Articles tagged with Sunlight
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.
A team of researchers has developed a method to determine the absolute value of charge formation efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells, enabling high-throughput screening of materials. The technique, combining two types of spectroscopy, reveals a high charge formation efficiency even at low temperatures.
A team of scientists in China has developed a new type of perovskite solar cell that does not use a hole-transportation layer, showing high efficiency and stability. The innovation reduces production costs and paves the way for a cost-effective branch of development in this type of solar cell.
Empa researchers have developed a microstructure that gathers sunlight on the photoelectrode surface, allowing it to absorb all the energy in the beam. This innovative structure is inspired by the eyes of moths, which collect as much light as possible while reflecting as little as possible.
Researchers at NIST have created a new laser-based instrument that simulates sunlight across a broad spectrum, allowing for accurate testing of solar cell properties and potential efficiency boosts. The instrument uses optical-fiber amplifier technology to boost power and a photonic crystal fiber to broaden the spectrum.
Researchers found that changes in light intensity affect tree ring density in the Arctic, resolving the divergence problem. The study suggests regional variations in cloud cover and light availability impact tree growth.
The OCULLAR instrument can measure ocean color under low-light conditions, allowing scientists to monitor the health and chemistry of the oceans around the clock. This capability will enable researchers to study phytoplankton, microscopic ocean plants that form the base of the oceanic food web.
Researchers developed a corrugated, translucent panel that redirects sunlight onto narrow streets and alleyways, increasing illumination by 200 percent in autumn and winter. The panel is designed to provide natural light for everyday tasks and improve mental health, and its cost is estimated between $70 and $100 per square meter.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of sunset paintings to retrieve information on the composition of past atmospheres. The red-to-green ratios in these paintings correlate well with volcanic aerosols in the atmosphere, providing alternative ways to estimate pollution levels. This study validates previous findings and has implications for im...
Researchers identified a microbe that can take up electrons from minerals in soil and sediment using natural conductivity. The microbes rely on sunlight and iron to generate energy, but have developed an unusual strategy to reach the iron through naturally occurring conductive minerals.
Researchers found that new varieties have higher yields and accelerated gains, with traits like shorter plants, later maturation, and increased oil concentration. This study provides insights for future breeding efforts to maintain yield increases and address demand for soybeans.
Researchers at CU-Boulder found that exposing leafy vegetables to daily bright pulses of light can increase the production of eye-protecting nutrients like zeaxanthin. This finding has implications for astronauts during long spaceflights and could also improve plant-based human nutrition on Earth.
Researchers found that embarking on geoengineering, then stopping, could exacerbate climate change by speeding up global warming. Continuous geoengineering would cause a drastic rate of temperature change, posing significant threats to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Researchers at Stanford University are studying light harvesting mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms to improve solar cell efficiency. They have discovered new states of light harvesting complexes with different degrees of quenching, which may be a molecular mechanism for photoprotection.
Researchers have identified a specific protein involved in mediating the skin's response to UVR and found that the signal transduction cascade resembles a light-activated pathway in the eye. This new insight into the molecular pathway underlying UVR detection could lead to improved sun protection methods.
Research at the University of Southampton found that sunlight alters nitric oxide levels in the skin and blood, reducing blood vessel tone and lowering blood pressure. This could be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly during winter months when blood pressure tends to be higher.
A new approach to harvesting solar energy could improve efficiency by using sunlight to heat a high-temperature material whose infrared radiation is then collected by a conventional photovoltaic cell. The technique makes it possible to take advantage of wavelengths of light that ordinarily go to waste.
Researchers found that geoengineering methods to reduce temperature by reflecting sunlight are unlikely to restore the planet's original climate. This is because altering sunlight can have unwanted effects on the Earth's water cycle and rainfall patterns.
Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.
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.
A new 'wormlike' hematite photoanode has been developed, converting sunlight and water to clean hydrogen energy with a record-breaking efficiency of 5.3%. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 4.2% set by Prof. Michael Graetzel's research group.
A new study published in Nature reveals that West Antarctica began emerging from the last ice age about 22,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought. The research found that changes in solar energy triggered warming of the region, which was amplified by the release of CO2 from the Southern Ocean.
Empa scientists developed a new method to increase the efficiency of flexible CdTe solar cells on metal foil by using copper doping. The study achieved efficiencies up to 13.6% and 11.5%, exceeding previous records, with the goal of reaching 20% in the future.
The CU-Boulder team has developed a solar-thermal system that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy. The system uses concentrated sunlight to drive chemical reactions, producing hydrogen gas with minimal energy input.
A week of camping exposed people to true dawn and dusk, synchronizing their internal biological clocks. This shift helped people revert to an early bird's schedule, with a typical modern environment causing a two-hour delay in circadian timing.
