The EDGE: ScienceDaily Technology Headlines -- for Wednesday, June 8, 2011

ScienceDaily Technology Headlines

for Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory catches 'surfer' waves on the sun (June 8, 2011) -- Scientists have spotted the iconic surfer's wave rolling through the atmosphere of the sun. The waves hold clues as to how energy moves through that atmosphere, known as the corona. Since scientists know how these kinds of waves -- initiated by a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability if you're being technical -- disperse energy in the water, they can use this information to better understand the corona. This in turn, may help solve an enduring mystery of why the corona is thousands of times hotter than originally expected. ... > full story

Greater cancer detection is possible with 4-D PET image reconstruction (June 8, 2011) -- A new study is advancing a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging method that uses new 4-D image reconstruction to achieve the highest diagnostic capability for the detection of cancer. Mounting evidence shows that PET imaging, which provides visual representations of bodily functions, is significantly more sensitive when used with cutting-edge 4D image reconstruction technology that accounts for patient respiration and produces clearer, more easily interpreted images. ... > full story

New data still have scientists in dark over dark matter (June 8, 2011) -- A dark-matter experiment deep in the Soudan mine of Minnesota now has detected a seasonal signal variation similar to one an Italian experiment has been reporting for more than a decade. The new seasonal variation, is exactly what theoreticians had predicted if dark matter turned out to be what physicists call weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). WIMPS might have caused the signal variation, but it also might be a random fluctuation, a false reading sparked by the experimental apparatus itself or even some exotic new phenomenon in atomic physics. ... > full story

Protein folding made easy (June 8, 2011) -- Computational methods of modeling protein folding have existed for a couple of decades. But they required hundreds of thousands of CPU hours to compute the folding dynamics of 40 amino acids proteins. Now, researchers have developed algorithms able to predict correctly in 10 minutes on a single laptop, a coarse-grained representation of the folding pathways of a protein with 60 amino acids. ... > full story

Desktop genome analyzer and browser lets biologists easily analyze and process high-throughput data (June 8, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a desktop genome analyzer and browser that allows biologists to rapidly and easily analyze and process their high-throughput data. ... > full story

NASA sees the sun having a solar blast (June 7, 2011) -- The Sun unleashed an M-2 (medium-sized) solar flare, an S1-class (minor) radiation storm and a spectacular coronal mass ejection (CME) on June 7, 2011 from sunspot complex 1226-1227. The large cloud of particles mushroomed up and fell back down looking as if it covered an area of almost half the solar surface. ... > full story

Radio waves making a comeback? (June 7, 2011) -- In the communications technology of the future, radio waves could once again feature prominently. The challenge will be to provide reliable, high-capacity connections over long distances. ... > full story

Engineers look to the birds for the future of unmanned aerial vehicles (June 7, 2011) -- Engineers are mimicking the movement of bird wings to help improve the maneuverability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are often used for surveillance of a fixed target in military and civilian applications. A fixed wing aircraft capable of spot landing on a perch (top of a pole, building, fence, etc.) would be an ideal solution capable of efficient cruising and versatile landing for longer surveillance missions. ... > full story

Quantum simulator prototype: Toward new class of semiconductor nanostructures that probe quantum world (June 7, 2011) -- An international team of researchers has developed an artificial semiconductor structure that has superimposed a pattern created by advanced fabrication methods that are precise at the nanometer scale. The pattern is similar to the honeycomb lattice that occurs in graphene. The device, called "artificial graphene" (AG), simulates quantum behavior of strongly interacting electrons. The research team sees the AG-device as a first step towards the realization of an innovative class of solid-state quantum simulators to explore fundamental quantum physics. ... > full story

Novel geothermal technology packs a one-two punch against climate change (June 7, 2011) -- Researchers have developed an innovative approach to tapping heat beneath Earth's surface. The method is expected to not only produce renewable electricity far more efficiently than conventional geothermal systems, but also help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide -- dealing a one-two punch against climate change. ... > full story

Neutron analysis explains dynamics behind best thermoelectric materials (June 7, 2011) -- Neutron analysis of thermoelectric materials could spur the development of a broader range of products with the capability to transform heat to electricity. ... > full story

