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Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Under some LED bulbs whites aren't 'whiter than white'

Researchers found that different LED light sources render white differently, affecting product appearance. Participants struggled to distinguish between cards under blue-pumped LEDs, highlighting the need for spectrum engineering to accurately render whiteness.

SourcePenn State·JournalLEUKOS The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America·DateApr 18, 2014

Bionic plants

Researchers embedded carbon nanotubes into chloroplasts to capture light energy by 30 percent. Plants were also modified to detect nitric oxide, a common environmental pollutant. This represents the first steps in launching plant nanobionics, a field that could turn plants into self-powered devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 16, 2014

Some racial disparities in childbirth more environmental than genetic

A new study investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes reveals that environmental factors are more likely to contribute to differences in preterm birth and low birth weight between African-Americans and whites. The findings suggest that addressing socioeconomic inequality and discrimination may be key to reducing these disparit...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 13, 2014

Swiss cheese crystal, or high-tech sponge?

Researchers at University at Buffalo have designed a new material called UBMOF-1, which can change the shape of its pores in response to ultraviolet light. This property makes it useful for applications like drug delivery and secure storage, where control over chemical compounds is crucial.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 27, 2014

3-D imaging provides window into living cells, no dye required

A new imaging technique called white-light diffraction tomography (WDT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of living cells without the need for dyes or chemicals. This allows researchers to study cellular processes and dynamics in a non-invasive manner, enabling unprecedented insights into cell function and behavior.

Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer

Researchers have identified a potent antioxidant called Tiron that provides complete protection against UVA radiation and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and sun-damaged skin. The study suggests that Tiron could be used to develop new skincare products or supplements, but further testing is needed.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2014

Defective nanotubes turned into light emitters

UPV/EHU researchers have developed a new source of light emitter based on defective boron nitride nanotubes, which can emit light across the whole spectrum from infrared to far ultraviolet and control it in a simple way. The device functions on the basis of natural defects in the nanotube, enabling controlled emission.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2013

Ultraviolet light to the extreme

Researchers have mapped and modeled EUV emission from a droplet-based plasma, uncovering a previously untapped source of extreme ultraviolet light. This discovery could improve the efficiency of semiconductor lithography, enabling the creation of smaller and more complex integrated circuits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 4, 2013

Naked jets of water make a better pollutant detector

Researchers developed a pollutant detector using a narrow stream of unconfined water, which acts as a waveguide to channel fluorescent light signals. The device was highly sensitive, detecting pollutant levels even lower than EPA standards and distinguishing between harmless and hazardous bacteria.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 3, 2013

Wagon-wheel pasta shape for better LED

Researchers at the University of Utah created a new organic molecule shaped like rotelle – wagon-wheel pasta – that depolarizes light, increasing LED efficiency. This breakthrough allows for more efficient OLED displays, promising longer battery life in smartphones and TVs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2013

Bright birds make good mothers

A three-year study found that female blue tits with brighter UV-reflectant crown feathers fledge more offspring than duller females, experiencing lower levels of stress hormones during arduous periods of chick rearing. This suggests that male choice of mate based on plumage color may be a wise strategy.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateAug 13, 2013

Purple sunlight eaters

A protein found in ancient microorganisms that live in desert salt flats has been combined with semiconducting nanoparticles to create a system that uses light to spark a catalytic process creating hydrogen fuel. This bio-assisted hybrid photocatalyst outperforms many other similar systems in hydrogen generation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 19, 2013

Solar splashdown

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.

Pioneering breakthrough of chemical nanoengineering to design drugs controlled by light

Researchers have synthesized peptides that change shape upon irradiation with light, allowing control of protein-protein interactions and endocytosis. These molecules have immediate applicability for studying cancer cells and developmental biology, paving the way for optopharmacology and personalized medicine.