Articles tagged with Sunlight
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.
Researchers propose using crop varieties with high solar reflectivity to reduce regional warming, equivalent to offsetting 20% of CO2 emissions. This approach is seen as a low-cost alternative to geoengineering and can help mitigate agricultural and health impacts of heat waves.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a method to genetically modify microalgae to produce hydrogen and hydrocarbons instead of sugar molecules. This modification allows for more efficient use of sunlight in the photosynthesis process, making it a potential alternative to traditional biofuels.
Researchers at Yale University have demonstrated a marriage of nanophotonics and nanomechanics, enabling extreme miniaturization of optics and mechanics on silicon chips. The photon force is strong enough to operate nanoscale machinery, paving the way for ultra-high speed and low power telecommunications.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new polymer that significantly improves sunlight absorption and conversion capabilities in solar cells. The silole-containing polymer can also be crystalline, making it suitable for high-efficiency solar cells, with the goal of reaching 10% efficiency.
A new method for overcoming two major hurdles facing solar energy has been discovered and demonstrated by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The antireflective coating boosts the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels, allowing them to absorb the entire solar spectrum from nearly any angle.
Researchers found that individuals with low antioxidant levels and high sunlight exposure are at a higher risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. The study also found that blue light exposure is associated with the development of early stages of AMD, especially in middle-aged individuals.
Research by Anthony Norman identifies vitamin D's potential contributions to good health in immune systems, insulin regulation, heart and blood pressure, muscle strength, brain activity, and reducing cancer risk. Adequate intake is essential for 36 organs, including bone marrow, prostate, and breast tissues.
Scientists at PNNL developed a way to reduce cloud-induced glare when satellites measure blue skies on cloudy days, allowing for more accurate estimates of sunlight penetration. The new approach improves visibility by as much as ten-fold in some cases, enabling better climate modeling.
ASU researchers designed a molecule that mimics nature's non-photochemical quenching process, regulating light intensity and converting sunlight into chemical energy. The molecule adapts to its environment, reducing the efficiency of energy conversion as light intensity increases.
Renowned chemist Harry Gray foresees a 10-year period of research and development to reduce the cost of solar energy, making it competitive with petroleum. The goal is to harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, providing a clean fuel source.
A team of scientists at the University of Essex has discovered a new mechanism that regulates carbon dioxide fixation in plants by slowing down sugar production when energy from sunlight is limited. This discovery increases our understanding of this process and may lead to the development of 'fourth generation' biofuels.
Researchers uncover the mechanism of photoprotection in plants, enabling them to convert excess light energy into harmless heat. This discovery could lead to more resilient crops and improved solar energy technology.
Scientists at VIB have discovered a new control system that helps plants cope with stress by containing energy consumption and mobilizing reserves. This finding may be valuable beyond plants, as the proteins involved are also found in mammals and could play a role in understanding disorders such as diabetes and cancer.
Researchers found a significant link between smoking and skin damage in non-facial areas, such as the inside of the upper arm. Smoking was associated with an increased degree of skin aging, with smokers showing more severe fine wrinkling than nonsmokers.
A new NASA study finds that Earth's 'sunscreen' of aerosols has declined since the early 1990s, which could have given a boost to global warming. The finding sheds light on recent climate change trends and may lead to improved understanding of the forces at work.
Researchers have created miniature lab ice spikes that resemble natural penitentes on glaciers, which could help block sunlight and slow melting. The study's findings suggest that adding a small layer of dirt to glacier surfaces may preserve them, providing a potential solution for global warming.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of symbiotic bacteria in giant clams living near hydrothermal vents, revealing a unique chemosynthetic process that allows them to thrive in dark depths. The bacteria fix carbon and produce nutrients for the clam, similar to how chloroplasts work in photosynthesis.
A recent study by NASA tracked aerosol sources and their impact on climate, finding that black carbon from Southeast Asian residential sources contributes significantly to Arctic warming. The researchers also discovered that biomass-burning aerosols produce cooling effects in the atmosphere, which partially offset greenhouse gas emissi...
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have determined the structure of photosystem II, a crucial step in photosynthesis. The discovery reveals the precise arrangement of manganese and oxygen atoms, which could lead to the development of artificial catalysts for regenerative hydrogen production.
Scientists at UCI found that forest fires can lead to cooling of the northern climate due to increased snow reflectivity. This study suggests that preventing boreal forest fires could have unintended consequences on global temperatures.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by 40-50% using non-crystalline silicon wafers. The discovery could result in several patents and give companies like PowerFilm Inc. a significant advantage in the market.
Researchers found evidence of reactive chlorine chemistry in surface air, estimating it creates 5-8 parts per billion of maximum daily ozone level. Chlorine levels fluctuate with little regularity and its cause remains unknown.
A team of NJIT solar physicists observed that the amount of light reflected by Earth has increased since 2000, despite less sunlight reaching the surface. The result is a paradoxical increase in global temperatures, which could be due to changes in cloud cover and altitude.