Astrophysicists use X-ray fingerprints to study eating habits of giant black holes (June 7, 2011) -- By studying the X-rays emitted when superheated gases plunge into distant and massive black holes, astrophysicists have provided an important test of a long-standing theory that describes the extreme physics occurring when matter spirals into these massive objects. ... > full story

Scanning the skies for debris hazards (June 7, 2011) -- Today, orbiting satellites are threatened by over 700 000 pieces of debris. Avoiding them requires knowing where they are, and that means surveillance with radar and telescopes. The European Space Agency is designing a system to catalog debris and warn satellite operators when to take evasive action. ... > full story

Compaction bands in sandstone are permeable: Findings could aid hydraulic fracturing, other fluid extraction techniques (June 7, 2011) -- When geologists survey an area of land for the potential that gas or petroleum deposits could exist there, they must take into account the composition of rocks that lie below the surface. Previous research had suggested that compaction bands might act as barriers to the flow of oil or gas. Now, researchers have analyzed X-ray images of sandstone and revealed that compaction bands are actually more permeable than earlier models indicated. ... > full story

Scientists use super microscope to pinpoint body’s immunity 'switch' (June 7, 2011) -- Using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, medical scientists have been able for the first time to see the inner workings of T-cells, the front-line troops that alert our immune system to go on the defensive against germs and other invaders in our bloodstream. The discovery overturns prevailing understanding, identifying the exact molecular "switch" that spurs T-cells into action -- a breakthrough that could lead to treatments for a range of conditions from autoimmune diseases to cancer. ... > full story

Virtual water cannot remedy freshwater shortage (June 7, 2011) -- The implementation of virtual water into trading deals has been suggested as a realistic solution to solving the global inequality of renewable freshwater, but new research suggests that it may not be as revolutionary as first thought. ... > full story

European project applies the social networking principle to scientific research (June 7, 2011) -- This project promotes the preservation, retrieval and reuse of scientific workflows ... > full story

Nanotechnologists must take lessons from nature (June 6, 2011) -- Accepting and understanding natural variability is the key for engineers seeking to make nanoscale devices that are as efficient as living microorganisms. ... > full story

Low-cost wireless sensor networks open new horizons for the Internet of things (June 6, 2011) -- The ESNA project enables high effective networking based on cheap wireless sensors in a wide range of business applications – from more comfortable and energy-efficient environmental controls to precision monitoring of agricultural resources. ... > full story

New supernova shows signs of atypical composition (June 6, 2011) -- An exploding star, in nearby galaxy M51, shows signs of an unusual composition. The material thrown into space in the explosion contains a wide variety of elements -- a mix that is atypical of supernova events at such an early stage of the explosion, researchers say. ... > full story

Tiny talk on a barnacle's back: Scientists use new imaging technique to reveal complex microbial interactions (June 6, 2011) -- Researchers report using a new form of imaging mass spectrometry to dramatically visualize multiplex microbial interactions. ... > full story

Perfect welds for car bodies (June 6, 2011) -- Surface welding instead of penetration welding, allows a laser to produce a weld that is only visible on one side. But how do you control the laser power to prevent it burning a hole through the sheets of metal? A new camera system analyzes thermal images in real time -- and ensures a perfect weld. ... > full story

Kinder, gentler video games may actually be good for players (June 6, 2011) -- While violent video games may lead to more aggression and anger in players, a new study shows that the opposite is also true: relaxing video games can make people happier and more kind. "With all the evidence about the dangers of violent video games, it's good to know that game players can choose games that will provide a positive experience," researchers said. ... > full story

Material turns hard or soft at the touch of a button (June 6, 2011) -- A world premiere: A material which changes its strength, virtually at the touch of a button. This transformation can be achieved in a matter of seconds through changes in the electron structure of a material; thus hard and brittle matter, for example, can become soft and malleable. What makes this development revolutionary, is that the transformation can be controlled by electric signals. ... > full story

