Articles tagged with Engines
Researchers found that negative feedback loops act as a shock absorber to buffer damage from mutations, allowing genes to mutate without compromising function. This mechanism may foster long-term adaptation while reducing immediate fitness risk, with implications for evolution and cancer treatment.
A NASA team has successfully demonstrated the handling and loading of a new Swedish-developed green propellant that is more powerful than traditional hydrazine. The demonstration marks an important step towards replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives in space travel.
Researchers use high-energy synchrotron X-rays to analyze cast iron structure, revealing insights into its mechanical and thermal properties. This technology enables the development of high-performance materials for fuel-efficient engines and engine parts.
A research team at the University of Rochester has developed a new catalyst that selectively converts ethanol to butanol with near total conversion efficiency. Butanol is a more efficient and less volatile alternative to gasoline, yielding more energy and causing less engine damage.
Researchers at KIT scientists have developed a new process for low-pressure carbonitration using methylamine, which combines advantages of low-pressure processes with atmospheric carbonitration. The method results in more homogeneous hardness profiles and improved efficiency.
A new material with extremely long polymer chains has been developed to reduce fuel misting and consequential explosiveness. The polymers can break apart when sheared during flow but reassemble into super-long chains needed to prevent misting, resulting in significant reductions in misting and explosiveness.
A new algorithm developed by Microsoft researchers has improved route planning capabilities for Bing Maps, providing faster processing and more accurate information on lengthy trips. The Customizable Route Planning (CRP) engine also offers more reliable alternate routes and better estimates of time needed for turns and traffic snarls.
The discovery fills a gap between ordinary supernovae and those that produce powerful gamma-ray bursts. Supernova 2012ap has characteristics expected of a gamma-ray burst, yet no such burst occurred.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered that myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is essential for maintaining precise tuning in the heart's muscle cells. The protein plays a crucial role in controlling the interaction between myosin and actin, allowing for synchronized contraction and efficient pumping of blood.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that global warming will not increase the number of storms, but rather make strong storms stronger and weaker storms weaker. The atmosphere's circulation pattern is like a heat engine that requires fuel to do work.
The MIT researchers' model assumes that large groups of ratings can be clustered together and described probabilistically. They found that just five clusters were enough to account for most of the variation in a population, suggesting that collaborative filtering yields nearly optimal predictions.
A Rice University-led team is developing a sophisticated tool called PLINY to 'autocomplete' and 'autocorrect' code for programmers. The system will leverage big-data analytics and deep program analyses to populate a database of open-source code, providing programmers with help finishing or debugging code.
The Slide Fire has burned 7,500 acres in Oak Creek Canyon, threatening 300 structures, including private homes and a Forest Service lookout tower. Over 840 personnel are fighting the fire, which is 5% contained, with crews conducting burnout operations along the north and east flanks.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed highly absorbent nanocellulose sponges that can absorb up to 50 times their own weight of oil. These sponges, known as 'silylated' nanocellulose sponges, also float reliably on water and are biodegradable.
A recent study by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that using a rooftop cargo box can decrease fuel economy by up to 9% and driving with all four windows down can lower it by 4-8.5%. The study tested various configurations, including underinflated tires and towing a trailer.
Researchers present a body-wing-blending configuration with double flanking air inlets layout to achieve high lift-to-drag ratio and volumetric efficiency. A novel forebody design methodology using rotating and assembling two waverider-based surfaces is also introduced.
Researchers measured sound levels at a Formula 1 track and found that without protection, spectators could reach 234% or 85.85 dB of their daily allowed noise dosage going by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The study suggests wearing good hearing protection is essential to avoid permanent damage.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed new technologies to improve tiny engines, analyze vast amounts of information, and boost hybrid electric vehicles. Transient doping has been successfully achieved using only electrons, while a new inverter design reduces battery losses and improves efficiency.
A new auto steering device, proposed by Rene Guerster, aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden turns. The device, which uses computer-mediated steering, would enable drivers to steer around obstacles without releasing the wheel.
Researchers from University College London and the University of Gdansk found new laws governing microscopic systems, leading to fundamental limitations on extracting energy. Microscopic heat engines cannot be as efficient as their larger counterparts, with irreversibility playing a key role.
A new type of nanoscale engine uses quantum dots to convert waste heat into electrical power, potentially making microcircuits more efficient. The system exploits resonant tunneling and can generate a significant amount of power depending on the temperature difference across the energy harvester.
Research finds older bikers three times as likely to be seriously injured in crashes compared to younger adults. Middle-aged bikers also face increased injury risks, particularly fractures and internal organ damage.
Researchers have identified a molecular surveillance system that helps detect and correct errors in cell division, preventing serious problems such as aneuploidy and cancer. The study reveals the importance of forces generated by molecular engines in regulating kinetochore-microtubule interactions.
Researchers at DOE/Argonne National Laboratory studied ultrafast bubble formation, finding surface wetness affects the bubble's fate. The study could improve spray coating, metal casting, and ink-jet printing, as well as fuel efficiency and engine life.
A new tool enables anyone to easily access 13 years of NASA Landsat images, allowing for seamless zooming and time-travel exploration. The enhanced access facilitates discoveries on deforestation, climate change, and environmental policy.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the challenges facing the commercialization of emerging liquid biofuels, which could enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biobutanol, an emerging biofuel with a higher energy content than ethanol, is seen as a promising alternative to petroleum-based f...
Academic users must be aware of how search engines operate to ensure quality sources are chosen. José van Dijck argues that Google Scholar is a co-producer of academic knowledge, not just a neutral tool. Its algorithm prioritizes quantitative citation analysis over relevance and truth-value.
