Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that birds use a light-independent radical pair to detect the Earth's magnetic field lines. This finding indicates a special evolutionary adaptation in birds, as cryptochrome is used exclusively for light perception in other organisms.
A type of flatworm, Schmidtea mediterranea, can provide a new model for studying rare metabolic disorders like porphyrias. Prolonged exposure to sunlight triggers the production of light-activated molecules in its skin pigment cells, leading to depigmentation and potentially aiding in the development of new treatments.
Researchers at Kobe University have developed a metal-containing compound that transforms into a solid when exposed to light and returns to its original liquid form when heated. This substance has potential applications in photolithography technology and other fields, including printed circuits and 3D printing.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that automobile side windows have low levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A) light protection, with an average blockage rate of 71 percent. This is lower than the 96 percent blockage rate for front windshields, potentially contributing to increased rates of cataract and left-sided facial skin cancer.
Rice University researchers have developed a new photoreversible tool using photosynthetic bacterial proteins, allowing for faster and more precise control of gene expression
The study, published in Icarus, found that ferric chloride is the most likely substance causing UV absorption in Venus's atmosphere. Sulfur particles are no longer considered responsible for this effect.
Researchers have developed an oxygen-independent photo-switchable molecule that attacks tumor tissue without oxygen, reducing side effects of conventional photodynamic therapy. The molecule, GS-DProSw, has been tested successfully on animal models and shows promise as a potential anti-tumor agent.
Researchers found a previously unknown type of neuron called J-RGCs that signal color to the brain by comparing signals from ultraviolet cones and rods. This discovery may help explain why humans perceive the color blue in dim light, as proposed by Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.
A hospital-based study found carriers of MC1R variants were at higher risk of melanoma, regardless of sun exposure. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism underlying melanoma development.
A team of researchers, led by UC Riverside graduate student Irene Shivaei, used a combination of near-infrared spectrometer and infrared images to study 17 bright distant galaxies. They compared various observables, including ultraviolet light, infrared light, and nebular emission lines, to estimate the star-formation rate. The study i...
Researchers found that Common Bluebottles have 15 photoreceptor classes, one for each wavelength of light, allowing them to distinguish millions of colors. This discovery reveals a unique system in butterfly vision, where four classes are used for routine color vision and eleven others detect specific stimuli.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new graphene material with enhanced light absorption, enabling applications such as 'smart wallpaper' that can generate electricity from waste light or heat. The technology uses nanotexturing to localise light into narrow spaces, increasing light absorption by 90%.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new scheme using plasmonics to control infrared plasmons, enabling fast transmission of massive data. By modulating light signals in the near-infrared wavelength region, they can potentially switch signals in optical fibers with high speeds.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that release a drug when exposed to near-infrared light, potentially reducing side effects of tumor treatments. The on-demand delivery system also enables agents for imaging and diagnostics, offering a promising approach to targeted medicine.
A special metal oxide glass created by researchers in China can effectively protect living cells and organic dyes from UV radiation damage. The glass uses self-limited nanocrystallization to block damaging ultraviolet rays and has high optical transparency.
Scientists have discovered a way to create BioLEDs using luminescent proteins in rubber, producing white light at a lower cost and with greater stability than traditional LEDs. The technology has the potential to replace expensive and scarce materials used in white LEDs.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created miniature 'flasks' that can accelerate chemical reactions by trapping molecules in a highly selective manner. The dynamic and reversible clusters can be reused multiple times, making them useful for applications such as drug delivery and industrial manufacturing.
Researchers found that Rudolph's luminescent nose is effective as a fog light due to its maximum level of redness visible to mammals. However, excessive heat loss poses a risk to Rudolph's hypothermia, highlighting the importance of high-calorie foods.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that can use direct uptake of electrons from an electrode to fuel its metabolic pathway. This finding suggests the existence of electro-ecosystems, where microorganisms sustain life by electrical current, not relying on inorganic substances or light.
