Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
Micro-cavity arrays, pioneered by Air Force research, utilize micro-plasmas for efficient and environmentally friendly lighting. The technology boasts high utilization efficiency, is fully dimmable, and has a high Color Rendering Index, approaching sunlight quality.
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a new type of solar panel using nano-antennas that can convert a broader spectrum of light into electric current. This technology has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs, making it a viable option for green energy.
A NASA-developed nanotech-based coating absorbs on average more than 99 percent of ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and far-infrared light, making it useful for suppressing stray light in space instruments. This material can help scientists gather hard-to-obtain measurements of distant objects without interference from background light.
Skin detects UVA radiation using a light-sensitive receptor found in eyes, leading to melanin production within hours. Researchers find that long-wavelength UVA light stimulates rhodopsin in melanocytes, triggering calcium signals and melanin accumulation.
Researchers have discovered that human skin can begin tanning in seconds after exposure to UV light, using a mechanism similar to the retina's detection of light. This early response provides rapid protection against UV damage and may impact sunscreen design.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths, enabling more efficient solar cells. The innovative trapezoid shape could be replicated in semiconducting materials to lead to thinner, lower-cost, and more efficient solar technology.
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 found that ultraviolet radiation from massive stars evaporated gas in intergalactic medium, clearing a narrow cone-shaped passage. This process helps explain why similar phenomena in other galaxies were difficult to detect.
Researchers found 15% of flares have a late phase with increased energy output. This discovery could improve predictions of space weather affecting Earth's communications and GPS signals.
A new process boosts mushroom vitamin D content by 700%, while preserving essential nutrients like C and B vitamins. The UVB light processing technology has no adverse effects on mushrooms.
Researchers at Syracuse University have developed tunable nano-suspensions capable of capturing specific wavelengths of sunlight, paving the way for improved solar energy efficiency and smart glass technologies. By manipulating the composition of the suspension, scientists can achieve optimal optical properties.
Researchers found significant variations in ionization energy along adenine's reaction pathways, challenging previous understanding and implications for spectroscopic measurements.
A study of 3,223 participants found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly in cases not exposed to UV radiation. Despite this association, the relationship between vitamin D and NMSC remains complex due to inconsistent evidence.
Researchers have discovered that certain grape extracts can protect human epidermis cells from UV radiation-induced cell damage and death. The study found that flavonoids in grapes inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to a protective effect against UV radiation.
Scientists at Ohio State University reveal the entire process of how an enzyme repairs sun-damaged DNA, contradicting previous notions. The discovery could lead to synthetic photolyase-based drugs or lotions that can heal sunburn in humans.
A UBC graduate student found that the mangrove fish's eyes have separate opsin genes for aerial and aquatic light, enabling adaptation to its environment. The study shows how gene duplication can lead to innovation in organisms.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to improve the resolution of high-speed e-beam lithography, making it more practical for mass production. By using a thinner resist layer and developing the resist with table salt, they were able to achieve resolutions down to nine nanometers.
Scientists find that honeysuckle extract improves UV-blocking ability of wool fabrics, providing significant potential as a natural UV-blocking agent for clothing. The extract remains effective after exposure to sunlight and laundering, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sunblocks.
Researchers have found that galaxies previously thought to be dead and devoid of star formation are actually still producing new stars. Using the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists observed individual young stars and clusters in four galaxies, revealing an average star-formation rate of one sun every 10,000 years.
Researchers discovered that reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and avoid predators. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh arctic environment where humans would be vulnerable to snow blindness.
Researchers at the Asian Institute of Technology successfully demonstrated the use of ZnO nanorods to remove microbes from water using visible light. The study found that the nanorods killed both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, offering a promising solution for water purification.
The USDA has developed a cutting-edge optical scanning system that uses two different kinds of lighting and a sophisticated camera to inspect fresh produce items. The system can detect defects and contaminants, such as cuts, bruises, and specks of fertilizer, in a single image.
Green UV sterilization uses LEDs to safely disinfect food and water without mercury. MEGa-rays enable precise detection of nuclear threats by penetrating through lead and thick containers. Researchers also develop a full 3D invisibility cloak in visible light.
Scientists discover a polymer-based material that can heal itself quickly and easily with the help of ultraviolet light, restoring its original properties. The material, called metallo-supramolecular polymers, has potential applications in coatings for consumer goods such as cars, floors, and furniture.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed soft, elastic gels that change color when exposed to UV light. The materials are made with a type of photochromic compound called spiropyran, which changes color in response to UV radiation.
A year-long study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers found a significant decline in native fish species density at Lake Tahoe since 1951. The team recommends establishing a management plan to protect the nearshore zone habitat critical to native fish populations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a tool that uses light to move and interact with individual molecules in living cells. This allows for greater control over cellular processes, enabling scientists to study the role of specific proteins and their interactions in cell behavior.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel method to study molecule reactions by isolating two molecules on a substrate and controlling their reaction with ultraviolet light. This breakthrough in organic chemistry has potential applications in improving the efficiency of solar cells.
The two-year project aims to improve the durability and lifetime of mirror-augmented photovoltaic systems. Researchers will test and qualify mirrors, PV modules, and MAPV systems to ensure reliable performance.
Scientists will launch two NASA sounding rockets to study the Whirlpool Galaxy and measure nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere. The launches are scheduled for January 26 and January 30, with researchers using ultraviolet instruments to capture images of distant galaxies and stars.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to reduce defects in gallium nitride (GaN) films used in LED lighting, increasing efficiency by a factor of two. The technique involves embedding voids in the film, which traps defects and prevents them from traveling through the material.
Researchers developed a new intense 13.5-nm light source using tin and lithium plasmas, which can reduce feature size by an order of magnitude, resolving the fundamental limit in semiconductor manufacturing. The technology has shown promising results, with tin plasmas producing twice as much emission as lithium plasmas.
