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High-speed proton transaction

Researchers at DESY reveal the rapid proton transaction process between urea molecules, which could have led to RNA molecule formation billions of years ago. The experiment demonstrates the importance of studying molecular processes in aqueous environments for understanding biological phenomena.

Metal-poor stars are more life-friendly

Researchers found that metal-poor stars, with fewer heavy elements, emit less intense ultraviolet radiation into space. This allows their planets to form a protective ozone layer, making conditions more life-friendly. The study suggests that as the universe ages, it becomes increasingly unfavourable for complex life on new planets.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 18, 2023

Ultra-fast light at the end of the vacuum tunnel: Meta-optics shows physical processes in the attosecond range

A new type of meta-optics, developed at Harvard, has been successfully tested at Graz University of Technology, allowing the observation of ultra-fast physical processes. The lens uses extreme ultraviolet radiation to track charge carriers in space and time, enabling optimization of modern transistors and optoelectronic circuits.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2023

Hubble finds Saturn's rings heating its atmosphere

Astronomers have found that Saturn's vast ring system is heating the giant planet's upper atmosphere, a phenomenon that could provide insights into the atmospheres of distant worlds. The discovery was made using archival ultraviolet-light observations from four space missions, including Hubble and Cassini.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2023

Study shows promising results in using the sun's ultraviolet rays to decontaminate water at high altitudes

Researchers found that solar water disinfection (SODIS) was effective in inactivating Escherichia coli bacteria at both low and high altitudes. At high altitudes, bacterial inactivation increased by 1.7-fold after two hours, with no significant differences after six hours. The study highlights the potential of SODIS to improve global a...

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Red at first sight but these mites are alright

A study by researchers from Hosei University and Kyoto University found that the red velvet mite's bright red pigment is primarily composed of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. This high concentration of antioxidants helps protect the mites from harsh environments caused by UV radiation and heat.

SourceHosei University·JournalExperimental and Applied Acarology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Highly transparent electrodes for deep-UV light emitting diode applications

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new electrode material for deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode applications, combining excellent electrical conductivity with unprecedented transparency. The new electrodes promise to impact industry by enabling more efficient and compact light sources for sterilization p...

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJan 21, 2023

Sunlight pulps the plastic soup

Experiments show that UV light from the sun breaks down plastics on the ocean surface, turning them into smaller, invisible nanoplastic particles. This process could account for a substantial amount of the 'Missing Plastic Paradox', where plastic waste in the ocean is only a fraction of what has been littered.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Milestone for laser technology

A team of researchers from Synchrotron SOLEIL, France, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany, has successfully demonstrated a free-electron laser driven by plasma acceleration and seeded by additional light pulses. This achievement could lead to the development of more compact and affordable FEL systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Grape consumption helps counter UV damage to skin

A recent human study published in Antioxidants found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. The study showed increased resistance to sunburn and unique microbiomic and metabolomic profiles in subjects who consumed whole grape powder, suggesting a correlation between the gut and skin.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalAntioxidants·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Fast burst of infrared light opens a way for 3D processing inside semiconductor chips

Researchers from LP3 Laboratory developed a light-based technique for local material processing in three-dimensional space of semiconductor chips. They successfully fabricated embedded structures inside Si and GaAs materials, which cannot be 3D processed with conventional ultrafast lasers.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 7, 2022

Control hub for skin inflammation discovered

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway that triggers inflammatory responses in the skin after UV damage. This pathway involves the activation of p38 molecularly modifying NLRP1, a critical switch for inflammation, and initiates the assembly of inflammasomes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 2, 2022

New study finds ways to improve light absorption in perovskite/si tandem solar cells

A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 22, 2022

Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications

Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Climate data can help model the spread of COVID-19

A new study finds that climate data, particularly UV radiation levels, can help accurately model the spread of COVID-19. The research analyzed data from 196 countries and found that high UV radiation levels are strongly associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2022

Rare-earth-based lasing in multiple bands simultaneously

Researchers successfully demonstrate room-temperature multiband microlasers spanning a large wavelength range using rare earth elements. The lasing process combines downshifting and upconversion, expanding the emission wavelength range. The resulting microlasers exhibit good intensity stability and are suitable for practical applications.

Towards higher nanopatterning resolution with molecules that fill nanogaps better

A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNanomaterials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

Novel non-contact oxygen concentration measurement technique developed by Pusan National University researchers

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel method to measure oxygen concentration in high-temperature environments without physical contact. The method uses a phosphorescent material that varies its phosphorescence depending on the surrounding oxygen concentration.

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

Take the burn out of sunscreen testing: Experts

Researchers propose a roadmap for developing reproducible human-free sunscreen testing, reducing ethical concerns and increasing innovation in sunscreen development. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and Cancer Council Victoria support the shift, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and prevention.

SourceRMIT University·JournalTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 14, 2022