Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new silicon-based photodetector that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The device uses nanoparticles dispensed from silicon wafers, which efficiently couple with UV light and produce electrical current.
Researchers found plankton produce compound DMSP when stressed by UV radiation, leading to cloud formation and reduced direct light on the ocean surface. The study suggests plankton may impact global temperatures, with potential benefits in slowing climate change.
Research involving 14 young adults found that those who used tanning beds with artificial UV light experienced greater relaxation and lower tension compared to those without UV exposure. The study suggests that the release of endorphins in response to UV light may contribute to the reinforcing effects of tanning.
Researchers developed wireless nanocrystals that emit visible light by pumping them with a nearby quantum well, improving efficiency over traditional fluorescent bulbs. The process produces white light through varying the size of quantum dots, paving the way for more efficient white-light-emitting diodes.
Astronomers from Johns Hopkins University confirm the Cygnus Loop is closer to Earth than previously thought, with a distance of 1,860 light years. The new findings were obtained using the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite and provide an accurate starting point for understanding this important supernova remnant.
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.
Three outbreaks of injuries from damaged metal halide lamps in Middle Tennessee were reported, resulting in photokeratitis and UVR burns. The study found that even a single damaged bulb can cause severe symptoms, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention measures.
Researchers found that birds' photoreceptors can detect the Earth's magnetic field by sensing changes in light energy. This process involves specialized visual systems that allow animals to navigate using the magnetic compass. The discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms behind animal magnetism and its potential applications.
Researchers used the MIDI instrument in the VLTI Laboratory to study the central region of active galaxy NGC 1068. They confirmed the presence of a torus-shaped structure of gas and dust around the black hole, with a hot inner zone and a cooler outer region.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified Langerhans cells as the principal culprit behind graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplanted mice. Eliminating these cells using ultraviolet light reduced GVHD symptoms, offering a potential prevention method for transplant patients.
Phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea produce organic sulfur compounds as a defense mechanism against UV radiation, leading to increased cloudiness and mitigating global warming effects. The discovery provides new insights into the DMS-climate feedback hypothesis.
Researchers found zebrafish embryos are sensitive to mid-blastula transition in ionizing radiation, but unaffected by UV radiation prior to this stage. After the transition, UV radiation causes morphologic damage, while ionizing radiation damages DNA due to lack of repair mechanisms.
Birds in French Guiana have plumage that matches their environment, with colors similar to the canopy and understorey to avoid predators. Ultraviolet is used for conspicuous signals to select mates, with males displaying more patterns than females.
The SORCE satellite has been collecting long-term data on natural solar variation to determine the sun's role in global change. Accurate knowledge of solar variations is essential for understanding and predicting impacts on Earth's atmosphere and climate.
Research found that long-term PUVA treatment increases the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the skin of psoriasis patients, particularly those with a history of exposure. The study screened for HPV DNA in body hairs from 81 patients and found higher rates in patients with PUVA history compared to those without.
Physicists at NIST used a highly sophisticated spectrometer to measure light wavelengths, providing 10 times better resolution than similar instruments. This improvement is expected to help the semiconductor industry create smaller circuits.
Researchers used immersion lithography to create circuit lines and features at least as small as 45nm using 193nm equipment. This breakthrough allows manufacturers to create more powerful chips while extending the life of their current fabrication equipment.
Researchers tracked individual UVR dose patterns and sun exposure in a large cohort of Danish volunteers. They found that indoor workers were exposed to the least UVR, while gardeners received the most, and children's UVR exposure increased with age.
Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offer guidelines for preserving CDs and DVDs. Handling discs with care and storing them in a cool, dark environment can help extend their lifespan. A quick reference guide to the research group's findings is available on NIST's website.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a miniature detector using laser liftoff technique, enabling portable instruments for biologists and farmers to test crops for toxins. The device replaces bulky equipment with a centimeter-wide chip, reducing costs and increasing security.
Sunbeds' tanning properties come with a high risk of skin damage, including DNA mutations associated with malignant melanoma. Experts recommend restricting sunbed use to those over 18 years old and accelerate skin aging.
