Scientists Make Self-Regulating Molecule
Posted on: Monday, 19 May 2008, 15:00 CDT
U.S. scientists have created a molecule they say regulates its activities in response to the intensity of light.
The molecule was designed by researchers at Arizona State University to mimic the response of plants to an excess of sunlight.
Although plants convert sunlight into compounds vital for survival, too much light harms plants because plants then cannot efficiently use the compounds produced and their accumulation damages the plant.
In an adaptive response, plants convert excess energy from sunlight into heat.
Arizona State University researchers designed and manufactured a molecule that also converts absorbed light to electrochemical energy but the rate of the conversion decreases as the intensity of the light increases. The molecule adapts to its environment, regulating its behavior in response to the light intensity.
The scientists said their research is an important step toward the goal of using nanotechnology to influence living cells.
Achieving such behavior in human-made devices is vital if we are to realize the promise of nanotechnology, said Devens Gust, an Arizona State University chemist and one of the study's authors.
The study is to appear in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- K-State Physics Professor and Collaborator Use Musical Chords to Analyze and Illustrate Hydrogen Molecule's Response to Laser Pulses
- Census: Nevada, Arizona Fastest Growing States
- Proposed Coal-Fired Plant Assailed: Conservation Groups Claim Studies Show State Could Meet Energy Needs Without
- Neighbors Plant Dozens of Trees Along Two University-Area Streets
- Coal Plant Projects Concern Groups: Environmental Issues Raise State Awareness
- Catholic Health Association Statement in Response to President Bush's State of the Union Address
- Proposed Coal Plants Spark Broad Response
- Light Rail Line Station at Cal State San Marcos Campus Halfway Done
- Meat Plant Gets New Lease on Life: PALMER: State Board Votes to Keep the Slaughterhouse Open Until June.
- Business Alliance Aims to Make Colorado One of Top States for Nanotechnology
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds