Articles tagged with Ultraviolet Radiation
A KAUST-led team developed organic semiconductor-based photocatalysts to store solar energy as clean hydrogen fuel. These catalysts can absorb visible light and generate long-lived charges, improving efficiency for hydrogen evolution.
A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that NB-UVB phototherapy decreased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with no adverse events reported. The treatment was effective in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, with reduced pathologic inflammation and improved intracellular killing of pathogens.
Researchers at UC Riverside discover that adding iodide to a water treatment reactor using ultraviolet (UV) light and sulfite can destroy up to 90% of PFAS chemicals in just a few hours. This method accelerates the reaction four times, saving energy and chemicals, and enables the treatment of ten times higher concentrations of PFAS.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that blocking the enzyme polymerase reduces the virus's ability to multiply. This discovery exposes an Achilles' heel that could be targeted with a therapeutic. Polymerase is a key tool for DNA replication and repair, making the virus vulnerable to disruption.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a system that kills SARS-CoV-2 viruses using UVC light, with optimal results achieved between 260-280 nanometers. The study's findings provide a scientific basis for standardizing and regulating claims from manufacturers of UV disinfectant devices.
Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.
Researchers have developed a method to control the rotational states of chiral molecules, allowing for specific separation of enantiomers. By irradiating chiral molecules with UV radiation and microwaves, the team has gained more control over which 'hand' is in which state.
Researchers developed micro-sized machines utilizing swarming strategy for cargo delivery, outperforming single robots with efficiency of up to five times. The team created a swarm of cooperating robots that can divide workload and respond to risks, expanding potential uses for microrobots.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that increasing sun exposure in rehabilitation facilities can enhance health and recovery in green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis. Vitamin D levels increased significantly in turtles exposed to higher UV light, leading to less tumor regrowth and improved overall health.
A new study at the University of Bath found that a key ingredient is missing from all sunscreens, leaving skin vulnerable to damage. The researchers identified iron-trapping extracts that can improve protection against UV rays and oxidative stress, reducing the risk of aging and cancer.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...
Research reveals extracellular vesicles facilitate coordinated responses among pathogenic fungal cells, enabling them to overcome host defenses. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective therapies to combat fungal infections.
Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.
Researchers have discovered that UV-LED lights can inactivate coronaviruses and HIV within seconds, making them a promising tool for disinfecting public spaces. The study found that repeated exposure to UV light is key to catching virus particles, and the lights are easy to retrofit into existing fixtures.
Far-UVC light has been shown to be highly effective in reducing airborne microbes in a real room environment, with an equivalent air exchange rate exceeding 184 per hour. This technology could potentially prevent the next pandemic by making indoor places as safe as being outside on a breezy day.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.
A new study reveals that smoke from major wildfires can destroy atmospheric ozone in the Southern Hemisphere for months. Researchers warn that more frequent wildfires with a changing climate will lead to increased damage and exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.
Researchers from McGill University found that oxygen levels rose with complex eukaryotic ecosystems, indicating low oxygen was a significant limitation on evolution for billions of years. The discovery has implications for searching for biosignatures in other planets, focusing on ozone detection.
Researchers found that smart windows with dynamic tinting can completely disinfect surfaces within 24 hours, reducing bacterial growth rates and viability. In contrast, traditional windows with blinds blocked almost all daylight, promoting contamination on glass, plastic, and fabric surfaces.
Researchers develop small-molecule serial femtosecond crystallography, enabling precise analysis of complex materials. The technique reveals accurate atomic structures of previously unsolvable compounds.
Scientists at the University of Missouri study photodissociation reactions on the quantum level, revealing strong quantum effects that challenge classical 'billiard-ball' models. The research could lead to a better understanding of atmospheric chemistry and develop new theoretical frameworks.
Scientists from GIST developed a photoswitchable catalyst that deactivates upon UV light exposure, facilitating controlled chemical reactions. The research paves the way for sophisticated synthesis mechanisms in chemistry and applications like photolithography.
Researchers used a state-of-the-art climate model to find that the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface could have been underestimated, with UV levels being up to ten times higher. This challenges the long-held assumption that oxygen levels reached about one percent relative to present atmospheric levels.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found a lower risk of breast cancer among Puerto Rican women with greater sun exposure. Researchers believe this association may be linked to the production of vitamin D and its effects on inflammation and circadian rhythms.
A new UNSW Sydney-led study has finally confirmed the mechanism behind comet tails never being green. The team recreated the galactic chemical process in a vacuum chamber and used lasers to break apart dicarbon molecules, proving physicist Gerhard Herzberg's theory correct after 90 years.
Researchers analyze water molecules around protostars to confirm the presence of UV radiation in low-mass star-forming regions. They find that HCN and CN molecules are good indicators of UV radiation, with HCN being more sensitive to photodamage.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a self-detect solution to monitor CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms. The system uses a biosensor guide RNA and reporter protein to trigger the technology's reveal itself, enabling real-time detection of CRISPR activity.
A team led by Prof. Dr. Maria Hoflund developed a method to focus broadband XUV radiation with a high demagnification factor, enabling the creation of high-intensity XUV pulses with attosecond pulse duration.
Researchers conclude that nitrous oxide's effect on the ozone layer raises the social cost of this gas by 20 percent, impacting human health and plant life. Improving accuracy could spur nations to more aggressively address climate change and influence policy decisions.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a new production method for germanium-based photoinitiators, making them cheaper and more efficient. This enables their use in contact lenses, prostheses, and artificial human tissue, among other applications.
A new study finds that massive columns of smoke from a nuclear war would destroy much of the ozone layer over a 15-year period, with peak ozone loss averaging about 75% worldwide. This would lead to devastating effects on human health and food supplies, as well as terrestrial ecosystems.