Researchers discovered that mantis shrimp use fluorescent markings to enhance signaling in deep, blue ocean waters. The stomatopod's characteristic spots fluoresce yellow-green to increase visibility in the dim light.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that by coating a nickel mesh with molecules of fat, they can control the amount of light passing through using heat. This phenomenon, known as surface plasmons, allows for precise control over light transmission, enabling new applications in optoelectronics and lab tests.
Researchers develop a lotion made from green tea polyphenols that can help prevent the formation of non-melanoma skin tumors and delay or block the skin's response to UV light. The treatment, designed for topical application after sun exposure, has shown promise in reducing the risk of skin cancer.
A study of over 6,900 US teens found that indoor tanning is a significant issue among white teenagers, particularly among girls and those from the Midwest and South. The study highlights the risks of skin cancer and premature aging associated with UV radiation, leading to the development of prevention messages.
Experts warn that taxing tanning may lead to increased use of indoor tanning beds among teens, who already receive too little UV light. The lack of proper sunscreen use is a major concern for public health.
The study finds that the decrease in atmospheric bromine is driven by a large decline in methyl bromide, which has more than offset increases from halons. Global industrial production of methyl bromide has declined due to restrictions on its use, contributing to a faster-than-expected recovery of stratospheric ozone.
The $18 million SALT Observatory is nearing completion and will feature the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The observatory's primary scientific instrument, a spectrograph, will break light down into its constituent wavelengths to study stars and galaxies outside of the Milky Way.
Scientists have confirmed a new target for treating skin cancer by identifying the JNK2 enzyme. When JNK2 is lacking, skin cells are inhibited or delayed in response to UVB light. This delay could lead to a reduction in nonmelanoma skin cancer development.
Research suggests that rodents' UV vision helps them detect fresh urine marks, improving localization and social organization. This adaptation may have driven the retention of UV vision in these animals.
Ouderkirk invented multilayer optical film technology, challenging Brewster's Law and revolutionizing optics. His invention has numerous applications in diverse fields like electronics, automotive, and medical imaging.
Researchers found that nitrogenous bases could protect primordial RNA from UV radiation, leading to a selective advantage and increased stability. This mechanism may have driven the origin of life on Earth, turning high UV levels into a key factor in the process.
A study by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) found that monarchs use their internal circadian clock to navigate towards Mexico. The researchers manipulated daily light cycles on butterflies in a flight simulator, showing that disrupted clocks hinder navigation.
Scientists have found that the DNA-repair enzyme functions uniquely in different organisms, with varying electron transfer pathways. This discovery may lead to the development of a novel enzyme for treating skin cancer in humans.
The new Advanced Disinfection Technology System uses ultraviolet radiation to eliminate molds, viruses, and bacteria in water. It improves the disinfection process by mixing water efficiently, reducing UV lamp fouling and increasing light penetration.
Researchers have discovered a specific molecular pathway within cells that becomes mutated by ultraviolet light exposure, accelerating melanoma development. The study's findings suggest a rational method for risk stratification and screening of atypical skin moles, which could help identify patients with high-risk profiles.
Researchers found that UV radiation triggers melanoma formation by dismantling the Rb pathway in skin pigment-producing cells. This discovery suggests a new way to distinguish cancerous moles from non-cancerous ones, potentially saving lives.
Researchers at JILA have developed a new waveguide structure that coaxes light waves into traveling along at the same speed, producing well-synchronized photons firing out of the system. The breakthrough enables electromagnetic radiation with peak powers approaching a megawatt and produces nanometer-scale light waves.
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive polymer switch that enables the reversible control of endoglucanase enzyme activity. The technique utilizes two light-sensitive polymers, DMAA and DMMAm, to block or unblock active sites on proteins.
Researchers found that dissolved organic matter protects most amphibian embryos from harmful levels of UV-B radiation in natural habitats. The studies suggest that the causes of amphibian population declines may be specific to each region and require a more nuanced approach.
Researchers create alloy of indium gallium nitride that corresponds to the entire solar spectrum, allowing for more efficient solar cells. The alloy's defect-tolerant properties hold promise for improved performance in solar cells.
