ScienceDaily Technology Headlines -- for Wednesday, June 22, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Technology Headlines

for Wednesday, June 22, 2011

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How dense is a cell? Combining ancient principle with new technology, researchers devise new way to answer question (June 22, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a way to measure the density of a single cell. The new method involves measuring the buoyant mass of each cell in two fluids of different densities. Measuring cell density could allow researchers to gain biophysical insight into fundamental cellular processes such as adaptations for survival, and might also be useful for identifying diseased cells. ... > full story

Quantum leap: Magnetic properties of a single proton directly observed for the first time (June 22, 2011) -- An important milestone in the direct measurement of the magnetic moment of the proton and its anti-particle has been achieved. Researchers have observed spin quantum-jumps with a single trapped proton for the first time. The result is a pioneering step forward in the endeavor to directly measure the magnetic properties of the proton with high precision. ... > full story

Forklift trucks that run on a green charge (June 21, 2011) -- The first forklift trucks in Europe that will run on fuel cells and with hydrogen in their tanks are on the way to the market. No fewer than 30 demonstration units are to be tested, and Norway is among the countries potentially involved in the trials. ... > full story

Forensics: Lamps and spectrometers used to age bruises precisely (June 21, 2011) -- Forensic scientists have to rely on their own subjective experience when asked to ascertain the age of contusions. Now, however, researchers in Norway have found a far more objective and precise method, using lamps and spectrometers. From the assembled data the researchers created a model for bruise progression over time which enables them to determine the age of the bruises more reliably. Bruises on children develop differently from on adults. Knowledge within this area could be particularly important in cases of suspected child abuse. ... > full story

Acrobatics for anyons: New test for elusive fundamental particle proposed (June 21, 2011) -- Anyons are hypothetical particles that have been postulated to represent a third class of fundamental particles alongside the known bosons and fermions. Physicists in Germany have now proposed a novel experimental design that should make it possible to create and detect them for the first time. ... > full story

Shipwrecks no more: Recycling old boats (June 21, 2011) -- Nearly 5,000 recreational boats are retired and disposed of every year in Norway -- either sunk to the bottom of the sea or burned in a bonfire. Now, researchers have developed a new method for recycling these vessels. ... > full story

'Smart materials' that make proteins form crystals to boost research into new drugs (June 21, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new method to make proteins form crystals using "smart materials" that remember the shape and characteristics of the molecule. ... > full story

Keeping bugs out of software for self-driving cars: Analysis verifies safety of distributed car control system (June 21, 2011) -- Driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic braking, promise to someday ease traffic on crowded routes and prevent accidents. Proving that these automated systems will work as intended is a daunting task, but computer scientists have now demonstrated it is possible to verify the safety of these highly complex systems. ... > full story

Scientists find simple way to produce graphene (June 21, 2011) -- Scientists say they have discovered a simple method for producing high yields of graphene, a highly touted carbon nanostructure that some believe could replace silicon as the technological fabric of the future. The researchers report on a new method that converts carbon dioxide directly into few-layer graphene (less than 10 atoms in thickness) by burning pure magnesium metal in dry ice. ... > full story

Quantum cryptography: Perfect eavesdropper illustrates overlooked loophole in secure communications technology (June 21, 2011) -- Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a tool to provide confidential communication between two remote parties. QKD is perfectly secure in principle, but researchers have long been aware that loopholes may arise when QKD is put into practice. Now, for the first time, researchers have implemented a "perfect eavesdropper" that exploits just such a loophole. The results highlight the importance of identifying imperfections in the implementation of QKD as a step towards fixing them. ... > full story

Genius of Einstein, Fourier key to new computer vision that mimics how humans perceive 3-D shapes (June 21, 2011) -- Two new techniques for computer-vision technology mimic how humans perceive three-dimensional shapes by instantly recognizing objects no matter how they are twisted or bent, an advance that could help machines see more like people. ... > full story