ATV accidents result in severe head and spine trauma, costing $3.24 billion annually, with children under 20 years old accounting for 42% of these injuries. The study highlights the need for improved ATV stability, increased helmet use, and rider training to reduce the risk of such accidents.
Researchers created a self-healing polymer that can extend the lifetime of automotive oils. The 'starfish' polymer, designed by Professor David Haddleton's team, helps maintain engine efficiency and resists mechanical and thermal stress.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial milestone for the mission, which aims to compile high-resolution maps of the lunar surface and survey it at various spectral wavelengths.
The analysis reveals highly polarised gamma rays, providing insight into the central engine's magnetic field structure. The team favours a synchrotron model, suggesting that the jet lifted the magnetic field into space.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute are investigating a new kind of stealth technology that can evade enemy ears. By characterizing UAV noise using ground-based methods and vehicle flight tests, they have identified specific acoustic measures that could lead to truly covert, low-altitude UAVs.
A joint Sandia/SES award recognized a solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record of 31.25 percent, surpassing the existing 1984 record of 29.4 percent. The SES Serial #3 solar dish Stirling system achieved this milestone at Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test facility in January 2008.
Scientists have developed an iron-zirconium alloy that retains its nanocrystalline structure at temperatures above 1,300 degrees Celsius. The alloy's high-temperature stability enables bulk production and easier shaping into useful forms.
Research found a strong link between engine exhaust and pneumonia deaths, with 35 local authorities accounting for over 15,000 excess deaths, equivalent to the annual death toll from London smog. The study suggests that pollutants directly damage lung tissue, increasing risk of progressive lung diseases such as COPD.
A study by Penn State found that branding matters when searching online, with participants favoring Yahoo! and Google over MSN Live Search and an in-house engine. The researchers believe emotional branding has an impact on the evaluation of search engine results, leading to a 15% higher score for Yahoo!.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are conducting experiments to understand how Martian winds and dust affect NASA's Phoenix mission. They are simulating the effects of blowing Mars dust in a laboratory setting to provide insight for the Phoenix team.
Astronomers using NASA's Swift satellite have discovered that energetic flares seen after gamma-ray bursts are a continuation of the burst itself. GRBs release enormous energy in seconds, and long-duration bursts come from massive star collapse, forming black holes or neutron stars.
The GRB's ejecta slam into interstellar gas, producing a bright X-ray afterglow that can radiate for several days. The slow fading of the afterglow suggests a larger energy injection than typical GRBs, with possible explanations including magnetar-powered engines.
Black holes are surprisingly efficient at producing energy, with most of the energy released by matter falling toward a supermassive black hole going into high-energy jets. The study also shows that these jets create huge bubbles in the hot gas of galaxies, preventing new stars from forming.
A recent study by Dr. Jim Jansen found that five popular search engines return nearly identical results in terms of effectiveness, with little benefit for occasional online shoppers. Niche e-commerce search engines may provide a slight increase in relevant results for frequent online consumers.
The Office of Naval Research has successfully tested a fast scramjet, reaching speeds of Mach 5.5 and demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost flight test techniques at hypersonic speeds. The engine, powered by liquid fuel, offers a safer alternative to other designs, making it suitable for shipboard use.
A powerful tool, BeatTheTraffic.com, crunches commutes by predicting the best time to hit the road and suggests alternate routes. Researchers have found that many commuters can save more time by altering their departure time than using mass transit.
The US Department of Energy has announced seven winners of the prestigious E.O. Lawrence Award, honoring researchers who have made significant contributions to various fields of science and energy. The award recipients include Nathaniel Fisch for his work on fusion tokamaks, Bette Korber for her HIV research, Claire Max for her astroph...
The Expressive Lighting Engine (ELE) is an intelligent system that allows game developers to use lighting to direct attention, create mood, and provide visual depth. ELE can guide players to important elements in 3D scenes by tracking eye movements, improving player success rates in identifying enemies.
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a wearable device that enhances human strength and endurance. The system combines a human control system with robotic muscle, allowing the wearer to walk, squat, and bend without reduced agility.
Researchers found that complex computerized control systems overload pilots, leading to incorrect decisions during emergencies. The team recommends designing cockpit systems to anticipate problems and provide error recovery mechanisms, improving safety.
A historic conference at the U.S. Naval Academy brought together experts on underwater rescue and salvage, including survivors of notable submarine accidents like USS SQUALUS and USS TANG. The accounts of these men are now transcribed in a new book that explores some of the most daring undersea missions of the last century.
Researchers found that removing query operators from searches on multiple engines resulted in similar top-ranked results. The 'or' operator was the only marker to significantly change results, while 'must appear' yielded identical results fewer times on MSN than Google and AOL.
The symposium highlights the application of advanced mathematical concepts in various industries, including product development and decision-making. Key speakers from IBM, Boeing, and a consultant will discuss trends and opportunities for using mathematics in manufacturing and services, as well as research challenges.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a small 'thermoacoustic refrigerator' that uses sound energy to generate cooling, potentially replacing chemical refrigerants. The device operates near resonance frequencies and achieves efficiencies as high as 89% without lubricants or sliding seals.
Georgia Tech will focus on aeropropulsion and power technologies, bridging technology gaps for revolutionary engine components. The institute aims to develop innovative propulsion and power technologies, enabling NASA and industry to produce more efficient engines.
Recent trends in motorcycle fatalities show older riders are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, often on rural roads. Over half of all motorcycle fatalities involve collisions with other vehicles.
Lawanna Harris, a NASA engineering technician, is working on a rocket-based combined cycle engine to make space travel more affordable. Her research goal is to reduce the cost of payload from $10,000 to hundreds of dollars per pound within 25 years.