Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a spectacular ultraviolet galactic ring surrounding the spiral galaxy NGC 6782. The bright ring is made up of recently formed hot stars and marks a significant region of ongoing star formation. Astronomers believe that the unique shape of this ring may be linked to the presence of bars in galaxies.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered the chemical mechanism behind 'skunky beer' caused by light-sensitive hop compounds called isohumulones. These compounds break down into free radicals when exposed to light, producing a skunky thiol molecule with an extremely low taste and smell threshold.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a method to seal tiny plastic parts in medical devices, improving the flow of medicine and fluids through these devices. The technique, called resin-gas injection assisted bonding, alters the surface characteristics of the plastic to suit different medical applications.
Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can significantly reduce free radical generation and skin damage. Vitamin C was the most effective quencher, accumulating in the skin to neutralize free radicals.
Astronomers have detected the imprint of neutral atoms on light from a distant quasar, providing a glimpse into the early universe. The observation reveals that complex atoms such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and silicon were formed in the first stars and quasars, constraining the timing of the universe's reionization.
The discovery confirms the existence of an event horizon around the massive black hole Cygnus XR-1. The data shows chaotic fluctuations in ultraviolet light from swirling gas, consistent with theories of what scientists predict to see when matter falls close to the event horizon.
The tiny Sandia laser can generate white light, replacing gas-filled fluorescent tubes in offices and homes, with a lifespan of five to ten times longer. The technology also aids in detecting bioweapons and E. coli bacteria, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 350 million tons per year.
Scientists develop a method to precisely adjust nanopore sizes using ultraviolet light, enabling the creation of tunable zeolites for enhanced membrane-based oxygen-nitrogen separation. This technology has potential applications in sensor arrays, nanoreactors, and optical devices.
Scientists will study the effects of space vacuum and solar radiation on four specially selected microbes, including one known to survive high temperatures. The experiment aims to test the theory that microbial life once came to Earth on a meteorite from another planet.
Researchers discovered two molecular switches, Jnk1 and Jnk2, that stimulate programmed cell death in response to UV radiation. Disrupting these genes protects cells from lethal doses of UV light, providing a promising new therapy for diseases such as strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers create a new test method that detects nanometer-scale holes, free radicals, and cross-linking in paints, allowing for early detection of damage and more efficient development of durable paints. This breakthrough could lead to cost-effective solutions for bridge coatings and other applications.
An asteroid impact would cause catastrophic destruction and an impact winter, but a subsequent 'ultraviolet spring' could be even more devastating due to ozone depletion and acid rain. This period of intense UV radiation could lead to widespread DNA damage, mutations, cancer, and plant death.
Scientists confirmed the presence of oxygen VI in the galactic halo, indicating extremely high temperatures approaching half a million degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery provides strong evidence for supernovas pumping hot gas into the corona, supporting a long-held hypothesis about the galaxy's recycling process.
A new NASA satellite has provided unprecedented sensitivity to detect molecular hydrogen, the primary ingredient for star and planet formation. This discovery suggests that star formation proceeds similarly across various space environments, including nearby galaxies.
The TIMED spacecraft, designed and built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, will undergo final environmental testing at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center before its May 18 launch. The mission aims to study the sun's influence on Earth's Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere region.
Researchers at UB used a fluorescent probe to track the uptake of AN-152, a cancer drug linked to a peptide hormone carrier, by human breast-cancer cells. The study provides evidence that AN-152 directly enters cancer cells, accumulates in the nucleus and associates with chromosomes.
Scientists have discovered a highly error-prone DNA copying system in bacteria that causes genetic mutations under ultraviolet radiation. This 'sloppier copier' reveals how cells can intentionally introduce mistakes to survive and evolve.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a key component of the proteasome that plays a crucial role in DNA repair and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Deleting a part of this protein complex increases UV sensitivity, highlighting its involvement in repair mechanisms.
An international team of scientists identified regions on the Sun where the high speed solar wind originates using the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation spectrometer on SOHO. The research will lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's effect on Earth's space environment.
A team of astronomers led by Bo Reipurth and John Bally observed that ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars destroyed the cocoons of gas and dust surrounding young stars, revealing billions of miles long supersonic jets. The destruction has provided new insight into star birth and evolution, and may have implications for the ...
Researchers are studying the genetic mechanisms of Nostoc commune, a microorganism that can survive in dry conditions for hundreds or thousands of years. The goal is to understand how it protects itself from heat, desiccation, and UV radiation, with potential applications for stabilizing other living cells.
A small study found that meditation-based relaxation accelerated psoriasis clearing by 3.8 times compared to UV light therapy alone, potentially reducing treatment sessions and costs.
The robotic telescope successfully mapped the southern sky in hydrogen-alpha light for a two-year project to identify low-surface-brightness phenomena within our own galaxy. The data will help decontaminate measurements of the cosmic microwave background from galactic emissions.
Researchers found that ultraviolet light triggers a harmful chemical reaction in the skin, leading to premature aging and cancer. The study reveals that a natural component of human skin, previously thought to be a 'nature's sunscreen,' actually contributes to skin damage.
Scientists have discovered a cheap material that changes color in response to light, potentially revolutionizing energy-efficient windows. The material could regulate illumination levels, glare, heat gain and loss, making buildings use less energy.
A Yale University study confirms that UV-B radiation from the sun causes high rates of mortality and deformity in certain frog and amphibian species. Shielded embryos had significantly lower deformities and mortality rates compared to unshielded ones.
A team of researchers at Thomas Jefferson University has developed a transgenic mouse to study the causes and effects of photoaging on human skin. The mouse line enables scientists to learn more about how ultraviolet light rays cause skin aging and wrinkling, and how this can be prevented through better sunscreen formulations.
A team of scientists at NCAR has developed a new method to accurately quantify the total radiative output of the sun, including ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared wavelengths. This breakthrough will provide better information on the sun's influence on earth's climate and improve our understanding of solar variability.
Researchers have discovered a unique enzyme in an AIDS-related skin disease virus that protects it from ultraviolet radiation and the immune system. The enzyme, similar to human glutathione peroxidase, neutralizes caustic chemicals made by immune cells to fight infection.
Research by Stanford University finds that L.A. smog's filtering effect reduces both UV radiation and ozone levels, benefiting skin cancer prevention and respiratory health. The study identifies specific chemical compounds in smog as responsible for this phenomenon.
Astronomers have discovered a binary system featuring a dead white dwarf star orbiting an exotic neutron star with a mass 1.5 times that of the Sun. The neutron star's intense gravity is slowly consuming its companion, causing peaks in ultraviolet radiation every 11 minutes.
A University of Cincinnati biologist discovered a microbe that can repair its DNA with visible light, a process known as photoreactivation. This finding is significant for understanding how hyperthermophiles survive in geothermal habitats.