Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Nuclear safety chief calls for reform
Laurent Stricker says Japan's nuclear disaster should mark a turning point for the industry.
Time travel nixed in metamaterial world
A desktop universe captures properties of the real thing
Mercury-containing oxides offer new perspective on mechanism of superconductivity
(PhysOrg.com) -- To diversify the applications of superconductors that currently operate at chilly temperatures below 135 kelvin (K), scientists are searching for new classes of superconducting materials that will show...
German nuclear exit 'would cost up to 2 bn euros'
German Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle said Friday that a switch from nuclear power to alternative forms of energy could cost Europe's top economy up to two billion euros ($2.9 billion)...
New spin on graphene makes it magnetic
Scientists have found a way to make wonder material graphene magnetic, opening up a new range of opportunities for the world's thinnest material in the area of spintronics.
Nanotech Saves Priceless Silver Artworks
Silver has a tarnished reputation. Museums must give their shiny metal artifacts highly transparent coatings. Now, a new lab process may yield protective barriers only nanometers in thickness.
Rainbow-trapping scientist now strives to slow light waves even further
An electrical engineer at the University at Buffalo, who previously demonstrated experimentally the “rainbow trapping effect” — a phenomenon that could boost optical data storage...
Student creates clothes that trap harmful gases
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new Cornell cloth that can selectively trap noxious gases and odors has been fashioned by a senior into a mask and hooded shirts inspired by the military.
The art and science of glassblowing
Who would ever have thought there was so much science in art -- or so much art in science? Besides the blowing-things-up aspect, the thing that I enjoy most about chemistry is...
Mixed Martial Arts Makes Inroads in Baseball Training
Several baseball players have used the sport’s fighting methods to improve their fitness and mental toughness.
Better carbon tax laws needed
Carbon tax laws can succeed in Australia if the government can overcome the flaws in the previous Emissions Trading Scheme.
My ant's smarter than your honor student
Ants are smarter than many grade-school kids, at least when it comes to math, suggests a new study in the journal Behaviour.
Low-cost wireless sensor networks open new horizons for the Internet of things
The ESNA project enables high effective networking based on cheap wireless sensors in a wide range of business applications – from more comfortable and energy-efficient environmental controls to precision monitoring...
NOAA Grant to Help Researcher Clean Up Remaining Exxon Valdez Oil
A Temple University researcher has been awarded a grant from NOAA to investigate technologies that will enhance the natural biodegradation of the remaining Exxon Valdez oil.
Higher-than-normal radiation found in Ontario
Higher-than-normal radiation levels have been detected in Ontario since last month's earthquake and tsunami created huge problems at some of Japan's nuclear reactors.
Pollution Turns Red Into Black
Art Conservation: Atmospheric sulfur dioxide blackens pigments in Pompeian frescoes.
Real-Life Extreme Couponing: How to Save Big Online
Tips from an extreme couponer on how to save online.
Cause of irradiation-induced instability in materials' surfaces discovered
A new discovery about the dynamic impact of individual energetic particles into a solid surface improves our ability to predict surface stability or instability of materials under irradiation over time....
Turkish gas ambitions derail EU pipelines
By STEFAN NICOLAUPI Europe CorrespondentBERLIN, April 12 (UPI) -- Turkey's ambition to become an energy hub has been one of the major hurdles for new Europe-bound natural gas pipelines,...
Tufts Biomedical Engineer Omenetto Named Guggenheim Fellow
Tufts University biomedical engineer Fiorenzo Omenetto has received the only Guggenheim Fellowship in engineering in 2011. The award will support his efforts to demonstrate the first implantable, fully bioresorbable optical...
EPA Recognizes NewYork-Presbyterian With ENERGY STAR Award for Energy and Environmental Leadership
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital will receive an ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence in Energy Management, recognizing the Hospital's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas...
Meet Swanny, the besotted swan attracted to a tractor
German hotelier claims his eight-year-old bird has been obsessed with the machine for yearsThey say that opposites attract. But can a bird ever find love with a piece of agricultural machinery? Ja, says...
Award funds research on the mysteries of charged droplets
A UC Davis chemical engineer has won a five-year, $420,000 early career development award from the National Science Foundation to support research on electrical charges of fluid droplets.
Novel in-motion train weighing system
Weighing loads exceeding 20 tons - such as trucks or trains - while in motion is no mean feat. Engineers have now developed a novel weighing technology using steel beams...
Japan faces power struggle
Climate goals in doubt as fossil fuels come to the fore in fight to meet electricity demand.
Gas charges 'absurd,' says Tymoshenko
KIEV, Ukraine, April 12 (UPI) -- Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said accusations she brokered an illegal gas contract with Moscow in 2009 is "absurd."
Photographer to receive Harvard Arts Medal
Photographer Susan Meiselas, Ed.M. ’71, will receive the 2011 Harvard Arts Medal, which will be awarded by President Drew Faust at a ceremony on April 29 at 4 p.m. at New College...
China sets modest energy saving plan
China releases more realistic energy saving and carbon emission reductions in its five year energy plan