Mimicking nature at the nanoscale: Selective transport across a biomimetic nanopore (June 21, 2011) -- Researchers have established a biomimetic nanopore that provides a unique test and measurement platform for the way that proteins move into a cell's nucleus. In a new study, they report an artificial nanopore that is functionalized with key proteins which mimics the natural nuclear pore. ... > full story

New measurement into biological polymer networks (June 21, 2011) -- The development of a new measurement technology is probing the structure of composite and biological materials. In their quest to understand more about bio-polymers, they developed the rheometer and confocal microscope system (measures the mechanical properties of materials), which provide a unique and unprecedented level of precision and sensitivity for investigating polymeric systems which were previously too small to visualize during mechanical stress experiments. ... > full story

Stretching old material yields new results for energy- and environment-related devices (June 21, 2011) -- Researchers recently found a way to improve electricity generating fuel cells, potentially making them more efficient, powerful and less expensive. Specifically, they discovered a way to speed up the flow and filtering of water or ions, which are necessary for fuel cells to operate. ... > full story

Young adults struggle with online political participation (June 20, 2011) -- Young adults who are web savvy, but lack knowledge about federal government, may struggle to use the web for political participation, according to researchers. ... > full story

Lab-on-chip sensing: New compact microspectrometer design achieves high resolution and wide bandwidth (June 20, 2011) -- Engineers have designed a new microspectrometer architecture using compact doughnut-shaped resonators. An 81-channel instrument achieved 0.6-nanometer resolution over a spectral range of more than 50 nanometers with a footprint less than one square millimeter. ... > full story

Inconsistent math curricula hurting US students, study finds (June 20, 2011) -- A new study finds important differences in math curricula across US states and school districts. The findings suggest that many students across the country are placed at a disadvantage by less demanding curricula. ... > full story

Diagnosed autism is more common in an IT-rich region, study finds (June 20, 2011) -- A new study has for the first time found that autism diagnoses are more common in an information technology-rich region. The researchers predicted that autism spectrum conditions (ASC) would be more common in populations enriched for 'systemizing', which is the drive to analyze how systems work, and to predict, control and build systems. These skills are required in disciplines such as engineering, physics, computing and mathematics. ... > full story

Discovery of parathyroid glow promises to reduce endocrine surgery risk (June 20, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered that parathyroid glands have a natural fluorescence that can be used during surgery to identify these tiny organs, which are hard to find with the naked eye. ... > full story

Improving LED lighting (June 20, 2011) -- A new light-emitting diode (LED) light uses an array of LEDs 100 times smaller than conventional LEDs. The new device has flexibility, maintains lower temperature and has an increased life-span over existing LEDs. ... > full story

Self-assembling electronic nano-components (June 20, 2011) -- Magnetic storage media such as hard drives have revolutionized the handling of information: huge quantities of data are magnetically stored while relying on highly sensitive electronic components. And data capacities are expected to increase further through ever smaller components. Researchers have now developed a nano-component based on a mechanism observed in nature. ... > full story

Careless behaviour of cloud users leads to crucial security threats, experts find (June 20, 2011) -- Scientists in Germany have discovered major security vulnerabilities in numerous virtual machines published by customers of Amazon's cloud. Among 1100 public Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), which are used to provide cloud services, about 30 percent are vulnerable, allowing attackers to manipulate or compromise web services or virtual infrastructures, the researchers say. ... > full story

Team reports scalable fabrication of self-aligned graphene transistors, circuits (June 20, 2011) -- Researchers previously reported a self-aligned technique for making graphene transistors with unparalleled speed, but scalability was a question. The team now uses a dielectrophoresis assembly approach to precisely place nanowire gate arrays on large area chemical vapor deposition growth graphene to enable the rational fabrication of high speed transistor arrays. They also did this on a glass substrate, minimizing the parasitic delay and enabling graphene transistors with extrinsic cut-off frequencies exceeding 50 GHz. ... > full story

Surroundings matter: Researchers engineer the environment for stem cell development to control differentiation (June 20, 2011) -- New research shows that systematically controlling the local and global environments during stem cell development helps to effectively direct the process of differentiation. In the future, these findings could be used to develop manufacturing procedures for producing large quantities of stem cells for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. ... > full story

