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A new dye shakes up solar cells

Researchers have developed a new dye called MS5 that significantly enhances the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are already being manufactured on a large scale. The new dye produces an open-circuit voltage of 1.24 Volts and achieves a power conversion efficiency of 13.5%, surpassing previous records in the field.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

Experiences of underrepresented graduate students in STEM

Research on chemistry PhD students reveals women from historically marginalized groups have fewer positive interactions with advisors and less financial support. Despite this, students from underrepresented groups are more likely to express commitment to scholastic goals when supported by faculty members from similar backgrounds.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Airdropping sensors from moths

University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

Highly sensitive dopamine detector uses 2D materials

A supersensitive dopamine detector developed using 2D materials can help diagnose disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The detector is low-cost, flexible, and can detect dopamine in real-time, making it a promising tool for non-invasive monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

Gut feelings can be good for us

A study led by Jennifer Todd at Anglia Ruskin University found that paying attention to internal bodily sensations can increase appreciation of one's body. The researchers measured gastric interoception and found a link between feelings of fullness and positive body image in adults from the UK and Malaysia.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJul 30, 2020

For anxious spouses, a baby may be a rival

A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 3, 2020

Ooh là là! Music evokes 13 key emotions. Scientists have mapped them

A study of over 2,500 people in the US and China identified 13 universal emotional responses to music, including amusement, joy, and relaxation. The research provides a framework for understanding how music evokes emotions across cultures and has potential applications in psychology, therapy, and music streaming services.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Beauty in the biased eye of the beholder

A study published in Journal of Vision found that our aesthetic assessment is biased by the artwork seen previously. Observers rated paintings higher following an attractive painting and lower after an unattractive one, revealing a positive serial dependence effect.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Vision·DateNov 19, 2019

Study dissects attitudes on short-term vacation rentals

A new study conducted at the University of Georgia found that feelings of neighborhood pride and interactions with tourists influence residents' attitudes towards short-term vacation rentals. The study, which surveyed residents in Savannah, Georgia, suggests that well-designed regulations can foster support for these types of rentals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Travel Research·DateNov 14, 2019

Lure of the 'loot box' looks a lot like gambling

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found a correlation between excessive engagement with loot boxes and measures of problem gambling, but not problem video gaming. Loot box use was associated with risky gambling behaviours, suggesting that the feature may be contributing to gambling-like problems in gamers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 1, 2019

Waiting for the complete rupture

Researchers from ETH Zurich developed a new model that simulates earthquake cycles in the Himalayas, predicting powerful earthquakes with a periodicity of 400 to 600 years. The model shows that medium-sized earthquakes can create conditions for even larger ones, leading to complete stress release in the rupture zone.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

Tenacious and flexible goal pursuit gets older people on the move

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older people who persistently strive for their goals but can adjust them to current circumstances tend to move more and participate in outdoor activities. This suggests that tenacity and flexibility are essential resources for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in old age.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateDec 11, 2018