The FORTIS sounding rocket will study the properties of galaxy NGC 1365, also known as the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy. Scientists aim to quantify how much material is flowing in and out of the galaxy by analyzing light emitted and absorbed by different types of hydrogen.
A team of scientists has discovered a way to control ultraviolet light emission from a complex oxide material by adding a water molecule to its surface. This discovery enables the potential for improving chemical sensors, computing, and information storage.
Researchers identified the orbital partner parasitized by a blue straggler, a star that appears younger and brighter than expected. The study expands our understanding of binary star systems, bringing 25% of all stars into the fold of stellar evolution.
A team of researchers from Lehigh University and partners studied self-assembled complexes of DNA wrapped around single-wall carbon nanotubes using two-color photoluminescence spectroscopy. They confirmed a fast DNA autoionization rate and demonstrated that DNA holds the nanotube in water without changing its properties.
Using a novel microscope that combines standard through-the-lens viewing with scatterfield imaging, NIST team accurately measures patterned features on a silicon wafer as small as 16 nanometers wide. The technique reveals variations in feature dimensions amounting to differences of a few atoms.
The researchers built single-molecule submersibles powered by ultraviolet light, achieving speeds of less than 1 inch per second but exceeding expectations for molecular motion. The study shows an enhancement in diffusion of 26 percent, outperforming Brownian motion.
A new nanoparticle with onion-like layers converts low-energy near-infrared light to higher energy blue and UV light with record-high efficiency. This innovation enables improved performance in technologies such as deep-tissue imaging, security inks for printing money, and bioimaging.
Swift has detected over 1,000 gamma-ray bursts, providing valuable insights into extreme physical processes. The most distant GRB recorded by Swift is from over 12 billion years ago, offering new opportunities to investigate how these events are distributed across space and time.
The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new adhesive material inspired by spider glue, with potential applications in creating environmentally non-toxic and energy-conserving products. The study revealed that ultraviolet rays play an important role in the performance of spider glue.
The discovery of over 250 dwarf galaxies at z=6-8 provides strong evidence that faint dwarf galaxies were responsible for cosmic reionization. The team's analysis determined that the smallest and most abundant galaxies in the study were vital to the process.
Scientists at Penn State and University of Chicago discovered a new way to use light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits on topological insulators, allowing for non-invasive and faster experimentation. The technique uses ultraviolet and bright red light to manipulate the electronic properties of these materials.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Pennsylvania State University have discovered a method to 'paint' quantum electronic circuits using beams of light, allowing for rewritable devices without nanofabrication. This breakthrough enables faster and easier experimentation with fragile quantum materials.
Scientists have successfully recorded electron orbitals of molecules in all three dimensions using photoelectron spectroscopy. This breakthrough provides long-sought proof of the orbital concept and reveals new physical insights into the underlying photoelectric effect.
Researchers at EPFL have created a groundbreaking DNA stain called SiR-Hoechst, which enables the safe imaging of living cells for extended periods. This innovation allows biologists to track biological processes such as cell division in real-time, paving the way for further breakthroughs in bioimaging.
Researchers have created a new class of molecular motors that rotate unidirectionally at speeds of up to 1 kHz when exposed to sunlight at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the development of more versatile and precise nanomachines with unprecedented control over mechanical motion.
Researchers at OIST have developed a method to increase efficiency of THz emission in gallium arsenide-based devices using femtosecond-laser-ablation. This technique improves the material's properties, leading to near 100% photon absorption and broader absorption bandwidth.
A new study reveals that solar activity affects the development of large-scale pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, influencing long-term climate predictions. The researchers found a time lag between solar irradiance and atmospheric pressure patterns, which can be used to improve predictability of decadal climate variability.
A team of Caltech researchers detects a galaxy called EGS8p7, which is more than 13.2 billion years old, making it the farthest galaxy ever found. The detection challenges our understanding of the universe's evolution, particularly reionization.
