Osaka University Reveals 3D Structure of Photosynthetic Antenna
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has identified the 3D structure of an artificial light-harvesting complex II (LHCII). This development aims to improve understanding of photosynthesis and to pave the way for advancements in artificial energy production. Light-harvesting complex II is a very important component in the process of photosynthesis, predominantly found in the chloroplasts of plants and green algae. It captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy, playing an essential role in how plants harness solar power.
Research Methodology
The study was carried under the guidance of Associate Professor Ritsuko Fujii and graduate student Soichiro Seki. The researchers used a technique known as in vitro reconstitution. This method involves synthesising the protein component in E. coli. Then it is combined it with natural pigments and lipids to create a model of LHCII outside of its natural environment.
The team used cryo-electron microscopy to analyse the structure. This technique captures high-resolution images of samples frozen at extremely low temperatures. This method helps researchers to observe the arrangement of proteins and pigments in detail.
Findings
The research results indicate that the artificial LHCII closely resembles its natural counterpart, with only minor variations. This finding justifies using in vitro reconstitution techniques and enhances understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in LHCII’s function.
Implications for Future Studies
This breakthrough lays the groundwork for further exploration of artificial photosynthesis. Gaining more insights into LHCII’s structure could lead to innovative energy capture applications and usage improvements in agricultural practices.
Conclusion
The successful identification of the 3D structure of the artificial LHCII is a significant advancement in photosynthesis research. The findings may contribute to developing more efficient solar energy technologies and enhancing plant production methods.
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A potential new solar sail-powered satellite mission is offering an extended early warning of extreme space weather events to safely shut down the most vulnerable pieces of our tech — without waiting for them to fail mid-activity and then figuring out why. Going far beyond Earth in the traditional sense of this type of satellite, the solar sail spacecraft would provide almost 20 more minutes of warning time (up to about 60 minutes total) before some very dangerous geomagnetic storms. These eruptions, called coronal mass ejections, cause space weather events that can disrupt satellites, damage power grids, and expose astronauts to cosmic radiation through the ability to ground high-altitude commercial flights. The better the predictions, the more time for critical systems to respond, so overall it is supposed to work out.
Solar Sail Mission SWIFT Aims to Boost Space Weather Forecasting from Beyond L1 Point
According to a report published by The Conversation and contributed to Space.com, the new SWIFT (Space Weather Investigation Frontier) mission will put a satellite with a lightweight solar sail on it out at 2.1 million kilometers from Earth, which is farther than the existing L1 Lagrange point where solar wind is monitored now. That might mean a longer warning — “lead” time, in space weather speak — which would give satellite operators more time to shield their satellites, prevent astronauts from being exposed to high radiation, and allow airlines to chart the safest ways for planes.
The new solar spacecraft, Solar Cruiser, stays in orbit by a balance created from the Sun’s gravity and solar photons bounced off a reflective sail. And far larger than previous sail missions like NASA’s NanoSail-D2 and JAXA’s IKAROS. This steers the satellite post-launch.
Solar Cruiser, part of the SWIFT constellation, will measure solar wind at several vantage points for better interplanetary space weather forecasting. Enquire for more economical on-ground space weather forecasts and missions such as SWIFT that help protect our planet from imploding due to solar emissions.
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The skyscraper size of methane ice might cover around 60% of the equatorial region of Pluto, a larger area than astronomers actually estimated. This study was published on July 5, 2025 in the Journal of Geophysical Reserach. It was based on the data from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft which captured close images of it around 10 years ago on July 14, 2025. Amid that flyby, the spacecraft located spires of methane ice, each is about 1000 feet tall.
Pluto’s Methane Spires Span Vast Equatorial Zone with Uncertain Pattern
As per NASA’s data they are separated to 4.4 miles in a shape which is somewhat parallel rows and form a geological feature which is called bladed terrain. The features seems to be larger and more spaced out verison of the penitentes of Earth which is a structure of water ice that creates a maximum of 9 feet. Almost the same structure was observed on Jupiter’s moon named Europa and also might be there on Mars.
Additional data collected at infrared frequencies signaled that the dwarf planet’s most of the region was methane rich, which shows that the spires are too. The results show that the bladed terrain of methane ice spires exists in a band that spans about 60% of the circumference of the planet.
Future Missions Needed to Confirm Pluto’s Mysterious Methane Landscape
This is equal to five times the width of the United States continental part, majority spotted on non-encounter hemispheres. However, it is still nort sure if the band is patchy or even. The band spans between 30 degrees south and north of the equator of Pluto.
Bladed terrain formation relies on methane’s long term cycle condensation and sublimation. These are controlled by the season of Pluto and its orbital variations. Straight evidence would be required to confirm the recent observations by the scientists. The most certain way to confirm the extension of bladed terrain into the dark side of Pluto is the future spacecraft mission.
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