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Science News for May 13, 2012


You can't play nano-billiards on a bumpy table

A team of physicists has developed a new design for nano-billiards that eliminates the effect of small bumps on electron paths, enabling more predictable electronic devices. By removing impurities and defects, researchers have created stable billiard tables at the nanoscale, paving the way for improved nanoscale electronics.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2012

Research maps the city's heat

Researchers in Sheffield have mapped a possible expansion of the city's district heating network, which could reduce CO2 emissions by 80,000 tonnes annually. The system, powered by waste and steel plant heat, provides low-cost heating to over 140 public buildings and 3,000 homes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateMay 13, 2012

Wasted milk is a real drain on our resources, study shows

A study by the University of Edinburgh finds that 360,000 tonnes of milk wasted in the UK each year results in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to 20,000 cars annually. Researchers suggest reducing food consumption and waste, as well as improving fertiliser efficiency, can help curb emissions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 2012

Reducing post-traumatic stress after ICU

A new study published in Critical Care found that women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress after leaving an ICU, but a follow-up scheme has been shown to significantly reduce their symptoms. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial for women at high risk of PTSD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateMay 13, 2012

Americans support national clean-energy standard

A Yale University study found that most Americans are willing to pay a premium for electricity in support of a national clean-energy standard. The average U.S. citizen is willing to pay $162 per year in higher electricity bills to support an 80% clean energy goal by 2035, but support varies among different demographics.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 2012

Researchers map path to quantum electronic devices

Duke University researchers create a mathematical formulation to unlock the data stored in a database of potential TI ingredients, providing specific recipes for searching for TIs with desired properties. This breakthrough enables efficient alloys creation and discovery of new classes of systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 13, 2012