Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
Researchers tested 17 light units from 16 salons to assess the risk of cancer from UV nail salon lamps. The study found that higher-wattage lights emitted more UV-A radiation, but brief exposure after a manicure required multiple visits for potential DNA damage.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new tool to investigate the chemistry of nature using ultrashort laser pulses. The tool allows for insights into electronic and structural dynamics of molecules and molecular complexes, revealing mechanisms of molecular processes on subpicosecond timescales.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a dual-catalyst technique using sunlight to control the 'handedness' of product molecules, overcoming UV's limitations. This breakthrough enables easier synthesis of complex chemicals with well-defined chirality.
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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that indoor rabbits can develop a vitamin D deficiency due to lack of UVB radiation exposure. This deficiency can lead to various health problems, including dental issues and weakened immune systems.
Topological insulators exhibit metallic conducting states at their surface, with electron spin playing a crucial role. Researchers have discovered that light can systematically manipulate the spin of electrons in these materials, opening up new possibilities for optospintronic devices.
Scientists create peptide mimetic that can be controlled by light, increasing antimicrobial effect and reducing side effects. The development opens new options for treating local bacterial infections and may lead to new agents against cancer.
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.
A room-temperature graphene light detector has been developed that can sense the full infrared spectrum without bulky cooling equipment. This technology could enable heat vision technology in contact lenses and expand vision capabilities.
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...
A new compound called DENAQ has been found to restore light perception in blind mice by conferring sensitivity on ganglion cells. The treatment, which requires only a single injection, shows promise as a potential vision-restoring drug, but further testing is needed for safety and efficacy
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a new way psoralen works to kill tumor cells, including a direct anti-tumor effect on HER2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Psoralen blocks the signaling pathway of the HER2 receptor, shutting down uncontrolled cell growth and leading to aggressive cancer.
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.
Astronomers plan observations of supernova SN 2014J with NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions. The event provides an opportunity to study how interstellar dust affects its light.
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.
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.
Astronomers are studying the newly formed stars in M83 using citizen science project STAR DATE: M83. The project aims to estimate ages for approximately 3000 star clusters. Citizen scientists analyze the image to identify objects such as supernova remnants and foreground stars, shedding light on stellar birth and death.
A team of scientists led by UC Riverside astronomers used Hubble to discover 58 young, diminutive galaxies in ultraviolet light, which are 100 times more numerous and 100 times fainter than detected galaxies. These 'unseen' galaxies formed most new stars during the universe's early years.
A study by UC San Diego researchers has mapped the complex genetic interactions underlying cellular response to UV radiation, revealing links between chromatin structure remodeling and efficient repair. The findings provide new insights into DNA damage caused by UV radiation and its role in skin cancer.
A new mouse strain has been developed to evaluate age-promoting compounds, including UV light and cigarette smoke. These findings demonstrate that UV light and cigarette smoke exposure increase p16INK4 expression, a key marker of aging.
A new study reveals that even low levels of daily UVA1 exposure can cause skin damage and premature aging. Researchers found that just two daily exposures can start the skin-aging process, highlighting the need for better sunscreens to protect against these damaging rays.
A NASA sounding rocket called VeSpR is scheduled to launch on Nov. 25 to probe Venus' atmosphere and investigate the planet's water history. The mission aims to determine whether rivers once flowed on Venus and if the planet had ice.
A team at the University of Geneva has generated a transgenic plant that constantly detects and responds to UV-B rays, producing high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. This plant is equipped with an UVR8 mutated receptor, which remains active even without UV exposure.
Researchers discovered that the SLC24A5 gene plays a crucial role in skin pigmentation variation among South Asians. The study found evidence of positive selection for this gene in North India but not in South India, highlighting an intriguing interplay between natural selection and demographic history.
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.
Researchers found that reindeer eyes change color in response to seasonal changes in light levels, from gold in summer to blue in winter. This adaptation helps them see better in the limited light of winter, increasing their sensitivity to detect moving predators.
A unique South African plant, Lithops, has been found to adapt to extreme conditions by optimizing its photosynthesis and water loss. Researchers discovered local differences in surface adaptations and physiological mechanisms that allow the plant to thrive in dry environments.
Researchers have fabricated an optimal organic solar cell with high transparency and efficiency, promising affordable, clean renewable energies. The cells can be integrated into buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing towards a greener environment.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers suggests that narrow-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light could dramatically reduce surgical wound infections. The researchers found that 207-nm UV light was as effective at killing MRSA bacteria as a conventional UV lamp, but resulted in less damage to human skin cells.
Researchers developed a new photodiode that can detect the entire range of UVC light while remaining insensitive to visible light from the sun. This device is solar blind and has minimal dark current, making it useful for tracking ozone depletion and communication in space.
