Beaker Briefs

A glow-in-the-dark dye may be the key to powering solar cars and homes overnight. UB researchers found that BODIPY, a fluorescent dye, provides enough juice to recharge liquid-based batteries more than 100 times. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, BODIPY-powered cells can be easily enlarged and don’t catch fire if broken.

Led by: Chemistry researchers Timothy Cook and Anjula M. Kosswattaarachchi

Researchers are investigating the microbiome’s greatest escape artist, Streptococcus gordonii. Harmless inside our mouths, the bacterium is a menace to hearts, causing a rare but fatal condition if it reaches the bloodstream. Researchers aim to develop better treatments by unraveling the mystery of how these bacteria evade white blood cells.

Led by: Oral biology researcher Jason Kay

College men who frequent bars and parties are more likely to commit sexual assault, suggests new UB research. Although alcohol is believed to play a role in sexual assault, the study reframed the link, finding that drinking environments—and not binge drinking itself—may be what’s boosting those odds.

Led by: Addictions researcher Maria Testa (PhD ’89, MA ’86, BA ’83)