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has recorded the Sun's influence on ozone and atmospheric gases over an 11-year solar cycle. The complete dataset provides key measurements toward understanding natural and man-made influences on ozone.
A team of UCSD researchers found that regular outbursts of ultraviolet radiation from massive stars may play a significant role in stirring up galaxies. The simulation study suggests that this radiation acts as an important regulation mechanism, inhibiting further star formation and regulating the galactic perturbations.
The UKIRT's new UIST instrument allows astronomers to study galaxies in exquisite detail using infrared spectroscopy and imaging. The instrument's 'image slicer' feature enables the creation of detailed spectra across complex objects, revolutionizing observations at UKIRT.
Researchers at Kansas State University have received a $1.4 million grant to develop semiconducter ultraviolet light sources, including LEDs and laser diodes, for detecting bioagents like anthrax. The team aims to create chip-scale and remote detecting devices that can be used in portable devices.
Researchers have developed a new DNA testing method using water-soluble conjugated polymers and peptide nucleic acid probes, which can detect specific DNA sequences at much lower concentrations. This approach significantly reduces the cost of diagnostics, especially in poorer countries where access to treatment is limited.
Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with skin proteins to create a brown glow. Newer sunscreens offer greater protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, including those developed by Craig Bonda, who found that adding DEHN to avobenzone extends its effectiveness.
Researchers found that increasing UVB levels in wetlands are associated with an increased frequency of frog malformations. The study suggests that UV radiation may be a significant contributor to the decline of amphibian populations, particularly in areas where ozone depletion and climate change reduce natural UV protection.
Researchers discovered that brightly colored and patterned spiny spiders in Australia are more effective at catching prey due to their vibrant colors. The spiders use their colors to mimic food sources like flowers, attracting visually oriented insects.
Researchers have discovered that electrons in conducting-insulating materials interact strongly when excited, allowing them to move between planes and exhibit metal-like behavior. The critical temperature for this change ranges from -100 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the material.
Richard Setlow, a Brookhaven Lab scientist, is being honored for his discovery of nucleotide excision repair and its application to understanding genetic diseases and cancer. His work has led to significant advancements in the field of environmental mutagenesis.
A Purdue University method estimates how much UV-B radiation people receive under different amounts of tree cover, affecting land use and skin cancer risk. The model suggests that even partial shade provides significant protection against skin cancer, with 90% tree-canopy coverage offering the equivalent of SPF 10 sunblock.
A recent study by Dr. Lidija Siller from Newcastle University suggests that water might be trapped beneath the surface of Mars' south polar ice cap, a key factor in the formation of life on the planet. The research involves studying photochemical reactions in ice and has potential implications for the detection of life on Mars.
Scientists at the NSLS have made significant discoveries, including the structure of anthrax's edema factor protein and a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. Researchers are also developing more efficient compounds to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and creating new methods for examining protein structures.
Researchers found that excessive ultraviolet radiation can harm plankton, which removes organic carbon from the ocean and contributes to the greenhouse effect. The study's findings have important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a novel device that detects ultraviolet light 10 times more efficiently than the Hubble Space Telescope. The innovative detector uses gallium nitride material to block visible and infrared light, allowing astronomers to study important objects in the universe for the first time.
A new method for producing ultraviolet (UV) light has been patented by Rutgers researchers, providing a more energy-efficient source with higher power and lower maintenance. The technology has broad industrial and commercial applications in the semiconductor, printing, and lighting industries.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a family of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles in various sizes and colors, which can be used for electronic displays, flash memories, and biomedical imaging. The particles are photostable and bright, allowing for non-invasive detection and study of biological phenomena.
A new study found that only a third of clothing items offer adequate protection against UV light, with many fabrics lacking even minimal levels of protection. The researchers suggest standardizing UV protection ratings for summer clothing to protect consumers from the damaging effects of UV light.
Researchers found that Antarctic plants can repair themselves after exposure to harmful UV radiation, with effective DNA repair mechanisms at low temperatures. However, the team expects a rise in temperature to lead to a shift in vegetation composition, with rapidly growing grasses and mosses replacing lichens.