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Return of the vacuum tube

Researchers developed a tiny vacuum channel transistor with applications in hazardous sensing, medical diagnostics, and telecommunications; the device operates at low voltages, making it competitive with semiconductor technology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 18, 2012

Sailing through space on hot plasma

Winglee's design harnesses solar wind to accelerate spacecraft, potentially reaching speeds of over 100km/s. The sailcloth is a magnetic field that repels ions and charged particles, exerting a small but steady force on the spacecraft.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 1, 1999