Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Making a point
Northwestern University researchers have developed a new technique for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures that is so inexpensive the 'print head' can be thrown away when done...
Scientists link protein to the insulation of the nervous system's wiring
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have pinpointed a crucial function for a key player in the development of the nervous system. They found that this...
Chemists turn gold to purple - on purpose
Professor Richard Watt and his chemistry students suspected that a common protein could potentially react with sunlight and harvest its energy - similar to what chlorophyll does during photosynthesis...
New lab-on-chip advance uses low-cost, disposable paper strips
Researchers have invented a technique that uses inexpensive paper to make "microfluidic" devices for rapid medical diagnostics and chemical analysis. The innovation represents a way to enhance commercially available diagnostic...
Graphene and 'spintronics' combo looks promising
A team of physicists in China has taken a big step toward the development of useful graphene spintronic devices.
Sprouts? Supplements? Team them up to boost broccoli's cancer-fighting power
A new University of Illinois study provides convincing evidence that the way you prepare and consume your broccoli matters, and also suggests that teaming broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make...
Ant Farm Co-Inventor Milton Levine Dies at 97
Idea That Sprung From Watching Ants at Fourth of July Picnic Became One of the Top 100 Toys of the Century
Agave seen as excellent biofuel source
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Agave, cultivated for alcoholic beverages and for fiber, could be used as a sustainable biofuel feedstock, U.S. researchers say.
Nanotech milling produces dramatic increase in thermoelectric performance of bulk semiconductor
Researchers report achieving thermoelectric performance gains in a bulk semiconductor material, which could pave the way for harvesting power from a range of heat sources -- from the sun to...
World can be powered by alternative energy, using today's technology, in 20-40 years, experts say
A new study analyzing what is needed to convert the world's energy supplies to clean and sustainable sources says that it can be done with today's technology at costs roughly...
Lawyers have facts at fingertips with app that displays evidence
With a few finger swipes, attorneys can cut out costly courtroom presentation consultants and show digital evidence themselves with a new iPad application created by a Miami joint venture.
Alternative energy use at forward operating bases can save dollars, lives, say US military researchers
To cut down on convoys trucking fuel to forward operating bases, as well as implement the Department of the Navy's vision for energy efficiency, the Office of Naval Research and...
Physicists take new look at the atom
Measuring the attractive forces between atoms and surfaces with unprecedented precision, University of Arizona physicists have produced data that could refine our understanding of the structure of atoms and improve...
Nanowires exhibit giant piezoelectricity
Gallium nitride (GaN) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are among the most technologically relevant semiconducting materials. Gallium nitride is ubiquitous today in optoelectronic elements such as blue lasers (hence the blue-ray...
Getting more anti-cancer medicine into the blood
Scientists are reporting successful application of the technology used in home devices to clean jewelry, dentures, and other items to make anticancer drugs like tamoxifen and paclitaxel dissolve more easily...
State of the Union: 'Mixed' Seating Really Can Build Bonds
The bipartisan seating arrangement at the State of the Union address was symbolic, but physical closeness can bring about psychological togetherness.
New era of advances in brain research: As recording technology rapidly improves, neurons give up their secrets cell by cell
Thanks to improvements in technology and data analysis, our understanding of the functional principles that guide the development and operation of the brain could improve drastically in the next few...
First report on fate of underwater dispersants in Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Scientists are reporting that key chemical components of the 770,000 gallons of oil dispersants applied below the ocean surface in the Deepwater Horizon spill did mix with oil and gas...
China to boost nuclear power
BEIJING, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- China is likely to boost its 2020 target nuclear power capacity by 5 percent, or 86 gigawatts, representing an annual investment of at least...
Control system developed to allow spacecraft to think for themselves
The worlds first control system that will allow engineers to programme autonomous satellites and spacecraft to think for themselves has been developed by scientists from the University of Southampton.
Carbon nanotubes for hydrogen storage
Researchers design 3D carbon-based nanotube matrix that can store and release hydrogen extremely efficiently
Water temperature in the subtropical Atlantic falls due to wind action
The temperature of water situated in the subtropical Atlantic experienced a drop of 0.15ºC between 1998 and 2006. Circulation caused by wind could be responsible for this "unusual" behavior.
Report sees major cuts in car emissions
LONDON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Cutting the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by cars on British roads in half by 2050 is achievable, an energy report from London declared.
High-performance capacitor could lead to better rechargeable batteries
(PhysOrg.com) -- In order to develop next-generation electric vehicles, solar energy systems, and other clean energy technologies, researchers need an efficient way to store the energy. One of the key...
Making every drop count
A sustainable rain garden designed to capture every drop of water that falls onto it has been unveiled as one of the leading attractions at the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show.
'Green' chemistry extraction method developed for hot capsicum fruit
Used in processed foods and cosmetics, the red pigments in Capsicum (chile pepper) are important sources of non-toxic red dyes. The common method for extracting pigments from dried Capsicum uses...
will.i.am teams up with Intel
Technology fan will.i.am, the frontman of The Black Eyed Peas, is teaming up with US computer chip giant Intel.
More stable grid connection for wind generators operating at very high potential
Wind energy has an initial advantage over its competitors in the renewable energy sector. The presence and size of turbines are increasingly larger and require updating for a number of...