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Science News for March 23, 1999


Big Bang Theory Challenged

An Australian-led team of astronomers has discovered a significant number of stray stars, potentially altering our understanding of the universe's composition. These findings suggest that there may be as many stars living in intergalactic space as those within galaxy clusters.

Simple Method Will Help Test Theories About Nanotubes

Researchers have created a technique to measure the electrical characteristics of individual carbon nanotubes, confirming their potential in making small circuits and computer chips. The new method enables scientists to conduct electricity without heating up, addressing a major obstacle in producing smaller electronic components.

Waste Makes Saleable Coal Product

Researchers have developed a new method to create activated carbon products from unburned coal waste, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. The process separates the fly ash from the unburned carbon and activates it for high surface area production with yields over 70 percent.

Nanomagnets Could Store Computer Data

Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanomagnets that can store data, with the potential to gather up to 100 times more information in the same space as present-day magnetic data disks. The devices are tiny bar magnets as small as 25 nanometers long and require new physics to make a system work.

Recent USGS Work In New England And Beyond

The USGS conducts a continent-wide bird survey using over 2,500 skilled amateur birders and professional biologists. The organization also monitors water quality at abandoned mines, assesses woodcock survival, and launches the Frogwatch USA program to engage scientists and the public in amphibian conservation.

Treated Clothing Detoxifies Pesticides

Scientists have developed cotton fabrics with built-in pesticide detoxifiers that can be cleaned and reactivated by washing with bleach. The treatment reduces pesticide levels in garments to harmless fragments within minutes, offering a comfortable and protective solution for agricultural workers and gardeners.