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.
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.
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.
The Sunrise mission revealed complex patterns in the chromosphere, including dark regions and bright points thought to be magnetic flux tubes. The ultraviolet radiation from the chromosphere is highly suitable for visualizing detailed structures and processes.
Researchers found that a less reactive form of titanium dioxide, rutile, is easier to wash off and causes less skin damage than the more common anatase form. This discovery aims to produce safer cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new kind of ultraviolet LED that emits light at specific wavelengths, making it suitable for commercial applications such as chemical detection, disinfection, and UV curing. The device runs on lower voltages than existing methods, making it more compact and potentially cost-effective.
Astronomers observe a unique protostar, IRAS 20324+4057, shaped like a cosmic caterpillar due to intense ultraviolet radiation. The star is still collecting material from its surrounding gas envelope, which is being eroded by nearby stars.
A team of astronomers has developed a new type of telescope camera that makes higher resolution images than ever before, capturing details as small as 0.02 arcseconds across. The new technology has enabled the observation of planetary formation processes and addressed longstanding questions about how planets form.
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.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed solar cells that can restore their effectiveness after degradation due to ultraviolet rays. The device uses a microfluidic regeneration system, mimicking the branching networks found in nature, to replenish photoactive molecules and maintain performance.
CSIRO and Larissa Bright Australia develop world's first coral-based sunscreen filters offering unparalleled UVA/UVB resistance. The breakthrough technology has the potential to set a new standard in broad-spectrum sunscreens, providing clear, colourless protection for consumers worldwide.
The IRIS mission provides state-of-the-art observations of the interface region, revealing fine structures and energy transport mechanisms. The data will help scientists understand how the sun's lower atmosphere powers solar events and impacts Earth's climate.
A team of astrophysicists discovered the extent to which quasars and black holes shape their galaxies. They found that quasar radiation can illuminate gas up to a galaxy's boundaries, influencing star formation and galaxy growth. The study uses observations from the Southern African Large Telescope and NASA's WISE space telescope.
A recent study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor sleep quality accelerates signs of skin aging and weakens the skin's ability to repair itself. The study involved 60 pre-menopausal women and showed increased fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and reduced elasticity in poor quality sleepers.
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.
Research led by Aomawa Shields found that planets orbiting cool stars absorb near-infrared light, warming the planet. In contrast, hotter stars' visible light is reflected by ice, cooling the planet. This interaction affects planetary habitability and may prioritize planets around cooler stars for life detection.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed the thinnest absorber of visible light, using gold nanodots to absorb almost 100% of reddish-orange light. The technology could lead to improved solar cell efficiency and reduced material costs.
A new Anagnorisma moth species was found in Iran's Binaloud Mountain, with a wingspan of 34-35 mm and characteristics similar to its sister species A. eucratides from eastern Afghanistan. The study provides insights into the diversity of Noctuidae moths in the region.
Researchers find that debris disks can produce narrow rings on their own, without the presence of a planet. Gas and dust interactions lead to clumping and pattern formation, making it harder for astronomers to detect planets.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that basketballs and volleyballs can carry dangerous germs like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. The germ was able to survive on sports balls for up to 72 hours, even in stored conditions.
Researchers measured vitamin D levels in the US population and found they peak in August and trough in February. This seasonal variation may help explain the role of vitamin D in seasonal illnesses such as the flu.
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.
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.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed nano-volcanoes that can store precise amounts of materials and control the release of drugs. The structures are created by shining light through a nanoscale 'crystal ball', allowing for precise control over their shape and size.
IRIS aims to unravel the interface region by providing high-resolution images and spectrograph data, revealing structures like giant jets that affect the solar wind and Earth's climate. The mission will utilize advanced computing to interpret the light flowing out of this region.
A new approach using low irradiance ultra-violet (UV) light has been developed to slow down the rot of strawberries, doubling their shelf life from five to nine days. This technology uses a novel device incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit UV at wavelengths found in sunlight.
NASA's Swift satellite has created the most detailed ultraviolet light surveys of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two closest major galaxies. The new images reveal about 1 million ultraviolet sources in the LMC and about 250,000 in the SMC.
The Ring Nebula's true shape has been revealed by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, showing a more complex structure than previously thought. The new observations have allowed researchers to construct the most precise 3-D model of the nebula, revealing details such as a blue, football-shaped structure and dark, irregular knots of dense gas.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that UVA induces progerin protein, accelerating skin aging, linked to genetic and environmental factors. Long-term exposure to UVA rays, particularly from tanning beds, accelerates photoaging by causing alternative splicing of the LaminA gene pre-mRNA.