The EDGE: ScienceDaily Technology Headlines -- for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ScienceDaily Technology Headlines

for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.

VISTA finds new globular star clusters and sees right through the heart of the Milky Way (October 26, 2011) -- Two newly discovered globular clusters have been added to the total of just 158 known globular clusters in our Milky Way. They were found in new images from ESO's VISTA survey telescope as part of the Via Lactea survey. This survey has also turned up the first star cluster that is far beyond the center of the Milky Way and whose light has had to travel right through the dust and gas in the heart of our galaxy to get to us. ... > full story

Magnetic nanoswitch for thermoelectric voltages (October 26, 2011) -- Thanks to a recently discovered effect in magnetic tunnel structures, thermoelectric voltages in nano-electronic junctions can be controlled. ... > full story

Laser ion source will produce a new generation of semiconductors (October 26, 2011) -- For ion implantation, that is 'hammering' ions into the surface layer of the material, conventional ion accelerators are commonly used. Laser ion sources are much simpler, cheaper and more universal. However, they emit wide energy ions usually accompanied by some admixtures. Scientists have now produced a unique laser ion source has been built which is equipped with a special system for accelerating ions to a chosen energy and for eliminating admixtures. ... > full story

Watching motion of electrons in molecules during chemical reactions (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have, for the first time, visualized the motion of electrons during a chemical reaction. The new findings in the experiment are of fundamental importance for photochemistry and could also assist the design of more efficient solar cells. ... > full story

Scientists discover way to determine when water was present on Mars and Earth (October 25, 2011) -- The discovery of the mineral jarosite in rocks analyzed by the Mars Rover, Opportunity, on the Martian surface had special meaning for a team of scientists who study the mineral here on Earth. Jarosite can only form in the presence of water. ... > full story

Nanotubes key to microscopic mechanics (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers from Spain and Belgium report on the innovative use of carbon nanotubes to create mechanical components for use in a new generation of micro-machines. While the electronics industry has excelled in miniaturizing components, with individual elements approaching the nanoscale (or a billionth of a meter), reducing the size of mechanical systems has proved much more challenging. ... > full story

Computer scientist cracks mysterious 'Copiale Cipher' (October 25, 2011) -- More than three centuries after it was devised, the 75,000-character "Copiale Cipher" has finally been broken. The mysterious cryptogram, bound in gold and green brocade paper, reveals the rituals and political leanings of a 18th-century secret society in Germany. ... > full story

First-of-a-kind tension wood study broadens biofuels research (October 25, 2011) -- Taking a cue from Mother Nature, researchers have undertaken a first-of-its-kind study of a naturally occurring phenomenon in trees to spur the development of more efficient bioenergy crops. Tension wood, which forms naturally in hardwood trees in response to bending stress, is known to possess unique features that render it desirable as a bioenergy feedstock. Although individual elements of tension wood have been studied previously, the team is the first to use a comprehensive suite of techniques to systematically characterize tension wood and link the wood's properties to sugar release. Plant sugars, known as cellulose, are fermented into alcohol for use as biofuel. ... > full story

Simple compound with surprising antifreeze properties (October 25, 2011) -- A chemical compound used to stabilize particles in suspension has proved capable of controlling the growth of ice crystals, according to researchers in France. Surprisingly, the compound in question is a simple molecule, not at all like the macromolecules previously known for their antifreeze properties. It offers many advantages, including low production costs, stability and ease of use, which should open the way to industrial applications. The discovery also provides new leads for the development of synthetic equivalents of antifreeze proteins, different from those currently produced. ... > full story

Geothermal mapping report confirms vast coast-to-coast clean energy source in U.S. (October 25, 2011) -- New research documents significant geothermal resources across the United States capable of producing more than three million megawatts of green power -- 10 times the installed capacity of coal power plants today. ... > full story

Electron accelerator scientists report breakthroughs (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have surpassed two major milestones toward a novel, exceedingly powerful X-ray source: A record-breaking electron gun emittance and a successfully tested prototype of a superconducting linac cavity. ... > full story

