Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Graphene films clear major fabrication hurdle
Researchers have successfully used direct chemical vapor deposition to synthesize single-layer graphene films on dielectric substrates. This represents a major step towards future applications of graphene in both the electronics...
TNK-BP ups production in Siberia
MOSCOW, April 9 (UPI) -- Russian-Anglo energy venture TNK-BP said it increased production at the Kamennoye and adjacent fields in Siberia by 50 percent over their 2009 levels.
How dangerous are air pollutants really?
Through this system, it will be possible for the first time ever to channel substances from the air, under precisely controlled conditions, through the lung cells or skin cells, and...
With support, graphene still a superior thermal conductor
The single-atom thick material graphene maintains its high thermal conductivity when supported by a substrate, a critical step to advancing the material from a laboratory phenomenon to a useful component...
Near-Death Experiences Explained?
Bright lights and angels seen at the brink of death are the products of too much carbon dioxide in the blood, a new study suggests.
How disorder at microscopic level reveals important changes in behavior of matter
Researchers describe the new trends in research on disordered systems using ultracold gases that could have important consequences both for understanding complex physics processes and for building future quantum simulators...
Ont. announces $8B in renewable energy projects
Energy Minister Brad Duguid says the Ontario government will award $8 billion to dozens of companies in a move to develop renewable energy.
How dangerous are air pollutants really?
How severely do smog, diesel exhaust and secondhand smoke damage the lungs? What do pollen or nanoparticles trigger when they infiltrate the human body through inhaling? At this year's BIO...
Adding a Price to Blunt Energy Waste
An expert in energy and transportation says raising the cost of polluting transportation is vital to changing America's energy path.
Nigeria shakes up oil sector
ABUJA, Nigeria, April 8 (UPI) -- Critics complain the new head of the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. is tied to corruption dragging on the energy sector.
Statoil makes new oil and gas find
STAVANGER, Norway, April 8 (UPI) -- Norwegian energy company Statoil announced it uncovered new oil and gas deposits located in the Norne field in the Norwegian Sea.
Pitt-led study identifies human enzyme that breaks down potentially toxic nanomaterials
An international study based at the University of Pittsburgh provides the first identification of a human enzyme that can biodegrade carbon nanotubes - the superstrong materials found in products from...
Brown University scientists discover new principle in material science
Materials scientists have known that a metal's strength (or weakness) is governed by dislocation interactions, a messy exchange of intersecting fault lines that move or ripple within metallic crystals. But...
NC State research may revolutionise ceramics manufacturing
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new way to shape ceramics using a modest electric field, making the process significantly more energy efficient. The process should result...
Evidence that nanoparticles in sunscreens could be toxic if accidentally eaten
Scientists are reporting that particle size affects the toxicity of zinc oxide, a material widely used in sunscreens. Particles smaller than 100 nanometres are slightly more toxic to colon cells...
Slideshow: Solar power, shaped up
Flat solar photovoltaic panels are becoming more widespread, but the power they produce varies over the course of the day as the sun’s position changes — unless the panels are mounted on...
New electrolyte for dye-based solar cells
A new iodide-free electrolyte could bring low cost dye-based solar cells closer to the market
New form for an old fuel
Colloidal coal-water suspensions may rise to the challenges of clean coal technology with the help of a new production method
Lab-on-a-chip can carry out complex analyses on the spot
Many illnesses can be reliably diagnosed through laboratory tests, but these in vitro analyses often use up valuable time. A new system, which can carry out complex analyses on the...
Are Smaller Fonts Go-Green Money Savers?
Switching to Narrower Type Can Save You 30% on Printer Cartridges, but it Can Also Mean Using More Paper
H.P. Says New Device Could Revolutionize Computer Chips
So-called memristors could replace today’s transistors, company scientists report.
Physicists Begin Quest for 'Higgs' Particle at European Collider
(PhysOrg.com) -- More than two dozen UC San Diego physicists and technicians began their long-awaited quest last week in a research facility below the Swiss-French border to find a hypothetical...
Wake Forest earns patent for efficient, inexpensive fiber-based solar cells
Wake Forest University has received the first patent for a new solar cell technology that can double the energy production of today's flat cells at a fraction of the cost.
South Africa Energy Needs Collide With U.S. Policy
The U.S. faces a quandary over a loan for a coal-fired power plant, which will help in an energy shortage but will add to greenhouse gases.
10 million mini-big bangs created in one week
Physicists at the CERN research centre said on Wednesday they had created 10 million mini-Big Bangs in the first week of mega-power operations of their marathon probe into the secrets...
GDF Suez building biomass plant in Poland
PARIS, April 7 (UPI) -- French energy giant GDF Suez announced plans to build a 190-megawatt power plant in Poland that runs entirely on wood and other biomass fuels.
Total on defensive on oil-for-food probe
PARIS, April 7 (UPI) -- French oil giant Total said there is nothing new to a probe into its activity under the abandoned oil-for-food program for Iraqi oil.
Nord Stream construction imminent
MOSCOW, April 7 (UPI) -- Russian leaders are preparing for a Friday ceremony to commemorate the start of construction of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline, executives said.