New insights on an old material will enable design of better polymer batteries, water purification (June 20, 2011) -- Scientists have devised a way to measure Nafion's internal structure and, in the process, have discovered how to manipulate this structure to enhance the material's applications. ... > full story

From seawater to freshwater with a nanotechnology filter (June 20, 2011) -- In a new article, researchers describe the role that carbon nanotubes could play in the desalination of water, providing a possible solution to the problem of the world's ever-growing population demanding more and more fresh drinking water. ... > full story

Glimpsing the end of our solar system (June 20, 2011) -- Astronomers are investigating the possible eventual fate of the solar system by examining 'white dwarf' stars elsewhere in our galaxy. ... > full story

Finding reserves on the electrical grid (June 20, 2011) -- The weather determines how much energy wind turbine systems provide. The same applies to power line capacity. On cold and stormy days, this capacity is higher than on days with no wind and high mid-summer temperatures. An autonomously powered sensor network monitors power lines to find the reserves in the lines. ... > full story

Predicting future appearance: New computer-based technique ages photographic images of people's faces (June 20, 2011) -- A graduate student has designed a promising computer program that could serve as a new tool in missing-child investigations and matters of national security. Khoa Luu has developed a more effective computer-based technique to age photographic images of people's faces -- an advance that could help to identify missing kids and criminals on the lam. ... > full story

Johannes Kepler ATV cargo ferry undocks from International Space Station (June 20, 2011) -- Europe's Johannes Kepler ATV cargo ferry undocked from the International Space Station today at 14:46:30 GMT (16:46:30 CEST). The craft is now leaving the orbital outpost far behind and will end its mission on Tuesday evening as a shooting star over the Pacific Ocean. ... > full story

Hybrid lab combines technologies to make biorenewable fuels and products (June 20, 2011) -- The Hybrid Processing Laboratory located just inside the front door of Iowa State University's new Biorenewables Research Laboratory is increasingly busy. It's a place where researchers in biochemical and thermochemical sciences work together to develop technologies that produce biorenewable fuels and chemicals. And it's a showcase for the multidisciplinary work promoted by Iowa State's Bioeconomy Institute. ... > full story

Green ring fit for a superhero: Spitzer Space Telescope spies powerful light of giant 'O' stars (June 19, 2011) -- This glowing emerald nebula seen by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is reminiscent of the glowing ring wielded by the superhero Green Lantern. In the comic books, the diminutive Guardians of the Planet "Oa" forged his power ring, but astronomers believe rings like this are actually sculpted by the powerful light of giant "O" stars. O stars are the most massive type of star known to exist. ... > full story

Observation of rare particles may shed light on why the universe has more matter than antimatter (June 19, 2011) -- Physicists have now observed the decays of a rare particle that was present right after the Big Bang. Scientists hope this will help to solve the mystery of why the universe evolved with more matter than antimatter. ... > full story

Intelligent onboard transportation systems to prevent car crashes? (June 19, 2011) -- Since 2000, there have been 110 million car accidents in the United States, more than 443,000 of which have been fatal -- an average of 110 fatalities per day. These statistics make traffic accidents one of the leading causes of death in this country, as well as worldwide. More progress must be made to achieve the long-term goal of "intelligent transportation": cars that can "see" and communicate with other vehicles on the road, making them able to prevent crashes virtually 100 percent of the time. ... > full story

Chirality: New method to consistently make left-handed or right-handed molecules (June 18, 2011) -- Many organic molecules are non-superimposable with their mirror image. The two forms of such a molecule are called enantiomers and can have different properties in biological systems. The problem is to control which enantiomer you want to produce -- a problem that has proved to be important in the pharmaceutical industry. Researchers have now come up with a new method to control the process. ... > full story