Applying conductive nanocoatings to textiles (June 6, 2011) -- Imagine plugging a USB port into a sheet of paper, and turning it into a tablet computer. It might be a stretch, but ideas like this have researchers examining the use of conductive nanocoatings on simple textiles -- like woven cotton or even a sheet of paper. ... > full story

New solar system formation models indicate that Jupiter's foray robbed Mars of mass (June 6, 2011) -- Planetary scientists have long wondered why Mars is only about half the size and one-tenth the mass of Earth. As next-door neighbors in the inner solar system, probably formed about the same time, why isn't Mars more like Earth and Venus in size and mass? A new paper provides the first cohesive explanation and, by doing so, reveals an unexpected twist in the early lives of Jupiter and Saturn as well. ... > full story

First polymer solar-thermal device heats home, saves money (June 6, 2011) -- A new polymer-based solar-thermal device is the first to generate power from both heat and visible sunlight -- an advance that could shave the cost of heating a home by as much as 40 percent. ... > full story

New communication systems to bring order to air traffic chaos (June 6, 2011) -- Averting chaos in Europe’s skies will require replacing systems that are up to 50 years old. Air traffic throughout Europe is being reorganized to meet the challenges ahead. Whereas pilots currently communicate verbally with air traffic controllers, this information will be digitalized in the future. One purpose is to make the information available to multiple user groups, such as ground crews. Passengers may see prices drop a bit, and find that their journeys take less time overall thanks to the new technology. ... > full story

Wikipedia improves students' work: Students become much more concerned with accuracy when their research is posted online, study finds (June 6, 2011) -- A student writing an essay for their teacher may be tempted to plagiarize or leave facts unchecked. A new study shows that if you ask that same student to write something that will be posted on Wikipedia, he or she suddenly becomes determined to make the work as accurate as possible, and may actually do better research. ... > full story

Major step in improving forecasts of weather extremes such as floods and droughts (June 6, 2011) -- Moisture and heat fluctuations from the land surface to the atmosphere form a critical nexus between surface hydrology and atmospheric processes, especially those relevant to rainfall. While current theory has suggested that soil moisture has had a positive impact on precipitation, there have been very few large-scale observations of this. Now, a team of researchers has demonstrated that evaporation from the land surface is able to modify summertime rainfall east of the Mississippi and in the monsoonal region in the southern U.S. and Mexico. ... > full story

It all depends on the coffee: The eco-balance of coffee capsules (June 6, 2011) -- Exactly how environmentally friendly are the various capsule systems and other ways of making coffee? Swiss researchers have taken a close look at the ecological balances of the various systems currently in use. The result: it all depends on the contents. The choice of coffee has a much stronger effect on the environmental friendliness than the capsule system, type of machine or method of preparation. ... > full story

Optical control of magnetic effects at the nanoscale (June 6, 2011) -- Magneto-optical effects, which exploit the interaction between light and magnetic materials, have only been relevant for fundamental research and up to now rarely used for applications. Plasmons – electronic excitations in metals with dimensions at the nanoscale – recently opened a new way to concentrate light at nanoscale. ... > full story

Jupiter's youthful travels redefined solar system (June 6, 2011) -- Jupiter's travels profoundly influenced the solar system, changing the nature of the asteroid belt and making Mars smaller than it should have been. These details are based on a new model of the early solar system developed by an international team that includes NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. ... > full story

Graphene-based polarizer can broaden bandwidth of optical fiber-based telecommunications (June 6, 2011) -- Researchers in Singapore have invented a graphene-based polarizer that can broaden the bandwidth of prevailing optical fiber-based telecommunication systems. The research team invented an ultra-slim broadband polarizer that uses graphene, a single-atomic-layer crystallized carbon, to convert light beam into polarized light. This is the first experimental demonstration of using graphene as an ultrathin waveguide to couple and modulate light. ... > full story

No significant difference in car fuel consumption between E10 and E5 petrol grades, Finnish study finds (June 6, 2011) -- A study conducted by Finnish researchers indicates that there is practically no difference between commercial petrol grades 95E10 and 98E5 sold in Finland as regards fuel consumption in normal driving. The finding is based on driving tests using six used cars of different make under laboratory conditions. ... > full story