A recent study predicts that biodiversity on polar seabeds could be reduced by up to one third within decades as the poles warm, leading to widespread ecosystem shifts. The research reveals that even slight changes in sea-ice timing can cause a tipping point, resulting in unique communities being replaced by algal beds.
Researchers documented an acceleration in coastal Antarctic permafrost melt rates, rising to 10 times the historical average. The change is attributed to increased sunlight due to changes in weather patterns, leading to 'retrogressive thaw slumps' and potential dramatic increases in melting if Antarctica warms as predicted.
Researchers at Rice University developed a solar-powered sterilization system using nanomaterials to kill microbes and viruses in human waste. The 'solar steam' technology has an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent, making it suitable for off-grid use and sanitation for billions of people.
Two prominent scientists, Dr. Martin D. Burke and Dr. Harry Gray, will deliver Kavli lectures on innovative medicine and energy solutions at the American Chemical Society meeting. Their talks focus on replacing missing proteins to cure diseases and harnessing artificial photosynthesis for sustainable energy production.
UGA researchers have developed a way to interrupt photosynthesis and capture electrons from plant cells, resulting in electrical current levels two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported systems. This technology could lead to more efficient solar panels and even competitive alternatives like plant-based systems.
Researchers found that exposure to sunlight lowers blood pressure and improves overall health by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study's results suggest that the benefits of sunlight outweigh the risks of skin cancer.
A study found that airborne particles from volcanic activity and air pollution slow coral growth in the Caribbean. Coral skeletons preserve records of growth, which corresponded closely to sea surface temperatures and light levels.
Researchers have made breakthrough in converting CO2 into new fuels using sunlight and abundant resources. The process could lead to 'carbon-neutral' energy production by reusing CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of researchers at Stanford University has designed a new structure that reflects most sunlight and efficiently radiates heat into space, cooling buildings even in the daytime. The device can achieve net cooling powers in excess of 100 watts per square meter, offsetting up to 35% of air conditioning needs.
A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method for converting carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel using copper oxide nanowires and sunlight. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly than current methods, which require toxic elements or high operating pressures.
Researchers found that African-American and Caucasian women absorb and metabolize vitamin D at the same rate. Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism, leading to conditions like osteomalacia and muscle weakness.
Researchers have discovered a photosensitive metal organic framework (MOF) that can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from coal power stations. The MOF can release stored CO2 when exposed to sunlight, making it a promising new tool for reducing emissions.
Corals produce pigments that act as sunscreens for their symbiotic algae, removing harmful light and allowing the algae to photosynthesize. This mechanism helps corals survive in shallow water where sunlight can be detrimental to algae and hosts alike.
Researchers have found that melt ponds on young, thin Arctic sea ice absorb 50% more solar radiation, causing the ice to melt faster. This changes the light transmission beneath the ice, affecting photosynthesis and potentially impacting ecosystems.
A new study reveals that photovoltaics (PV) outperform biofuels in terms of energy efficiency, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions. PV systems are 30-200 times more efficient than biomass-based pathways, requiring significantly less land to produce the same amount of energy.
Rice University scientists have developed a super-efficient solar-energy technology that converts sunlight into steam directly, with an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent. The 'solar steam' method uses nanoparticles to heat water instantly vaporizing it and creating steam from nearly frozen water.
Scientists have developed a method to generate steam using sunlight and nanoparticles, which can be used for purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments, and sanitizing sewage. The approach produces steam with virtually no wasteful heating of the surrounding liquid, achieving an energy efficiency of 24%.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati develop a paper-thin plastic screen that can be folded or rolled up repeatedly, eliminating pixel borders. This breakthrough technology uses ambient light to reduce power consumption and enables magazine-quality color displays in foldable e-devices.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center studied the relationship between sunlight exposure patterns and timing to understand its contribution to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Blistering sunburns and working outdoors were found to be associated with both types of skin cancer.
A new model promises to maximize the effectiveness of solar radiation management while mitigating its potential side effects and risks. The study found that tailored solar geoengineering might limit Arctic sea ice loss with several times less total solar shading than in a uniform case.
Researchers explore sunlight reduction methods in a computer model that considers emissions' effect on climate. The analysis shows a fundamental connection between the need for emissions reductions and the potential need for solar dimming. Climate sensitivity is a crucial factor in determining how much sun blocking might be needed.
Research demonstrates that plants trigger their defense mechanisms against freezing temperatures with shortening daylight, unlike trees which do it with waning sunlight. This understanding gives potential tools to fine-tune regulation and increase crop productivity.
Researchers found that whirlpools, or eddies, in the North Atlantic Ocean sustain phytoplankton growth, allowing them to thrive in shallower waters with ample sunlight. This discovery helps explain the timing and patchy appearance of the massive spring blooms.