Researchers found that UV light activates an enzyme called protein kinase D, which helps skin cancer cells survive and proliferate. This discovery suggests a new target for treating non-melanoma skin cancers, with potential benefits for the millions of people diagnosed annually in the US.
Researchers found that UV radiation levels varied substantially during winter months at high-altitude ski resorts, with clear skies, noon time, and deviation from the winter solstice being key predictors. Despite this, sun protection behaviors did not consistently increase with elevated UV levels.
Researchers developed a model to mimic the stickleback's visual system, allowing them to determine what 'colors' the fish see. The results show that females can assess the quantity of carotenoids in males' signals, which is linked to his parenting ability.
Researchers found that incorporating ultraviolet light into vacuuming can reduce surface microbes by 87 percent, nearly doubling the removal of potentially infectious microorganisms from carpets. Vacuuming alone reduced microbes by 78 percent.
A European team of astronomers has confirmed that the UDFy-38135539 galaxy is the most remote object identified so far in the Universe. By analyzing its light's redshift, they found that it was seen just 600 million years after the Big Bang, providing valuable insights into the era of reionisation and galaxy formation.
In laboratory tests, water fleas from clear-water alpine ponds in Washington state's Olympic Mountains survived UV rays better than those from murkier ponds. The fleas lack melanin, a protective pigment found in most animals.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for attaching phosphorus to organic compounds using ultraviolet light, eliminating the need for hazardous chlorine. The breakthrough could lead to more sustainable production of industrial chemicals and materials.
Astronomers discovered a cloud of hot water vapor around the old star IRC+10216 and suspected comets or dwarf planets were evaporating to produce it. However, Herschel's instruments revealed that ultraviolet light from surrounding stars is the actual source of the water, which forms closer to the star than comets can stably exist.
Astronomers measure velocity and composition of 'star guts' from nearby supernova Supernova 1987A using Hubble Space Telescope observations. The study reveals the deposition of energy and heavy elements into the host galaxy, including elements necessary for life on Earth.
Researchers at Indiana University have designed a molecule that binds chloride ions but can be compelled to release them in the presence of ultraviolet light. The 'light switch' properties of this foldamer could be valuable tools for biochemists, allowing them to adjust the availability of chloride in their experiments.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found a link between the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels and a temporary shrinking of Earth's outer atmosphere. The research suggests that the sun's magnetic cycle may vary more than previously thought, leading to dramatic fluctuations in atmospheric density.
A Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin. Foods such as olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients to protect against skin cancer, while regular sunscreen applications and protective clothing are also crucial.
Researchers at University of Rochester developed a unique light-controlled membrane that can block gas flow when ultraviolet light is applied and allow it to flow when purple light is used. This innovation has potential applications in controlled drug delivery and industrial processing tasks.
Researchers have witnessed how a key enzyme called photolyase works at the atomic level to repair sun-damaged DNA in a few billionths of a second. The discovery holds promise for future sunburn remedies and skin cancer prevention by allowing scientists to design drugs or lotions that heal sun damage.
Researchers found that beach umbrellas intercept direct sunlight but allow diffused ultraviolet radiation to pass through, with canvas having high absorption capacity. The study aims to improve understanding of skin cancer epidemiology and provide guidelines for UV protection.
A study comparing melanoma incidence in Florida to national estimates found that Hispanic men had a 20% higher rate, while female non-Hispanic black individuals had a 60% higher rate. In contrast, female Hispanic patients were 30% less likely to develop the disease.
Researchers at University of Arizona successfully created nitrogenated organic molecules in a laboratory setting that mimics Titan's atmosphere. The findings suggest that complex organic molecules could be present on Titan, potentially creating conditions conducive to life.
Researchers used ultra-short time measurement technology to test the assumption that electrons leave atoms immediately after photon impact. They found a small but measurable time delay of about twenty attoseconds, indicating electrons 'hesitate' before leaving.
Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.
Scientists add ultraviolet light to model prebiotic reaction and discover guanine can be formed at lower temperatures than previously reported. The discovery suggests that starting life on Earth might not have been as difficult as thought.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers suggests that the thick organic haze surrounding early Earth may have protected it from damaging ultraviolet radiation. The haze, composed of methane and nitrogen chemical byproducts, would have blocked UV light but allowed visible light to reach the surface. This finding has significant implicatio...
Researchers discovered a chain of molecular events that increase skin cancer risk, enabling doctors to assess genetic risk and develop new sunscreens. The study may lead to genetically tested sunscreens and personalized medicine for individuals carrying MC1R gene changes.
Charles Steidel receives the 2010 Cosmology Prize for his revolutionary studies of distant galaxies, opening a direct observational window to the universe's early age. His work has allowed us to witness the dramatic transformation galaxies undergo throughout their lives.
Researchers found that bumblebee populations with similar colors in the same environment did not have higher loss rates to predators. Instead, birds likely avoid all animals resembling a bumblebee to avoid the sting.
Despite decades of research suggesting UV radiation was a major contributor to amphibian declines, new findings reveal that natural water conditions and female behavior are more significant factors in protecting embryos from harm. Amphibians exhibit adaptations such as laying eggs in shaded areas when water clarity puts them at risk.
Researchers will present advances in laser cooling, 3D laser inscribing, and ultra-short light pulses at the CLEO/QELS conference. The Linac Coherent Light Source, producing short X-ray pulses millions of times brighter than others, has enabled scientists to probe matter at atomic scale.
A fish model experiment reverses an earlier finding linking early life UVA exposure to melanoma development. The study finds that UVB exposure is a significant cause of melanoma in the model, contradicting previous research. This new evidence sheds light on the role of UVA and UVB in skin cancer.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.