Researchers build transparent, super-stretchy skin-like sensor (October 25, 2011) -- Using carbon nanotubes bent to act as springs, researchers have developed a stretchable, transparent skin-like sensor. The sensor can be stretched to more than twice its original length and bounce back perfectly to its original shape. It can sense pressure from a firm pinch to thousands of pounds. The sensor could have applications in prosthetic limbs, robotics and touch-sensitive computer displays. ... > full story

New instrument helps researchers see how diseases start and develop in minute detail (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers can now study molecules which are normally only found in very small concentrations, directly in organs and tissue. Researchers have now managed to construct an instrument that 'hyperpolarises' the molecules and thus makes it possible to track them using MRI. The technology opens up new possibilities to study what really happens on molecular level in organs such as the brain. ... > full story

Public support for geoengineering research, survey finds (October 25, 2011) -- Research on geoengineering appears to have broad public support, as a new, internationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents approved research into the climate-manipulating technique. ... > full story

Wearable depth-sensing projection system makes any surface capable of multitouch interaction (October 25, 2011) -- OmniTouch, a wearable projection system developed by researchers, enables users to turn pads of paper, walls or even their own hands, arms and legs into graphical, interactive surfaces. OmniTouch employs a depth-sensing camera to track the user's fingers on everyday surfaces. This allows users to control interactive applications by tapping or dragging their fingers, much as they would with touchscreens found on smartphones or tablet computers. ... > full story

Chemists find new dimension to rules for reactions (October 25, 2011) -- Theoretical chemists have solved an important mystery about the rates of chemical reactions and the so-called Polanyi rules. The findings reveal why a reaction involving methane does not conform to the known rules, a problem that has baffled physical chemists in recent years. Long-range, their findings could play a role in the development of cleaner, more efficient fuels. ... > full story

Design rules will enable scientists to use DNA to build nanomaterials with desired properties (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have learned how to top nature by building crystalline materials from nanoparticles (the "atoms") and DNA (the "bonds"). The researchers have learned how to create crystals with the particles arranged in the same types of atomic lattice configurations as some found in nature, but they also have built completely new structures that have no naturally occurring mineral counterpart. Their design rules could help improve the efficiency of optics, electronics and energy storage technologies. ... > full story

One clock with two times: When quantum mechanics meets general relativity (October 25, 2011) -- General relativity, the joint theory of gravity, space and time gives predictions that become clearly evident on a cosmic scale of stars and galaxies. Quantum effects are fragile and observed on small scales like single particles and atoms. To test the interplay between them is very hard. Now theoretical physicists propose an experiment to overlap of the two theories. ... > full story

Taking the pulse of charge-separation processes: Self-organization gives rise to more efficient organic solar cells (October 25, 2011) -- Organic solar cells have the potential to convert sunlight into electrical energy in an economical and environmentally friendly fashion. The challenge is that they still work less efficiently than inorganic semiconductors. Ultrafast measurements on hybrid cells now reveal a route to double their efficiency. ... > full story

Fallout of a giant meteorite strike revealed in new model (October 24, 2011) -- Seeking to better understand the level of death and destruction that would result from a large meteorite striking Earth, researchers have developed a new model that can not only more accurately simulate the seismic fallout of such an impact, but also help reveal new information about the surface and interior of planets based on past collisions. ... > full story

Hold your forces: Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application (October 24, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates that mechanical forces affect the growth and remodeling of blood vessels during tissue regeneration and wound healing. The forces diminish or enhance the vascularization process and tissue regeneration depending on when they are applied during the healing process. ... > full story

Gallium nitride is non-toxic, biocompatible; holds promise for implants, research finds (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that the semiconductor material gallium nitride is non-toxic and is compatible with human cells -- opening the door to the material's use in a variety of biomedical implant technologies. ... > full story

New device measures viscosity of ketchup and cosmetics (October 24, 2011) -- A device that can measure and predict how liquids flow under different conditions will ensure consumer products -- from makeup to ketchup -- are of the right consistency. ... > full story

'First step' to perfect drug combinations (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a way of speeding up the creation of perfect drug combinations, which could help patients recovering from critical health problems such as stroke, heart attacks and cancer. ... > full story

