Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for week 38:
Dark matter effect might be explained by modified way to calculate inertial mass
(Phys.org)�One of the first observations suggesting the existence of an invisible dark matter came in 1933 when astronomer Fritz Zwicky noticed that galaxy clusters were more energetic than they should be, according to the mass of visible stars in them, and he proposed dark matter to explain the discrepancy. Later observations of galaxies (by Rubin & Ford, among others) showed that the galaxies' edges were rotating as fast as the insides of the galaxies, even though acceleration is supposed to decrease with radius.
Thermoelectric material is world's best at converting heat waste to electricity
Northwestern University scientists have developed a thermoelectric material that is the best in the world at converting waste heat to electricity. This is very good news once you realize nearly two-thirds of energy input is lost as waste heat.
Hydrogen fuel cell for phone charging set for 2013
(Phys.org)�A three-way collaboration between Japan-based Rohm, Aquafairy, and Kyoto University has resulted in the development of a smartphone-charging fuel cell�a compact, high output, portable hydrogen powered fuel cell that can generate electricity by producing hydrogen. This is achieved through a chemical reaction between calcium hydride sheets and water. The fuel cell can generate five watt hours of electricity, to charge an average smartphone within two hours. The fuel cell will be promoted for a variety of uses, from charging a smartphone to serving as a 200-watt portable generator delivering backup power.
Single-atom writer a landmark for quantum computing
A research team led by Australian engineers has created the first working quantum bit based on a single atom in silicon, opening the way to ultra-powerful quantum computers of the future.
World's most powerful digital camera opens eye, records first images in hunt for dark energy
(Phys.org)�Eight billion years ago, rays of light from distant galaxies began their long journey to Earth. That ancient starlight has now found its way to a mountaintop in Chile, where the newly-constructed Dark Energy Camera, the most powerful sky-mapping machine ever created, has captured and recorded it for the first time.
Astrophysicists spy ultra-distant galaxy amidst cosmic 'dark ages'
With the combined power of NASA's Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes as well as a cosmic magnification effect, a team of astronomers led by Wei Zheng of The Johns Hopkins University has spotted what could be the most distant galaxy ever detected.
Dry-run experiments verify key aspect of Sandia nuclear fusion concept
(Phys.org)�Magnetically imploded tubes called liners, intended to help produce controlled nuclear fusion at scientific "break-even" energies or better within the next few years, have functioned successfully in preliminary tests, according to a Sandia research paper accepted for publication by Physical Review Letters (PRL).
North Atlantic 'Achilles heel' lets upper atmosphere affect the abyss
A University of Utah study suggests something amazing: Periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence the seas by striking a vulnerable "Achilles heel" in the North Atlantic and changing mile-deep ocean circulation patterns, which in turn affect Earth's climate.
Blue Brain Project accurately predicts connections between neurons
One of the greatest challenges in neuroscience is to identify the map of synaptic connections between neurons. Called the "connectome," it is the holy grail that will explain how information flows in the brain. In a landmark paper, published the week of 17th of September in PNAS, the EPFL's Blue Brain Project (BBP) has identified key principles that determine synapse-scale connectivity by virtually reconstructing a cortical microcircuit and comparing it to a mammalian sample. These principles now make it possible to predict the locations of synapses in the neocortex.
Revolutionary ultrathin, flat lens: Smart phones as thin as a credit card?
Scientists are reporting development of a revolutionary new lens�flat, distortion-free, so small that more than 1,500 would fit across the width of a human hair�capable in the future of replacing lenses in applications ranging from cell phones to cameras to fiber-optic communication systems. The advance, which could lead to smart phones as thin as a credit card, appears in ACS' journal Nano Letters.
'Planetary emergency' due to Arctic melt, experts warn
Experts warned of a "planetary emergency" due to the unforeseen global consequences of Arctic ice melt, including methane gas released from permafrost regions currently under ice.
Mars rover Curiosity targets unusual rock enroute to first destination
(Phys.org)�NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has driven up to a football-size rock that will be the first for the rover's arm to examine.
Researchers find water doped graphite flakes exhibit superconductive properties at high temperature
(Phys.org)�Researchers from the University of Leipzig have found that doping very small flakes of graphite with water, then allowing it to dry, results in a material that behaves very much like a superconductor. The team, led by Pablo Esquinazi have written a paper describing their process and results and have had it published in the peer review journal Advanced Materials. If their findings prove sound, the discovery would almost certainly revolutionize the electronics industry.
Toshiba plans rollout of entire-home battery system
(Phys.org)�Japan's residents well know the difficulties of power outages; unsurprisingly, efforts toward smarter solutions for backup power options are top priority for R&D at companies like Toshiba. The company plans to roll out a home storage battery system that can keep appliances running for a good part of the day. Toshiba Corp and Toshiba Lighting and Technology Corp have developed a storage battery system that makes use of the company's technology for rechargeable batteries. The system is called eneGoon, and it can do the work in the event of a power shortage to power up the gamut of frequently used household appliances Toshiba says eneGoon can powering a home dweller's refrigerator, TV, PC, and lights for 12 hours on a full charge.
Researchers demonstrate 'giant' forces in super-strong nanomaterials
(Phys.org)�In a study that could lead to advances in the emerging fields of optical computing and nanomaterials, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology report that a new class of nanoscale slot waveguides pack 100 to 1,000 times more transverse optical force than conventional silicon slot waveguides
Your next assembly lines may have Baxter robot doing pick-up (w/ Video)
(Phys.org)�Rethink Robotics is introducing Baxter to the manufacturing sector with a note: Baxter can ignite a revolution in breaking down costs and safety barriers holding back automation in American manufacturing. The Boston-based company says the $22,000 (list price) robot is a fraction of the cost of traditional industrial robots "with zero integration required." Baxter has been expressly designed to work on assembly lines to perform menial tasks. Baxter has two arms, each with seven degrees of freedom, and a reach similar to that of a human, to take over the mindless menial tasks. It can load, unload, sort, pack, unpack, snap-fit, grind and polish.
Record loss of Arctic ice may trigger extreme weather
Arctic sea ice is shrinking at a rate much faster than scientists ever predicted and its collapse, due to global warming, may well cause extreme weather this winter in North America and Europe, according to climate scientists.
Largest genomic study shows Khoe-San people are unique
Genetically, culturally and ethically the Khoe-San have something special to add to this world. The importance of this study is to put the Khoe and San heritage in the right place in history and this research will provide a genetic backdrop for future studies - Mattias Jakobsson.
Skilled hunters 300,000 years ago
Finds from early stone age site in north-central Germany show that human ingenuity is nothing new � and was probably shared by now-extinct species of humans.
Optical waveguide connects semiconductor chips
A team of German researchers at KIT directed by Professor Christian Koos has succeeded in developing a novel optical connection between semiconductor chips. "Photonic wire bonding" reaches data transmission rates in the range of several terabits per second and is suited perfectly for production on the industrial scale. In the future, this technology may be used in high-performance emitter-receiver systems for optical data transmission and, thus, contribute to reducing energy consumption of the internet. The scientists published their results in the journal Optics Express.
This email is a free service of Phys.org
You received this email because you subscribed to our list.
If you no longer want to receive this email use the link below to unsubscribe.
http://phys.org/profile/nwletter/
You are subscribed as jmabs1@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment