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.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to capture hot electrons, increasing the efficiency of solar cells to 44 percent. By exploiting a 'dark state' in organic plastic semiconductor materials, they found that two electrons can be generated from one photon of sunlight.
Scientists have developed a new cotton fabric that uses a titanium dioxide coating to clean itself of stains and bacteria when exposed to ordinary sunlight. The coating accelerates discoloration processes and remains intact after washing and drying.
The study reveals that an intact DNA backbone is essential for the formation of Dewar lesions, which can lead to genetic mutations and cell death. An intact backbone keeps the molecule rigid, straining the pyrimidine ring structure and favoring the reaction that leads to stable Dewar lesions.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new material that emits a long-lasting near-infrared glow after a single minute of exposure to sunlight. The material has potential biomedical applications, including visualizing cancer cells, and can be used for military and law enforcement illumination.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratories and Penn State have developed a new solar concentrator design that improves light collection efficiency. The new design achieves near-lossless propagation for several different chromophores, enabling a more than twofold increase in concentration ratio compared to conventional LSCs.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a natural UV filter called scytonemin that can protect against skin damage and allergies. The substance, produced by certain cyanobacteria, absorbs UV light without breaking down, making it a promising alternative to chemical-based sunscreens.
Researchers quantify urban 'heat island' effect for the first time, showing its modest contribution to global warming. The study reveals that white roofs do not reduce the urban heat island effect and may even cause a net global warming due to increased cloudiness.
Researchers propose molecular circuitry design inspired by natural light-harvesting systems to capture and utilize sunlight efficiently. Natural photosynthesis provides a model for efficient energy storage and transfer, enabling the development of sophisticated energy grids.
African-American men are up to 3.5 times more likely to have Vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men, requiring higher supplementation doses. Skin color and sunlight exposure play a crucial role in Vitamin D production.
A study found that African-American men living in low-sunlight areas are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency. Researchers recommend stratified recommendations to consider group differences, as skin composition affects vitamin D production.
A team of researchers has proposed a method to harness parabolic mirrors to drive solar-powered lasers, achieving an impressive 35% conversion rate. The new solar lasers would concentrate light with a small parabolic mirror, strike a ceramic disk, and emit laser light of a specific wavelength.
Optofluidics, the study of microfluidics combined with optics, is poised to revolutionize energy production. By directing light and concentrating its use, optofluidics can increase efficiency in existing systems like biofuel reactors and solar cells, as well as innovate new forms of energy production.
Researchers at UCLA have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy from LCD screens, which can convert ambient light into electricity. This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency of LCD displays and potentially harvest 75% of wasted photons from LCD backlights.
Duke University engineer Nico Hotz proposes a hybrid system that uses sunlight to heat water and methanol, producing hydrogen more efficiently than current technology. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.
A Baylor University study found that sunlight reduces the toxicity of golden algae, which kills millions of fish every year. The research suggests that longer exposure to natural sunlight decreases the algal toxin's effect on fish and other aquatic organisms.
Researchers study plant photosynthesis to harness efficient sunlight absorption for solar energy. The antenna structure in plants can adapt to environmental changes, regulating its own light harvesting capabilities.
Scientists have engineered a cheap and abundant alternative to platinum-based catalysts, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. This discovery is crucial for creating a sustainable green energy economy.
Researchers found that clouds cool the earth's surface by several percent, but scattered light can warm it. The effect depends on the measured visible-spectrum wavelength and whether light is direct or scattered.
Researchers found a strong association between low sunlight exposure and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people who have had infectious mononucleosis. The study, published in the April 2011 issue of Neurology, suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this association.
Research suggests that high vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women under 75. Higher vitamin D intake from food and supplements is linked to lower AMD risk, while sun exposure does not show a significant correlation.
A new polymer-based solar-thermal device collects both solar energy and heat, providing a more efficient way to heat homes. The device has shown 30% efficiency in converting solar energy to power, outperforming standard solar cells with a conversion efficiency of up to 8%.
A Swedish study found that sunlight influences the body's ability to break down medicines, with seasonal variations in drug concentrations closely linked to vitamin D levels. This may lead to increased sensitivity to certain medications, highlighting a new model for understanding individual differences in drug effects.
New research suggests that increasing vitamin D3 supplies through sunlight exposure may be a safe and effective therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Studies found that patients with the highest vitamin D3 supplies experienced fewer attacks and slower disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati and industry experts predict a range of exciting new electronic devices in the near term and beyond. These include color e-readers with high-speed functionality, electronic shelf labels that can be updated in seconds, and flexible screens for new applications like signage and Glow Boards.
Researchers confirmed that citric acid reacts with sunlight to harvest energy and form purple-colored nanoparticles, a potential green energy source.
Researchers developed a planar microfluidic reactor that harnesses sunlight to break down contaminants in water using photocatalysis. The technology has shown dramatic improvements in efficiency, with plans to scale up the process for industrial water treatment applications.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of solar cell that can self-repair like natural photosynthetic systems. The technology uses carbon nanotubes and DNA to continuously replace damaged dye molecules, mimicking nature's self-repair mechanism.
Researchers have found a finely tuned process that enables plants to adjust their genes to daylight patterns, shedding light on human responses to disrupted daily rhythms. This discovery could provide new insights into coping with jet lag and shift work.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered how sunscreens break down in sunlight, leading to an increase in contact allergy. The study has led to the development of a new test for photocontact allergy, which could help patients avoid substances that cause allergic reactions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found dew essential for plant growth in semi-arid zones like the Eastern Mediterranean. Dew provides moisture to plant leaves, enabling photosynthesis and growth during early morning hours.
