Browse Articles

Dust accumulation on solar panels can reduce electricity output by 20–50%, posing a major challenge for solar energy collection. Instead of altering panel design, we explored a simpler approach by modifying surface energy through nanotexturing, predicting that hydrophobic surfaces would repel both water and dust. This study found that treating glass and silicone surfaces with potassium hydroxide (KOH) for 13 and 10 minutes, respectively, created optimal nanotextures (445 nm for glass, 205 nm for silicone), significantly reducing dirt accumulation and improving solar energy capture.

As atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels rise, ocean acidification poses a growing threat to marine ecosystems. To better understand these changes, this study investigates how varying CO₂ levels influence the growth of brine shrimp. The findings offer important insights into the resilience of aquatic life and the broader implications of environmental change.

Here the authors investigated the effects of natural coagulants on reducing the turbidity of water samples from the Tennessee River Watershed. They found that turbidity reduction was higher at lower temperatures for eggshells. They then projected and mapped turbidity reactions under two climate change scenarios and three future time spans for eggshells. They found site-specific and time-vary turbidity reactions using natural coagulants could be useful for optimal water treatment plans.

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States. But not all people experience asthma equally, with factors like healthcare access and environmental pollution impacting whether children are likely to be hospitalized for asthma's effects. Li, Li, and Ruffolo investigate what demographic and environmental factors are predictive of childhood asthma hospitalization rates across Pennsylvania.

The authors test how the size-segregation theory applies to the behavior of hollow and irregular-shaped objects.

The authors use machine learning to develop an evidence-based detection tool for identifying human trafficking.

The authors use machine learning and electroencephalogram data to propose a method for improving epilepsy diagnosis.

The authors propose and test a method that would allow for the generation of a magnetic field on Mars sufficient to support future colonization.

The authors use the unique movements of the jumping gall wasp to study momentum transfer with potential applications in robotics and extraterrestrial research.

This study examined the relationship between citizenship status, racial background, and the use of marijuana and cigarettes among males in California using data from the 2017–2018 California Health Interview Survey. Findings indicated that non-citizens and naturalized citizens were less likely to use marijuana compared to US-born citizens, while Asian and Latino males were less likely to consume marijuana than White males. Additionally, various racial groups were more likely to smoke cigarettes compared to White males, suggesting that targeted health interventions based on citizenship status and race could be beneficial.