Robotic mine vehicles successfully reanimated by engineering students using industry support (June 5, 2011) -- Engineering students, with some help from regional industry, rebuilt and successfully tested autonomous robotic vehicles for eventual use in remote areas or underground mines where conditions are too extreme for human workers. ... > full story

Physicists store antimatter atoms for 1,000 seconds -- and still counting (June 5, 2011) -- Physicists with the international ALPHA Collaboration at CERN in Geneva have succeeded in storing a total of 309 antihydrogen atoms, some for as long as 1,000 seconds (almost 17 minutes) or even longer -- more than enough time to perform meaningful scientific experiments on confined anti-atoms. ... > full story

Noise research to combat 'wind turbine syndrome' (June 5, 2011) -- Australian acoustics researchers are investigating the causes of wind turbine noise with the aim of making them quieter and solving "wind turbine syndrome." ... > full story

Developing advanced biofuels: Researchers counteract biofuel toxicity in microbes (June 5, 2011) -- Researchers have created a library of microbial efflux pumps that reduce toxicity and boost production of biofuels in engineered strains of microbes. This library and the bioprospecting strategy behind it should serve as valuable new tools for the development of advanced biofuels and other areas of biotechnology as well. ... > full story

CERN experiment traps antimatter atoms for 1000 seconds (June 5, 2011) -- In a new paper, the ALPHA experiment at CERN reports that it has succeeded in trapping antimatter atoms for over 16 minutes: long enough to begin to study their properties in detail. ALPHA is part of a broad programme at CERN’s antiproton decelerator investigating the mysteries of one of nature’s most elusive substances. ... > full story

CERN group traps antihydrogen atoms for more than 16 minutes (June 5, 2011) -- The ALPHA experiment at CERN last year reported trapping 38 antihydrogen atoms for 0.1 seconds each. They've gotten better. In a run late last year, they captured more than 100 for up to 1,000 seconds each, enough to start long-awaited experiments to determine the energy levels of antiatoms. They also plan gravitational experiments to see if matter and antimatter have the same properties. ... > full story

Upping the anti: Canadian researchers instrumental in game-changing antimatter study (June 5, 2011) -- Science fiction is fast approaching science fact as researchers are progressing rapidly toward "bottling" antimatter. Physicists with the ALPHA experiment at CERN report that they have succeeded in storing antimatter atoms for over 16 minutes. ... > full story

DNA can discern between two quantum states, research shows (June 4, 2011) -- Do the principles of quantum mechanics apply to biological systems? Until now, both biologists and physicists have considered quantum systems and biological molecules to be like apples and oranges. But new research shows that a biological molecule -- DNA -- can discern between quantum states known as spin. ... > full story

Building a better dam map: New database of reservoirs and dams for sustainable river-flow management (June 4, 2011) -- The culmination of a four-year collaboration by a team of scientists from around the globe has produced the Global Reservoir and Dam database (GRanD), a unique, geographically explicit, high-resolution global database of large dams and reservoirs. ... > full story

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity passes small crater and big milestone (June 3, 2011) -- A drive of 482 feet (146.8 meters) on June 1, 2011, took NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity past 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) in total odometry during 88 months of driving on Mars. That's 50 times the distance originally planned for the mission and more than 12 times the distance racehorses will run at the Belmont Stakes. ... > full story

Weight loss success in a 3-D virtual world (June 3, 2011) -- Participants in two weight-loss programs -- one at a health club, the other delivered in a virtual world -- lost similar amounts of weight and body fat, but the online contingent reported significantly greater gains in behaviors that could help them live healthier and leaner lives. ... > full story

New sound synchronization technology holds the key to earlier diagnosis of heart disease (June 3, 2011) -- Innovative technology is contributing to the development of a revolutionary digital stethoscope that could make it easier for doctors to spot the first signs of heart disease. ... > full story

Lasers used to form 3-D crystals made of nanoparticles (June 3, 2011) -- Physicists have used the electric fields generated by intersecting laser beams to trap and manipulate thousands of microscopic plastic spheres, thereby creating 3-D arrays of optically induced crystals. ... > full story