In this study, the authors study features of exoplanet 189733 b. This exoplanet, or planets that orbit stars other than the Sun, is found in the HD star system. Using a DSLR camera, they constructed a high caliber exoplanet transit detection tracker to study the orbital periods, radial velocity, and photometry of 189733 b. They then compared results from their system to data collected by other high precision studies. What they found was that their system produced results supporting previously published studies. These results are exciting results from the solar system demonstrating the importance of validating radial velocity and photometry data using high-precision studies.
In this study the authors looked the trajectories of cosmic rays moving through a dipole field. They found that the trajectories of cosmic rays are determined by a particle's energy and interaction with Earth's B field.
The goal of this study was to further confirm, characterize, and classify LHS 3844 b, an exoplanet detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Additionally, we strove to determine the likeliness of LHS 3844 b and similar planets as qualified candidates for observation with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Rechargeable batteries are playing an increasingly prominent role in our lives due to the ongoing transition from fossil energy sources to green energy. The purpose of this study was to investigate variables that impact the effectiveness of rechargeable batteries. Alkaline (non-rechargeable) and rechargeable batteries share common features that are critical for the operation of a battery. The positive and negative electrodes, also known as the cathode and anode, are where the energy of the battery is stored. The electrolyte is what facilitates the transfer of cations and anions in a battery to generate electricity. Due to the importance of these components, we felt that a systematic investigation examining the surface area of the cathode and anode as well the impact of electrolytes with different properties on battery performance was justified. Utilizing a copper cathode and aluminum anode coupled with a water in salt electrolyte, a model rechargeable battery system was developed to test two hypotheses: a) increasing the contact area between the electrodes and electrolyte would improve battery capacity, and b) more soluble salt-based electrolytes would improve battery capacity. After soaking in an electrolyte solution, the battery was charged and the capacity, starting voltage, and ending voltage of each battery were measured. The results of this study supported our hypothesis that larger anode/cathodes surface areas and more ionic electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride and potassium sulfate resulted in superior battery capacity. Incorporating these findings can help maximize the efficiency of commercial rechargeable batteries.
Here the authors test the ability of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis to degrade the polyethylene from plastic waste in various aquatic environments. They determined that degradation can occur among all samples while it was the highest in fresh water and lowest in ocean water.
In an extensive study of gene mutations, and their resulting effect on protein-protein interactions, Desai and Stork found that HTT-PRPF40B-MECP2 interactions are weakened with progression of Lopes-Maciel-Rodan syndrome.
The sugar-rich modern diet underlies a suite of metabolic disorders, most common of which is diabetes. Accurately reporting the sugar content of pre-packaged food and drink items can help consumers track their sugar intake better, facilitating more cognisant and, eventually, moderate consumption of high-sugar items. In this article, the authors examine the effect of several variables on the accuracy of Fehling's reaction, a colorimetric reaction used to estimate sugar content.
Arabadopsis, “the fruit fly of plants”, is an easy to grow plant system for genetic manipulation. Here, researchers tested the effects of varied light conditions on plants with specific mutations in the light sensing pathways.
Unprocessed water from hand-pressed wells is still commonly used as a source of drinking water in Chenzhou, the “Nonferrous Metal Village” of China. Long et al. conducted a study to measure the heavy metal contamination levels and potential health effects in this area. Water samples were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICPOES) and the concentrations of 20 metal elements. Results showed that although none of the samples had dangerous levels of heavy metals, the concentrations of Al, Fe, and Mn in many locations substantially exceeded those suggested in the Chinese Drinking Water Standard and the maximum contaminant levels of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The authors have made an important discovery regarding the water safety in HuNan and their suggestions to install water treatment systems would greatly benefit the community.