'Ultrawideband' could be future of medical monitoring (June 18, 2011) -- New research has confirmed that an electronic technology called "ultrawideband" could hold part of the solution to an ambitious goal in the future of medicine -- health monitoring with sophisticated "body-area networks." Such networks would offer continuous, real-time health diagnosis to reduce the onset of degenerative diseases, save lives and cut health care costs. ... > full story

Phobos slips past Jupiter (June 18, 2011) -- Earlier this month, ESA's Mars Express performed a special maneuver to observe an unusual alignment of Jupiter and the martian moon Phobos. The impressive images of this rare event are now available.. ... > full story

Spectacular Hubble view of Centaurus A (June 17, 2011) -- The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has produced a close-up view of the galaxy Centaurus A. Hubble's out-of-this-world location and world-class Wide Field Camera 3 instrument reveal a dramatic picture of a dynamic galaxy in flux. ... > full story

Coming to TV screens of the future: A sense of smell (June 17, 2011) -- In a new paper, engineers demonstrate that it is possible to generate odor, at will, in a compact device small enough to fit on the back of your TV with potentially thousands of odors. ... > full story

ATV preparing for fiery destruction (June 17, 2011) -- ATV Johannes Kepler has been an important part of the International Space Station since February. Next week, it will complete its mission by undocking and burning up harmlessly in the atmosphere high over an uninhabited area of the Pacific Ocean. ... > full story

Poor 'gut sense' of numbers contributes to persistent math difficulties (June 17, 2011) -- Having a poor "gut sense" of numbers can lead to a mathematical learning disability and difficulty in achieving basic math proficiency. This inaccurate number sense is just one cause of math learning disabilities, according to researchers. ... > full story

Stretchable electronics: Wireless sensor measures and inputs intense body movements to computer (June 17, 2011) -- Electronics that can be bent and stretched might sound like science fiction. But scientists have devised a wireless sensor that can stand to be stretched. For example, the sensor can measure intensive body movements and wirelessly send information directly to a computer. ... > full story

Graphene may gain an on-off switch, adding semiconductor to long list of material's achievements (June 17, 2011) -- A team of researchers has proposed a way to turn the material graphene into a semiconductor, enabling it to control the flow of electrons with a laser "on-off switch." ... > full story

Noninvasive brain implant could someday translate thoughts into movement (June 17, 2011) -- A brain implant developed at the University of Michigan uses the body's skin like a conductor to wirelessly transmit the brain's neural signals to control a computer, and may eventually be used to reactivate paralyzed limbs. ... > full story

Taking the 3-D measure of macromolecules (June 17, 2011) -- Researchers have developed the world's first three-dimensional plasmon rulers, capable of measuring nanometer-scale spatial changes in macromolecular systems. These 3-D plasmon rulers could provide unprecedented details on such critical dynamic events in biology as the interaction of DNA with enzymes, the folding of proteins, the motion of peptides or the vibrations of cell membranes. ... > full story

New sensor to measure structural stresses can heal itself when broken (June 17, 2011) -- Researchers have designed a sensor that can measure strain in structural materials and is capable of healing itself -- an important advance for collecting data to help us make informed decisions about structural safety in the wake of earthquakes, explosions or other unexpected events. ... > full story

Firefighters' communications: Wireless 'breadcrumbs' that won’t become toast when baked ... or soggy when hosed (June 17, 2011) -- When Hansel and Gretel ventured into the forest, they left a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way home. In today's world, digital signals connect us to friends, family, and colleagues and help us find our location and map our routes. Yet, with few exceptions, today's firefighters still rely on 20th century radios, whose outdated analog signals have trouble penetrating the modern forest. ... > full story

Mercury: Messenger orbital data confirm theories, reveal surprises (June 17, 2011) -- In March, the Messenger spacecraft entered orbit around Mercury to become that planet's first orbiter. The tiny craft is providing a wealth of new information and some surprises. For instance, Mercury's surface composition differs from that expected for the innermost of the terrestrial planets, and Mercury's magnetic field has a north-south asymmetry that affects the interaction of the surface with charged particles from the solar wind. ... > full story