Nanoparticles and their size may not be big issues (October 24, 2011) -- If you've ever eaten from silverware or worn copper jewelry, you've been around nanoparticles dropped into the environment, say scientists. Using high-powered microscopes, researchers looked at common metal products, finding that we've been exposed for years and concluding that 'size' concerns may be overblown. ... > full story

NASA telescopes help solve ancient supernova mystery (October 24, 2011) -- A mystery that began nearly 2,000 years ago, when Chinese astronomers witnessed what would turn out to be an exploding star in the sky, has been solved. New infrared observations from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, reveal how the first supernova ever recorded occurred and how its shattered remains ultimately spread out to great distances. ... > full story

Spiral arms hint at presence of planets: High resolution image of young star with circumstellar disks verifies predictions (October 24, 2011) -- A new image of the disk of gas and dust around a sun-like star has spiral-arm-like structures. These features may provide clues to the presence of embedded but as-yet-unseen planets. ... > full story

How close is too close? Hydrofracking to access natural gas reservoirs poses risks to surface water, researchers say (October 24, 2011) -- Natural gas mining has drawn fire recently after claims that hydraulic fracturing, an increasingly popular technique for tapping hard-to-reach reservoirs, contaminates groundwater. Surface lakes, rivers and streams may also be at risk. In a new paper, researchers estimate the average proximity of drill platforms to surface lakes and streams for two large shale basins underlying much of the eastern United States. ... > full story

Minimizing chemical pollution from airport de-icing (October 24, 2011) -- In the future, winter temperatures in countries with a typically cold climate may be rising, meaning more frequent conditions near the 0°C point. One of the impacts could be a greater need to de-ice airplanes. Norwegian researchers have studied the potential ramifications of increased use of the chemicals involved. ... > full story

Research highlights photonic and plasmonic nanostructures with applications in optical communications, energy generation and biomedical research (October 24, 2011) -- The combination of optical, electronic and mechanical effects occurring in devices and materials that have structure on the nanometer scale are being investigated by researchers around the world. To highlight the recent progress and trends in physics and applications in this area, the editors of the Optical Society's open-access journal Optics Express have published a special focus issue on "Collective Phenomena in Photonic, Plasmonic and Hybrid Structures." ... > full story

Biggest ever study shows no link between mobile phone use and tumors (October 23, 2011) -- There is no link between long-term use of mobile phones and tumors of the brain or central nervous system, according to new research. In what is described as the largest study on the subject to date, Danish researchers found no evidence that the risk of brain tumors was raised among 358,403 mobile phone subscribers over an 18-year period. ... > full story

Giant flakes make graphene oxide gel: Discovery could boost metamaterials, high-strength fibers (October 23, 2011) -- Slices of graphene oxide in a solution arrange themselves into a nematic liquid crystal. At a sufficient concentration, giant flakes will form a gel, a precursor to manufacturing metamaterals and fibers. ... > full story

Fluoride shuttle increases storage capacity: Researchers develop new concept for rechargeable batteries (October 22, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new concept for rechargeable batteries. Based on a fluoride shuttle -- the transfer of fluoride anions between the electrodes -- it promises to enhance the storage capacity reached by lithium-ion batteries by several factors. Operational safety is also increased, as it can be done without lithium. ... > full story

SideBySide projection system enables projected interaction between mobile devices (October 21, 2011) -- Researchers have devised a system called SideBySide that enables animated images from two separate handheld projectors to interact with each other on the same surface. The system, suitable for games, education and a variety of other applications, is self-contained in special handheld devices. No external cameras or other sensors are required, which enables people to use the projectors to interact with each other anywhere and at anytime. ... > full story

Electrochemistry controlled with a plasma electrode (October 21, 2011) -- Engineers have made an electrochemical cell that uses a plasma for an electrode, instead of solid pieces of metal. The technology may open new pathways for battery and fuel cell design and manufacturing, making hydrogen fuel and synthesizing nanomaterials and polymers. ... > full story

Viruses coaxed to form synthetics with microstructures akin to those of corneas, teeth and skin (October 21, 2011) -- Using a simple, single-step process, engineers and scientists have recently developed a technique to direct benign, filamentous viruses called M13 phages to serve as structural building blocks for materials with a wide range of properties. ... > full story

TapSense: Touchscreen technology distinguishes taps by parts of finger (October 21, 2011) -- Smartphone and tablet computer owners have become adept at using finger taps, flicks and drags to control their touchscreens. But researchers have found that this interaction can be enhanced by taking greater advantage of the finger's anatomy and dexterity. By attaching a microphone to a touchscreen, the scientists have shown they can tell the difference between the tap of a fingertip, the pad of the finger, a fingernail and a knuckle. This technology, called TapSense, enables richer touchscreen interactions. ... > full story

The eyes have it: Computer-inspired creativity (October 21, 2011) -- Constraints on creativity imposed by computer-aided design tools are being overcome, thanks to a novel system that incorporates eye-tracking technology. ... > full story

Astronomers explain blue stragglers: How do mysterious stars stay so young? (October 21, 2011) -- Mysterious "blue stragglers" are old stars that appear younger than they should be: they burn hot and blue. Several theories have attempted to explain why they don't show their age, but, until now, scientists have lacked the crucial observations with which to test each hypothesis. Armed with such observational data, astronomers now report that a mechanism known as mass transfer explains the origins of the blue stragglers. ... > full story

Number of Facebook friends linked to size of brain regions, study suggests (October 21, 2011) -- Scientists have found a direct link between the number of "Facebook friends" a person has and the size of particular brain regions. In a new study researchers also showed that the more Facebook friends a person has, the more "real-world" friends they are likely to have. ... > full story

Reading a book versus a screen: Different reading devices, different modes of reading? (October 21, 2011) -- A book or a screen – which of these two offers more reading comfort? There are no disadvantages to reading from electronic reading devices compared with reading printed texts, according to a new study. ... > full story

'Microring' device could aid in future optical technologies (October 21, 2011) -- Researchers have created a device small enough to fit on a computer chip that converts continuous laser light into numerous ultrashort pulses, a technology that might have applications in more advanced sensors, communications systems and laboratory instruments. ... > full story

Magnetic attraction: Microchip demonstrates concept of 'MRAM for biomolecules' (October 21, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a low-power microchip that uses a combination of microfluidics and magnetic switches to trap and transport magnetic beads. The novel transport chip may have applications in biotechnology and medical diagnostics. ... > full story

New benchtop polymer characterization method developed (October 21, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new and highly efficient way to characterize the structure of polymers at the nanoscale -- effectively designing a routine analytical tool that could be used by industries that rely on polymer science to innovate new products, from drug delivery gels to renewable bio-materials. ... > full story

Aggregating bandwidth for faster mobile networks (October 21, 2011) -- A new study reveals that the value of mobile spectrum, the capacity to transfer data across mobile networks, is only likely to increase as the demand for data transfer increases. However, it is only those telecommunications companies that bought up in government auctions the inexpensive licenses to operate at particularly frequencies of the spectrum that will be in strong position to dominate in the consumer and enterprise markets. ... > full story

Nearby planet-forming disk holds water for thousands of oceans (October 20, 2011) -- For the first time, astronomers have detected around a burgeoning solar system a sprawling cloud of water vapor that's cold enough to form comets, which could eventually deliver oceans to dry planets. ... > full story

Laser makes sure food is fresh (October 20, 2011) -- Minced meat, bread, fruit juice and many other foods are packaged in a protective gas which extends their shelf life. There is currently no good method to check whether the packaging has the correct gas content. However, researchers have now developed a new laser instrument which could solve the problem. The first product is expected to be ready for market launch later in the autumn. ... > full story

Planet-sized object as cool as Earth revealed in record-breaking photo (October 20, 2011) -- Scientists are presenting the photo of a nearby star and its orbiting companion -- whose temperature is like a hot summer day in Arizona. The planet-like companion is the coldest object ever directly photographed outside our solar system, researchers say. ... > full story