Researchers create panels that can harness hygroelectricity, a phenomenon where water in the atmosphere picks up an electrical charge. This technology has the potential to provide renewable energy, especially in humid regions like the northeastern and southeastern US.
Researchers at MIT have created a novel set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity and spontaneously reassemble after degradation. The system, which includes carbon nanotubes and phospholipids, has an efficiency of around 40%, nearly double that of current commercial solar cells.
A new study shows that sunlight drives asteroids to split in two and move far apart, forming binary and divorced binaries. The research suggests that many of these binaries likely originated from asteroid fission, with smaller asteroids separating at low velocities.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists, led by Caltech's Nathan S. Lewis, will partner with institutions like Berkeley Lab to develop a method to produce fuels directly from sunlight. The goal is to simulate nature's photosynthetic apparatus for practical energy production.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists led by California Institute of Technology will receive funding to develop an integrated solar energy-to-chemical fuel conversion system. The goal is to produce fuels directly from sunlight, reducing dependence on oil and enhancing energy security.
A new study found that people tend to trust advice from advisors with disclosed conflicts of interest more than those without, leading to overestimation of property values. Despite the risks, transparency is still desirable when implemented correctly.
The new guidelines recommend daily supplements of 400 to 1000 IU for adults under 50 without osteoporosis, increasing to 800-2000 IU for those over 50. Canadians can safely take daily vitamin D supplements up to 2000 IU without medical supervision.
Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.
Researchers found an association between sun-sensitizing medications and the development of cortical cataract in a study of 4,926 individuals. The study suggests that increased UV-B exposure may be a critical factor in this link.
A genome-wide study has identified four common gene variants associated with blood levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals inheriting multiple risk-associated variants had more than twice the risk of vitamin D deficiency as those without these variants.
A new photoprotein, proteorhodopsin, allows marine bacteria to harness sunlight energy and survive periods of starvation. This process enhances their survival in nutrient-depleted ocean environments.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a novel method to mimic photosynthesis by splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen atoms using modified viruses as biological scaffolding. This process can be powered directly by sunlight, skipping intermediate steps, and shows fourfold improvement in efficiency.
Researchers create artificial leaf-like structures that can harness sunlight and water to produce hydrogen fuel, increasing activity by a factor of ten compared to commercial photo-catalysts. The 'Artificial Inorganic Leaf' (AIL) mimics natural leaves' structural features for improved light harvesting efficiency.
Researchers found that moderate levels of UV radiation reduced MS symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential link between sunlight and the disease. The study suggests that compounds produced in the skin may play a role in blocking autoimmune damage, paving the way for potential new treatments.
A new bio-based intelligent roof coating, developed from waste cooking oil, can automatically switch between reflecting and transmitting solar heat to reduce energy costs. The coating, tested on asphalt shingles, showed significant reductions in roof temperatures and potential savings in energy bills.
A large case-control study found that men with higher occupational sunlight exposure had a reduced risk of kidney cancer. Vitamin D, metabolized in the kidneys, may play a role in preventing some cancers.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a method to increase light-trapping in solar cells by using vertical arrays of silicon nanowires. This approach can potentially achieve higher efficiencies and lower costs, making it an attractive candidate for large-scale solar energy production.
A team of scientists from Caltech has created a new type of flexible solar cell that enhances the absorption of sunlight and efficiently converts its photons into electrons. The solar cell uses only a fraction of the expensive semiconductor materials required by conventional solar cells, making it potentially cheaper to produce.
Researchers developed a new approach to track mercury's movement through Arctic ecosystems using a 'fingerprint' method. The study confirmed mass-independent fractionation occurs during sunlight-driven reactions in snow, allowing for the estimation of mercury loss and retention.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a system to derive usable hydrogen fuel from water using only sunlight. The team will investigate artificial photosynthesis and use three modules to optimize the process. The goal is to create a clean energy source that can be used in fuel cells for cars, homes, or power plants.
The researchers aim to discover new materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and split water into clean hydrogen fuel, which could power cars and generate electricity. The project will focus on novel metal oxides as semiconductors, with the goal of creating cheap and abundant materials for sustainable energy production.
Researchers found a significant association between low sunlight exposure and cognitive impairment in depressed individuals. The study used NASA satellite data to measure sunlight exposure across the US, linking it to depression and cognitive function.
The report reveals widespread vitamin D deficiency across six regions, with severe consequences for health and fracture rates. Prevention strategies must be initiated at a national level to address the issue.
Scientists at Leiden University have successfully developed an artificial leaf that can convert sunlight into fuel and clean energy. The breakthrough, which is the first step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system, involves modifying chlorophyll molecules to resemble the efficient light antennae of bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new type of molecular nanomotor driven by photons that is simpler and more efficient than previous designs. The nanomotor uses a single molecule of DNA, making it biocompatible and potentially useful for medical devices.
The Arizona State University EFRC will pursue advanced research on solar energy conversion based on photosynthesis principles. The goal is to design a synthetic system that uses sunlight to convert water into hydrogen fuel and oxygen, providing a renewable source of clean energy.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found no clear association between depressive symptoms and vitamin D levels in blood. The researchers tested over 3,000 participants and recruited community residents aged 50-70 from China, discovering low levels of vitamin D may not be connected to depression.
A new NOAA study warns that injecting particles into the stratosphere could inadvertently decrease peak electricity generated by large solar power plants. This is due to the reduction of direct sunlight, which is crucial for these systems to function efficiently.
Researchers discovered that a deep-sea fish's tubular eyes can rotate within a transparent shield, allowing it to peer up at prey or focus forward to see its surroundings. This unique adaptation enables the 'barreleye' fish to capture small prey and navigate through the dark environment.