solar water-splitting to produce hydrogen by absorbing visible light from the sun. The two-dimensional hybrid metal-dielectric structure shows significant enhancement in photo-catalytic applications, making it a promising technology for efficient hydrogen production.
Researchers developed a glass coating that boosts solar cell efficiency by up to 27.7% and repels dust and pollution, addressing the issue of fixed panel angles and self-cleaning capabilities.
Researchers found that most climate models underestimate the increase in absorption of sunlight by water vapor, leading to overestimation of global precipitation. The team's study suggests that improving radiation representation in models can lead to more accurate predictions of future precipitation change.
A new process removes contaminants from oil sands wastewater using sunlight and nanoparticles, offering a more effective and inexpensive alternative to conventional treatment methods. The technology breaks down persistent pollutants into individual atoms, completely removing them from the water.
A new study from the University of Manchester found that children treated with growth hormone for deficiency show varying rates of growth depending on their latitude and summer daylight exposure. The study of 118 children aged 5-11 from 14 countries suggests a complex relationship between sunlight, genetics, and bone growth.
Researchers designed a new tool called Sunlight to bring transparency to the Web, analyzing numerous inputs and outputs together to form hypotheses about personal data use effects. The study found that sensitive information was used to target ads and recommendations, violating companies' advertising policies.
Researchers develop a technology that shunts away heat generated by solar cells, cooling them and improving efficiency. The transparent overlay allows sunlight to hit the cells while radiating heat into space.
A team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented 14% efficiency in solar hydrogen production, breaking a 17-year-old record. The breakthrough involves a patented photo-electrochemical process that enhances long-term stability and boosts energy output.
A Neolithic skeleton from Scotland reveals the earliest case of rickets in the UK, dating back over 3,000 years. The woman's diet and lifestyle suggest she suffered from Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight, highlighting unusual circumstances that led to her condition.
Researchers have created artificial plants that can produce methane and butanol using semiconducting nanowires and bacteria. This technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with a sustainable and efficient alternative.
The University of Rochester team aims to reduce the cost of electricity from solar power by replacing expensive panels with plastic solar concentrators. Their planar light guide using micro-optics can concentrate direct sunlight onto a single photovoltaic cell, reducing the need for expensive PV cells.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have developed an artificial leaf that can harness sunlight to produce hydrogen fuels, achieving a high efficiency rate. The system consists of three components: photoanode, photocathode, and membrane, which work together to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas.
Researchers have developed a new glass paint that can reflect all sunlight and passively radiate heat, keeping metal surfaces up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than ambient temperature. This coating has potential applications on naval ships, roofs, and playground equipment, offering environmental benefits and durability.
Tiny marine organisms produce airborne gases and organic matter to seed cloud droplets, leading to brighter clouds that reflect more sunlight. This process affects the amount of solar energy reaching Earth's surface, with implications for global climate.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that a slow-down in global warming is likely due to natural variation and not a sign of climate change ending. The research analyzed over 200 years' worth of temperature data and supported previous findings that short-term pauses are temporary.
New research reveals that marine plankton in the Southern Ocean produce airborne gases and organic matter to seed cloud droplets, leading to brighter clouds. The study found correlations between phytoplankton blooms and increased cloud droplet concentrations, which reflect about 4 watts of solar energy per square meter.
The remnants of Hurricane Blanca are blanketing northern Baja California and mainland Mexico with disorganized storm clouds. NASA's GOES-West satellite captured an infrared image revealing the system's rapid disruption by high terrain, leading to dissipation later in the day.
A National Research Council committee recommends exploring CO2 removal strategies, while cautioning against sunlight-reflecting tactics due to environmental and health risks. The committee calls for increased research into all climate intervention possibilities to address the urgent need to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Environment International found that people living near the coast in England have higher vitamin D levels than those inland. The research linked sunlight data to vitamin D levels, revealing a strong correlation between coastal living and improved vitamin D levels.
Researchers developed a microscale solar concentration technology that enables ultra-high efficiency solar cells to be used on rooftops. The system consists of miniaturized photovoltaic cells, 3D-printed lens arrays and a moveable focusing mechanism, reducing size, weight and cost while increasing power generation.
A University of Minnesota study shows that a warmer climate will change the composition of northern forests, with oak and maple trees replacing spruce and fir. The study found that oaks and maples are better suited to warmer temperatures and can outcompete boreal species for sunlight and water.
Scientists have developed a unique combination of light and climate simulation to optimize algae cultivation, leading to higher yields and more efficient energy production. The system uses spectrum-tuned LEDs to simulate natural sunlight, allowing for precise control over the growth conditions of different algae species.
UNSW researchers have successfully converted over 40% of sunlight into electricity, exceeding previous records. The breakthrough is made possible by a custom optical bandpass filter that captures wasted sunlight and converts it at a higher efficiency than commercial solar cells.
Researchers have made significant strides toward a stand-alone system for large-scale, low-cost production of hydrogen fuel. The team's nanowire mesh design harnesses sunlight to split water and harvest hydrogen, offering a promising solution for environmentally friendly energy production.
Researchers develop composite material that harnesses visible light to degrade endocrine disruptors, including BPA and phenol, in a promising breakthrough. The method offers a more efficient alternative to existing ultraviolet light-based approaches.
A new nanoparticle-based material developed by the University of California, San Diego, can absorb and convert over 90 percent of sunlight into heat. This breakthrough aims to improve concentrating solar power plants' efficiency, making them more competitive with traditional energy sources.
A recent study suggests that moderate amounts of sunshine may help prevent obesity and diabetes by reducing glucose levels and insulin resistance. The researchers found that a compound called nitric oxide released by the skin after exposure to sunlight had beneficial effects on weight gain.
The researchers created a two-dimensional metallic dielectric photonic crystal that absorbs virtually all wavelengths of light from the sun, but not much of the rest. The material can withstand extremely high temperatures and is made at large scales with cheaply manufactured technology.
A new solar-powered treatment process can accelerate oil sands tailings reclamation by up to 84% and reduce costs. The technology has the potential to also treat municipal wastewater and could make it safer for rivers.
Scientists found that sunlight, not bacteria, dominates the production of carbon dioxide in Arctic inland waters. Photochemical processing accounts for up to 95% of carbon conversion.
A new study finds that sunlight, not bacteria, is the key to converting carbon stored in Arctic permafrost into carbon dioxide. As climate change alters the timing and pace of thawing, this process could significantly impact global CO2 levels.
A team of researchers at Australian National University has successfully replicated a crucial step in photosynthesis, paving the way for biological systems powered by sunlight to manufacture hydrogen as a fuel. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a zero-carbon replacement for petroleum products and transform the economy.