A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.
Electrical engineers at Duke University have discovered a way to extend the use of chalcogenide glasses into the visible and ultraviolet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. By nanostructuring these materials, they can create high-order harmonic frequencies that enable transmission of light at previously inaccessible wavelengths.
A new study by Dr. Benjamin Byron demonstrates the ability of the Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project to determine the composition of lunar surface areas using far-UV light reflectance. This method normalizes surface maturity features, revealing a close correlation with composition maps from other regions.
A specific wavelength of Far ultraviolet-C light has been discovered that is both safe for humans and highly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This breakthrough could lead to affordable systems for reducing viral spread in crowded public spaces, complementing ventilation, mask wearing, and vaccination.
Researchers found that ambient UVB radiation before COVID-19 infection was strongly associated with reduced hospitalization and death. The study suggests that vitamin D may protect against severe COVID-19 disease and death, particularly in individuals who do not produce enough vitamin D through sun exposure.
Researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology synthesized elastic polymer films with versatile elongation and fracture properties using photo-modulus patterning. The films' Young's modulus can be controlled by post-preparation photo reaction, making them suitable for diverse applications.
Researchers found that UVB phototherapy increases levels of romantic passion and aggression in both men and women. Exposure to sunlight affects the endocrine system's regulation of sexual hormones.
Researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol found that banning CFCs preserved plant's ability to absorb CO2, preventing a further acceleration of climate change. The study predicts a 2.5°C rise in global temperatures without the ban, exceeding the 1.5°C limit seen as critical for avoiding climate damage.
Two new molecules have been found to prevent skin aging after being exposed to ultraviolet light, generating minute amounts of hydrogen sulfide to correct energy production and usage in skin cells. This could pave the way for a new way to protect deeper layers of skin using these compounds.
The NTU team created flexible UV light sensors that are 25 times more responsive and 330 times more sensitive than existing sensors. These sensors can be used in wearable devices to monitor personal UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
A comprehensive study of Lepidoptera's transparent wings reveals multiple approaches to achieve transparency, including the absence of scales and varying scale densities. The research suggests that transparency acts as ultimate camouflage, making butterflies less visible to predators.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a biochemical mechanism that can darken human skin, providing natural protection against UV-related cancers. The enzyme NNT plays a key role in melanin production and inhibition of this enzyme may lead to skin darkening and reduced risk of skin cancers.
Research from University of Exeter found that light pollution impacts moths' ability to see flower colours, while birds' vision is improved by artificial lighting. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to lighting, especially for nocturnal species like moths.
A research team from the University of Göttingen uses powerful laser irradiation to study electrical and magnetic properties on surfaces of transparent crystals. They successfully demonstrate control over high harmonic radiation, enabling the investigation of magnetisation at the surface of magnesium oxide.
Researchers analyzed 25 years of Antarctic data, finding that ozone levels near the ground have risen by up to 0.14 ppb per year, primarily driven by natural and human sources. This increase can have negative impacts on the region in the future due to ozone's ability to trap heat near Earth's surface.
Osaka University researchers develop a novel monolithic microcavity wavelength conversion device that converts infrared radiation into blue light, potentially leading to a safe and practical deep UV light source for sterilization and disinfection. The device achieves high reflectivity and efficient emission of second harmonic waves.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new class of hydrogels that can be controlled by light, enabling precise drug delivery and regenerative medicine treatments. The hydrogels are responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light, which has a higher penetration depth than other light sources, allowing for more effective therapy.
A recent study suggests that a massive Toba supervolcano eruption destroyed the ozone layer around 60,000 years ago, contributing to a significant bottleneck in the human population. The team found that the resulting UV stress had severe effects on human survival rates, including crop failures and disease.
An international research team, including the University of Jena, has developed a new method for studying atomic structures on material surfaces. The technique uses short-wavelength laser pulses to observe chemical reactions and interfaces at the atomic level.
Researchers developed an uncrackable combination of invisible ink and artificial intelligence to encrypt messages securely. Using a carbon nanoparticle-based invisible ink and AI algorithms, they achieved 100% accurate decryption with UV light exposure.
Researchers at MIT developed ChromoUpdate, a color-shifting 'programmable matter' system that can rapidly update images on object surfaces using UV light. This technology accelerates product development by enabling designers to churn through prototypes quickly and easily.
A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that UVC light can neutralize benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common ingredient in disinfectants, making them safer for humans and the environment. The treatment reduces BAK's toxicity and minimizes its harmful effects on skin and eyes.
Researchers at LMU München have used artificial laboratory evolution to identify mutations that enable cyanobacteria to tolerate high light levels. The team found that most of the beneficial mutations affected specific proteins, enabling cells to adapt to changing lighting conditions.
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the first-ever direct image of a giant exoplanet, PDS 70b, which is feeding off material surrounding its young star. The observations provide a unique look at radiation from extremely hot gas falling onto the planet, allowing scientists to estimate how fast it's gaining mass.
Researchers developed a new type of LED that reduces blue light emission, resulting in a warm white light similar to natural sunlight. The new phosphor compound minimizes the intensity across blue wavelengths, improving sleep quality and reducing eye troubles.
Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a method to exfoliate materials using UV light, achieving the world's fastest rate of 260 microseconds. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize photoactuator production and enable precise manipulation in areas inaccessible to traditional power sources.
A new NASA visualization reveals the hypnotic pas de deux of two orbiting black holes, distorting and redirecting light from their accretion disks. The system's unique features, including relativistic aberration and Doppler boosting, create striking images of each black hole.