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that sea sapphires' colorful appearance is caused by photonic crystals, which enable them to control their visibility. The researchers found that the spacing between the crystal plates determines the color and can be adjusted to make the creature appear invisible or visible
Researchers have developed a light-activated switch that enables precise control of NMDA receptors, which are crucial for forming and storing memories. This tool promises to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
Researchers in China have developed tiny nanocrystals that can specifically target and identify cancer cells, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The nanocrystals, made from heavy metals lanthanum and europium, can be used as 'staining' agents to highlight diseased cells under a microscope.
University at Buffalo chemist Jason Benedict is investigating why light-activated MOF crystals lose their sponging capabilities over time. He hopes his research will provide insight into how scientists can extend the crystals' lives and utilize them for future high-tech applications.
Researchers discovered that photoaging can be reversed by understanding how UV radiation affects skin fibers. Polina Mamoshina's study using Geroscope software platform analyzed pathway dysregulation in chronologically-aged and photoaged skin.
Scientists created a novel sunscreen from algae's natural molecules, combined with chitosan, to protect against UV rays. The material is biocompatible, heat-stable, and absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation with high efficiency.
Researchers at Washington State University have found that UVC light can effectively inactivate up to 99.9% of foodborne pathogens on apples and pears, but listeria was more resistant. The technology is simple to implement and inexpensive, making it a promising solution for organic fruit processors.
Researchers discovered that female stink bugs change the color of their eggs depending on the surrounding light environment. The darker-colored eggs, which are not darkened by melanin but a previously unknown pigment, offer protection against UV radiation when laid on top of leaves.
A team of astronomers using ALMA has detected the faint glow of ionised carbon in a galaxy just over 800 million years after the Big Bang. This finding reveals new details about the assembly of galaxies in the early universe and provides valuable information on the interstellar medium and star formation processes.
Light-based technologies using UV, pulsed light, and LED lights show promise in improving food safety and longevity by breaking down bacterial cells and eliminating microorganisms. However, more research is needed to understand penetration depth and ensure effective use.
Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.
Scientists measured the absorption of different wavelengths of light in Venus' atmosphere, revealing clues about its composition and temperature. This research will help improve studies of exoplanets and future missions to Venus.
Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.
Researchers developed computer models to examine how ultraviolet radiation from nearby suns affects Earth-like planets' biological intricacies. The models simulate four epochs of Earth's history, revealing the impact of UV radiation on the origin of life.
Researchers found that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation improved vitamin D status and reduced HIV-1 infection in individuals with winter deficiency. The study also showed that vitamin D's impact on the immune system can attenuate HIV-1 replication.
Researchers have identified and corrected defects in diseased cells, restoring normal activity in Cockayne syndrome patients. The study reveals the role of an enzyme, HTRA3 protease, in mitochondrial defects that contribute to premature aging. Therapeutic strategies using HTRA3 inhibitors or antioxidants may soon be tested in patients.
A team of Caltech astronomers detected a Type Ia supernova in nearby galaxy IC831, providing evidence for the single-degenerate model. The data suggest that the white dwarf's powerful gravity pulls material from the companion star, leading to a runaway nuclear reaction.
A calibration mission on a Terrier-Black Brant suborbital sounding rocket will help calibrate the EVE instrument on NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The mission aims to measure the total energy output of the sun in extreme ultraviolet light waves and track changes over time.
Kobe University has developed a mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source for medical applications, which can deliver high-intensity radiation to only the affected area, reducing treatment time and patients' stress. The technology uses plasma excitation similar to plasma televisions and is expected to begin sales in October 2015.
Researchers have discovered a new material that combines light-emitting capabilities with shape-shifting characteristics. The material, known as organic 'supercooled' liquid, has potential applications in optical storage systems and biomedical sensors.
Researchers from Oregon State University found zebrafish produce a chemical called gadusol to protect against UV radiation. Gadusol's successful production in yeast opens the door to large-scale commercialization.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a superhydrophobic glass coating that can be customized to repel water, fog, and dirt, while also suppressing light reflection from glass surfaces. The coating has potential applications in solar panels, lenses, optical instruments, and other products.