Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Nanostructures Will Raise Thin-Film Solar Cell Efficiency
Thanks to nanostructures that scatter and channel light, electrical engineers are working toward thin-film "single junction" solar cells with the potential for nearly 45 percent sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies. This new...
Are BPA plastic's claims shatterproof?
Two views have emerged from the same research on whether the chemical in hard, clear polycarbonate plastics is bad for humans. Regardless of who's right, there are alternatives. ...
Firearms Microstamping Feasible But Variable, Study Finds
New technology to link cartridge cases to guns by engraving microscopic codes on the firing pin is feasible, but did not work equally well for all guns and ammunition tested...
Recipe For Energy Saving Unravelled In Migratory Birds
Pointed wings, together with carrying less weight per wing area and avoidance of high winds and atmospheric turbulence, save a bird lots of energy during migration. This is shown for...
Lasers are used to align molecules
ARGONNE, Ill., May 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say difficulties involved with crystallizing molecules for synchrotron X-ray diffraction can be resolved by using lasers.
Student invents silicon chip alternative
TROY, N.Y., May 14 (UPI) -- A doctoral student has invented a transistor that has captured the attention of some of the largest U.S. and Japanese automobile companies.
Scientists seek better football fields
MADISON, Wis., May 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. team of scientists says it has found the most effective seed mixture and planting times for producing faster-growing, more durable...
Study May Explain Variations In Superconducting Temperatures
New experiments at Cornell have verified a theory that variations in the distance between atoms in cuprate superconductors account for differences in the temperature at which the material begins to...
Light Emitting Diodes Save Energy And Can Now Concentrate Light Precisely Where Needed
Light-emitting diodes save energy. In terms of their light output, however, they have so far been unable to compete with light bulbs. A new, low-priced optical component is set to...
New Molecules Could Change The Face Of Explosives Detection
Chemists have developed complex molecules for use in portable sensors that quickly and reliably detect the presence of plastic explosives, a pressing need for soldiers in Iraq. The molecules can...
Held together by metal-metal bonds: a large ring containing 36 gold atoms
Chinese researchers have recently made a “golden crown” with a diameter of only a few nanometers. It is a large ring-shaped molecule containing 36 gold atoms. The lords of the...
"Smart" Car Is Safe, Too, Study Says
The micro car, the smallest car for sale in the U.S. market, offers a good level of safety, according to new crash tests conducted by the insurance industry.
EU gives green light to TomTom takeover of Tele Atlas
EU regulators on Wednesday approved Dutch technology group TomTom's takeover of Tele Atlas after an in-depth probe found the deal would not significantly reduce competition in the SatNav sector.
Researchers discover architecture for fundamental processes of life
A team of Canadian researchers has completed a massive survey of the network of protein complexes that orchestrate the fundamental processes of life. In the online edition of the journal...
National study examines health risks of coarse particle pollution
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have conducted the largest nationwide study on the acute health effects of coarse particle pollution. Coarse particles are airborne pollutants...
Insulation is NASA's 2007 best invention
MOFFETT FIELD, Calif., May 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency says its 2007 Government Invention of the Year is a heat shield insulation material.
Soldered Lenses In Optical Devices Avoid Problems With Adhesives
Lenses in optical devices are kept in place by adhesives. This can cause problems when the microscopes and cameras are employed inside a vacuum, as the adhesives may release gases...
Small bioelectricity plants dirtier than large ones, says study
Small-scale community based bio-power plants produce higher levels of emissions per unit of electrical output than large facilities, according to new research presented at a major sustainable energy conference today.
Re-energising the nuclear sector
A national laboratory will help the UK's nuclear sector play a key role in providing reliable, low carbon electricity.
Failure Analysis of Heat Treated Steel Components Published by ASM
Failure Analysis of Heat Treated Steel Components, a new reference including many examples of heat treatment failures with a special focus on the demands of tool steels and aerospace materials,...
A Sewage-Proof Suit
Paragon Diving System Cost to Develop: $1.2 million Time: 7 years Prototype | | | | | Product Diesel oil and raw sewage slowly trickled into Taber MacCallum’s eyes as...
The Indestructable Bridge
MAN OF FAITH: John Hillman stands under a test bridge made with his composite beams, which get their strength from a concrete arch inside. Photo by Mike Zicko/HC Bridge Company Hillman...
Ten Times the Turbine
Sky Serpant Cost to Develop: $250,000 Time: 9 years Prototype | | | | | Product Today’s largest wind farms are the size of small towns, made up of...
The Zero-Emissions One-Wheeled Motorcycle
RED HOT ROLLER: Gulak had a custom fiberglass body built for the Uno. Photo by John B. Carnett
A Rocket Engine for the Masses
Viper Cost to Develop: $250,000Time: 2 yearsPrototype | | | | | Product If we’re ever going to see a true era of commercial space travel—a...
VIDEO: Lab Probes Universe's Secrets
In a laboratory under the Swiss Alps, a 17-mile (27-kilometer) circular particle accelerator—the world's largest—may help answer the oldest questions known to humans.
New maths improves sleep monitoring
A researcher has invented a new way of monitoring breathing during sleep using a formula based on chaos theory, making the process cheaper and simpler.
Looking at therapy under a biblical light
CHICAGO, May 13 (UPI) -- The University of Illinois at Chicago is offering an online course that makes a case for using biblical narratives in psychotherapy.