Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Swiss nanotechnology pioneer Heinrich Rohrer dies
WOLLERAU, Switzerland, May 24 (UPI) -- Heinrich Rohrer, a Swiss nanotechnology pioneer who helped invent the scanning tunneling microscope to observe and manipulate individual atoms, has died.
Physicists suggest possible existence of other kinds of dark matter
(Phys.org) —A team of Harvard University physicists has proposed the possible existence of a type of dark matter not described by current physics models. In their paper published in the...
Solar Plane Completes Longest Leg of Cross-Country Flight
The Solar Impulse aircraft flew from Phoenix to Dallas in 18 hours and 21 minutes.
The secret life of internet trolls: part two - video
The Climate Desk team meet nuclear physicist and troll-slaying online truth crusader Rosi Reed
Study challenges notion that umpires call more strikes for pitchers of same race
A new study challenges previous research that suggests umpire discrimination exists in Major League Baseball.
Tests lead to doubling of fuel cell life
Researchers working to improve durability in fuel cell powered buses have discovered links between electrode degradation processes and bus membrane durability. The team is quantifying the effects of electrode degradation...
Optics: Statistics light the way
A revelation of how photoreceptive cells in the eye distinguish between different light sources could pave the way for a novel class of optical devices.
Footwear's (carbon) footprint: Bulk of shoes' carbon footprint comes from manufacturing processes
A typical pair of running shoes generates 30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to keeping a 100-watt light bulb on for one week, according to a new lifecycle assessment.
Tesla Motors' Success Gives Electric Car Market a Charge
Amid a decimated field of E.V. startups, Tesla Motors is riding high. But can its feats help take electric cars mainstream?
New technique may open up an era of atomic-scale semiconductor devices
Researchers have developed a new technique for creating high-quality semiconductor thin films at the atomic scale -- meaning the films are only one atom thick. The technique can be used...
Whirlpools on the nanoscale could multiply magnetic memory
Scientists are developing four-bit magnetic cells instead of the two-bit magnetic domains of standard magnetic memories. Magnetic vortices are whirlpools of magnetic field, in which electron spins point either clockwise...
Novel features of helium-3 superfluidity discovered with new SQUID detector chip
(Phys.org) —In order to study many complex phenomena, physicists seek to isolate them in potential wells or boxes with easily described forms and boundary conditions. These features in turn dictate various behaviors of...
Unique method creates correct mirror image of molecule
Many molecules have a right and a left form, just like shoes. In pharmaceuticals, it is important that the correct form of the molecule is used. Researchers have been able...
Polymer breakthrough inspired by trees and ancient celtic knots
A new slow-motion method of controlling the synthesis of polymers, which takes inspiration from both trees and Celtic knots, opens up new possibilities in areas including medical devices, drug delivery,...
City Will Speed Cleanup of PCB-Filled Lights in Schools
The administration of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has consented to replace light fixtures containing the toxic substance in hundreds of schools by 2016, rather than 2021.
Physicists help design, build cargo X-ray scanners
(Phys.org) —Two SLAC physicists with decades of particle accelerator experience helped a Silicon Valley company design and build X-ray devices that scan cargo containers for nuclear materials and other hazards....
Hydrogen atoms under the magnifying glass
To describe the microscopic properties of matter and its interaction with the external world, quantum mechanics uses wave functions, whose structure and time dependence is governed by the Schrödinger equation. In atoms, electronic...
Energy companies testing "liquid air" as a means of storing backup electricity
(Phys.org) —Highview Power Storage, a British company that develops energy storage systems for utility companies has received $18 million in funding from several backers to investigate the use of "liquid...
A tale of lagging passports
Amid the large number of applicants present at the Lahore Passport Office to get their Umrah Visas made for Ramadan, not only did my purpose for requiring a passport seem...
Breakthrough technology quickly separates large proteins and viruses from their surroundings
Researchers looking to isolate individual proteins from complex environments usually turn to chromatography, a technique where mobile solutions of biomolecules flow through columns packed with solid, porous particles. Separation occurs...
Research suggests modular design competence can benefit new product development
(Phys.org) —A new research study suggests that supplier integration into the new product development process can be more beneficial if buyers increase their competency in modular design.
Research opportunities plentiful for next generation batteries
(Phys.org) —In the opening scene of the iconic movie of the 1960s, The Graduate, Benjamin Braddock, at a party to celebrate his college degree, is given one word of advice...
Researchers develop some of the world's smallest metallic nanorods
(Phys.org) —Two graduate-level researchers in the School of Engineering have grown some of the world's smallest metallic nanorods; a significant scientific breakthrough that their faculty advisor says is a testament...
Striking a balance on taxes
Now that April 15 has come and gone, most Americans have turned their attention away from taxes. But MIT student Stefanie Stantcheva continues to ponder the trade-offs associated with taxation.
Enhanced solar power by dry-cooled energy generation
A cutting edge system is being developed to deploy more solar-based energy plants, enabling the delivery of cleaner power more efficiently, while keeping Europe at the leading edge of energy...
Graphene knock-offs probe ultrafast electronics
Honeycomb lattices in different materials enable experiments impossible in the real thing.Nature 497 422 doi: 10.1038/497422a
Optical computing could benefit from recent development of novel electromagnetic wave
An unusual wave that does not spread out as it travels could become a key component in speedy computer chips that use beams of light to carry and process data....
15 Sneaky Duct Tape Hacks for Better Health and Fitness
There’s no doubt about it: Duct tape has adhered itself to American hearts. Invented to help the war effort during World War II, duct tape originally went by...