Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station. view more (2009-09-14)
Nanotechnology: not just for geeks
Say "nanotechnology," and geeks imagine iPhones, laptops and flash drives. But more than 60 percent of the 580 products in a newly updated inventory of nanotechnology consumer products are such "un-geeky" items as tennis racquets, clothing, and health products. view more (2007-10-03)
Research studies techniques for conservation and restoration of color photographs
The conservation and restoration of photographs is a topic that, in general, has not been very much researched. For example, in the case of coloured or illuminated photographs, there does not currently exist an appropriate methodology, given that it there is not sufficient information about their material characteristics and structure. view more (2009-11-06)
Pitt researchers see electron waves in motion for first time
Both the ancient art of stained glass and the cutting-edge field of plasmonics rely on the oscillation of electrons in nanosized metal particles. When light shines on such particles, it excites the electromagnetic fields on the metal's surface, known as "surface plasmons," and causes its electrons to oscillate in waves-producing the rich... view more... (2005-06-10)
Swishing once a day with mouthrinse poses no harm to dental work
People have been paying more attention to the effects certain liquids like coffee, citrus-containing drinks, and even toothbrushes have on teeth. Mouthrinses are no exception. view more (2007-01-12)
Nanocomposite labeled cancer cells can be targeted and destroyed using lasers
A nanocomposite particle can be constructed so that it has a mix of properties that would not otherwise happen in nature. By combining an organic matrix with metallic clusters that can absorb light, it is possible to incorporate such particles into cells and then destroy those targeted cells with a laser. view more (2007-05-21)
Another step toward a liquid telescope on the moon
An international team including researcher Ermanno Borra, from Universite Laval's Center for Optics, Photonics, and Laser, has taken another step toward building a liquid telescope on the moon. view more (2007-06-21)
The oldest known nanotechnology dates back to the 9th century !
The oldest known nanotechnology dates back to the fabrication of the first lustre potteries. Some Abbasid lustre ceramics have a complex and fine decoration and form nano-gratings, the so-called polychrome lustre in which multi-coloured iridescence can be present: a famous example are the Abbasid tiles imported from Syria and placed in the mihrab... view more... (2004-03-22)
Paranal Receives New Mirror
A 4.1-metre diameter primary mirror, a vital part of the world's newest and fastest survey telescope, VISTA (the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) has been delivered to its new mountaintop home at Cerro Paranal, Chile. The mirror will now be coupled with a small camera for initial testing prior to installing the main camera in... view more... (2008-04-18)
From black box to optimized plant
In times gone by, something complex as a steam engine was hardly understood by amateurs. They perceived it as a black box and thought it should simply work. There are basic similarities in today's factory planning and plant design: Something goes in at one end in a continuous flow (steam, wood chips, milk) and something comes out at the other end... view more... (2003-05-22)
An exquisite container
In campy old movies, Lucretia Borgia swans around emptying powder from her ring into wine glasses carelessly left unattended. The poison ring is usually a confection of gold filigree holding a cabochon or faceted gemstone that can be broken to empty the ring's contents. It is invariably enormous - so large it is rather odd nobody seems to notice... view more... (2009-11-02)
Efficiency boost makes solar cells more affordable
Solar energy could become more affordable following a breakthrough by UNSW scientists, who have boosted the efficiency of solar cell technology. view more (2007-05-03)
Metamaterials four to work for visible light
For the first time ever, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory have developed a material with a negative refractive index for visible light. view more (2007-01-05)
Good housekeeping: why do shelter-dwelling caterpillars fling their frass?
Caterpillars of the silver-spotted skipper butterfly ballistically eject their individual fecal pellets (frass) as far as 40 body lengths away from their resting places in leaf shelters. Why do these and many other shelter-dwelling caterpillars go to such great lengths to distance themselves from their waste? In a paper to appear in the April... view more... (2003-04-08)
Earth's Moving Crust May Occasionally Stop
The motion, formation, and recycling of Earth's crust-commonly known as plate tectonics-have long been thought to be continuous processes. But new research by geophysicists suggests that plate tectonic motions have occasionally stopped in Earth's geologic history, and may do so again. The findings could reshape our understanding of the history and... view more... (2008-01-10)
EMBO rewards communicative scientist 5 000 euros
This year's deadline to apply for the EMBO communication award is August 31st. The award - a silver medal and 5 000 euros - is presented for an outstanding contribution to public communication in the life sciences. Practising scientists working in research in Europe or Israel are eligible for the award. Communicating successfully with a... view more... (2003-05-16)
UC Engineering Researchers Uncover Factors That Control Ion Motion in Solid Electrolytes — Coming to a Pacemaker Near You
University of Cincinnati researchers show for the first time that they can connect an increase in electrical (ionic) conductivity with flexibility of their networks. The same team of researchers discovered intermediate phases seven years ago in amorphous or disordered materials where networks are covalently bonded. view more (2007-05-09)
Early Bronze Age mortuary complex discovered in Syria
An ancient, untouched Syrian tomb that wowed the archaeological world on its discovery by Johns Hopkins University researchers nearly six years ago has revealed another secret: It is not alone. view more (2006-10-25)
New nanotech products hitting the market at the rate of 3-4 per week
New nanotechnology consumer products are coming on the market at the rate of 3-4 per week, a finding based on the latest update to the nanotechnology consumer product inventory maintained by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN). view more (2008-04-25)
British butterfly reveals role of habitat for species responding to climate change
Most wild species are expected to colonise northwards as the climate warms, but how are they going to get there when so many landscapes are covered in wheat fields and other crops? view more (2009-02-25)
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