A study by PNNL found that China's air pollution has caused a decrease in cloud cover over the past 50 years, resulting in more frequent clear skies and reduced surface heat from sunshine. The likely culprit is a nine-fold increase in fossil fuel emissions, which have entrenched China in a foggy haze.
A study published by the University of Vermont suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more effective long-term treatment for SAD than light therapy. The study found that patients who received CBT showed comparable improvement to those who received light therapy, but with better long-term benefits.
Researchers found men with high sun exposure had half the risk of prostate cancer compared to those with low sun exposure. Men with certain gene variants showed a 65% reduced risk, suggesting sunlight helps reduce prostate cancer risk through vitamin D production.
A large-scale study found that frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, lamps, and solariums reduces the risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by 30-40%. Researchers analyzed responses from over 6,000 patients and healthy individuals in Sweden and Denmark.
Despite searching for large lakes and seas, no conclusive evidence of water has been found. However, the Spirit rover did uncover small amounts of water in rock samples. The team also took spectacular photographs of Martian landscapes, including 3-D images that provided valuable insights.
Researchers demonstrated the safety of combining MT-1 with UV-B light or sunlight to induce tanning in human subjects. The study showed that MT-1 can be safely administered with UV-B exposure, resulting in enhanced tanning without adverse effects.
Researchers say broad body of research shows UV-B radiation can cause severe damage to amphibian species from eggs to adults, including retinal damage and blindness. Amphibian declines are linked to multiple causes, but UV-B remains a significant concern.
A study found that prolonged sun exposure, especially in teens and 30s, increases the risk of age-related maculopathy. Wearing hats and sunglasses also reduces this risk by half.
A study found that the anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide triggered angiogenesis and increased pancreatic cancer cell growth in COX-2 negative tumor cells, but inhibited tumor growth in COX-2 positive cells. Researchers plan to test other COX-2 inhibitors for similar effects.
Researchers identify tar balls as a new form of carbon pollution that absorb sunlight and contribute to atmospheric heating. Unlike soot, which forms chains and clusters, tar balls are individual spheres without internal structure.
A study found that women taking high doses of vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D levels in the blood prior to onset of MS should be measured in future studies.
A significant revision of the daily recommended allowances for Vitamin D is needed to protect public health, according to Dr. Holick. Adults should aim for 1000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day through regular and moderate exposure to sunlight.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of three Prochlorococcus and one Synechococcus strains, revealing insights into their metabolic machinery and ecological niches. The discoveries may aid studies on global climate change and sustainable energy production.
New NASA research reveals that soot particles in the atmosphere absorb twice as much sunlight as previously estimated, contributing significantly to global warming. The study's findings are based on analysis of global atmospheric measurements and computer models.
Researchers discovered that triclosan, a common anti-bacterial agent, converts to dioxin when exposed to sunlight in river water. The conversion occurs between one percent and 12 percent of the triclosan present, producing a form of dioxin at least 150,000 times less toxic than its most dangerous form.
A University of California, Irvine study found that sea-salt chlorine reactions can raise ozone levels by up to 10% in Southern California smog. This could lead to increased pollution in coastal regions, with predicted ozone levels exceeding national standards on certain days.
Research suggests that sunlight influences brain serotonin activity, which is linked to seasonal mood changes and depression. The study's findings provide insight into the role of environmental factors in regulating mood disorders.
Researchers from the University of Groningen have developed a method to measure damage in zircon and determine sand sediment ages. Zircon grains that have been exposed to sunlight for long periods produce more light when heated, allowing for accurate dating.
Scientists found a unique microbial community in Idaho's Beverhead Mountains that thrives without sunlight, using hydrogen gas from deep Earth as an energy source. This discovery mirrors Martian subsurface chemistry and has implications for searching for life on Mars.
A new NASA satellite sensor and field experiment reveals that aerosols can both cool the surface and warm the atmosphere. By analyzing data from the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) campaign, scientists found a regional cooling effect of up to three times greater than the warming effect of greenhouse gases.
Researchers found that obese subjects showed an attenuated response to simulated sunlight, with serum vitamin D concentrations less than half those of lean individuals. Oral administration of vitamin D2 was more effective in raising serum concentrations, suggesting that obese individuals sequester vitamin D in body fat.
A new study suggests that cleaning up air pollution in China could increase crop production by up to one-third. Heavy regional haze scatters and absorbs solar radiation, reducing plant growth and food production. Researchers estimate that China loses around 10-30% of its crop production to haze.
Researchers found that organic particles increase cloud droplet formation, making clouds more reflective of sunlight. This results in a 20% increase in droplets and a 6% reduction in droplet size, leading to a 1% decrease in Earth's temperature, potentially offsetting climate warming effects
Researchers discovered rare molecular interactions between skin molecules and UV-A light that can cause photoaging. The study found that UV-A wavelengths lead to weak molecular transitions, raising oxygen molecule energy levels to a damaging state.
A Johns Hopkins study found that UV-B exposure from sunlight increases the risk of cortical cataracts in people of all ages and backgrounds. The researchers calculated a 10% increase in risk for every 0.01 'Maryland sun years' of exposure.