Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Measuring the Speed of Light in Composite Materials
(PhysOrg.com) -- Although the speed of light is constant in a vacuum, light slows down a small amount when traveling through other materials. While it's relatively easy to measure the...
New MIT study shows breakdown in Planck's law
A well-established physical law describes the transfer of heat between two objects, but some physicists have long predicted that the law should break down when the objects are very close...
University researchers to study power grid
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., July 30 (UPI) -- Electrical engineering researchers at two universities will receive stimulus funds to help modernize the U.S. power grid, the National Science Foundation said.
Experiment Looks to Bridge Classical Physics and Quantum Mechanics
Researchers takes steps to observe the ghostly effects of quantum mechanics in objects larger than atoms Pity the science students who can't just learn about Newtonian laws of physics and falling objects....
Metal find explains deep earth
A commercial study has accidentally discovered how long the Earth’s mantle takes to bring material back to the surface.
Squeaky hip mystery solved
A study has found that squeaky hip implants are caused by distortion during the implant – this leads to noise as components rub together.
Harnessing Wave Power With New 'Oyster' Machine
A giant new machine called ’Oyster’ designed to harness the power of ocean waves and turn it into ‘green’ electricity is being installed on the seabed off the Atlantic shores...
By Degrees: White Roofs Catch on as Energy Cost Cutters
Relying on the principle that white objects absorb less heat, some homeowners are embracing “cool roofs” as an affordable tool against climate change.
Capturing Images In Non-traditional Way
New research in imaging may lead to advancements for the Air Force in data encryption and wide-area photography with high resolution.
E-Noses: Testing Their Mettle Against Fly Noses
Scientists have developed a new system for comparing the sensory performance of electronic noses against that of the fly -- a breakthrough which should lead to improved e-nose performance.
New technology aims to increase oil production
One of the latest attempts to learn where oil is hiding would involve injecting hundreds of millions of tiny carbon clusters deep into natural underground reservoirs.
LHC students face data drought
Computer simulations are the only option when the world's largest particle accelerator isn't working.
Legal battle may reshape nanotechnology firm
Oxonica loses appeal over fuel additive.
Grad student researches improvised explosive devices by making his own
(PhysOrg.com) -- Phillip Mulligan is trying to make improvised explosive devices more powerful with the idea of eventually making them less deadly.
45-nanometer chips for ultra-fast WiFi
(PhysOrg.com) -- Powerful new radio technologies that promise blisteringly fast WiFi have been given a boost by a team of European researchers` cutting-edge work on miniscule microchips.
Nanotubes take flight
With products that range from carpets to kites, you'd think Rice University chemist Bob Hauge was running a department store. What he's really running is a revolution in the world of...
Jet-propelled Imaging For An Ultrafast Light Source
A new particle gun fires liquid droplets less than a millionth of a meter in diameter, hundreds of thousands of times a second or faster. The sample jet sends the...
A 'shrimp cocktail' to fuel cars and trucks
Call it a 'shrimp cocktail' for your fuel tank. Scientists in China are reporting development of a catalyst made from shrimp shells that could transform production of biodiesel fuel into...
Saturn's 'day' shorter by five minutes
A day on Saturn is pretty short, and it just got shorter. The time it takes the beringed behemoth to complete a spin on its axis has just been...
NYU physicists show way to count sweets in a jar -- from inside the jar
How many sweets fit into a jar? This question depends on the shapes and sizes of the sweets, the size of the jar, and how it is filled. Surprisingly, this...
New Computer Simulation Helps Explain Folding In Important Cellular Protein
Scientists have created a two-step computer simulation (using an important process called the Wang-Landau algorithm) that sheds light on how a crucial protein -- glycophorin A -- becomes an active...
Physicists develop a multifunctional storage device for light
Light is intangible and, in addition, it travels at great velocity. Nevertheless, it can be confined to a very small space by controllably inserting light into a microscopic container surrounded...
How slick science started the swimsuit war
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: A crackdown on slick swimsuits represents a rare retreat in the high-tech war for sports supremacy - but don't ever assume that the war is...
Laser Propulsion: Wild Idea May Finally Shine
New experiments may bring laser propulsion for aircraft and spacecraft closer to reality.
How geese squeeze oxygen from thin air
A Canadian researcher has discovered how bar-headed geese can fly over Mount Everest without expiring from the lack of oxygen.
Three-in-one oven could ease energy needs in developing world
Thermoacoustic engine powers stove, fridge and electricity generator
Discover the greatest idea of this century - “How to convert CO2 emissions to biofuels using sunlight, water and Algae”
Ever rising prices of liquid fuels like diesel are posing serious threat to the bottom line of large energy users. Establishing a project to create a captive source of Biodiesel...
Can Pen And Paper Help Make Electronic Medical Records Better?
A new study reports that pen and paper workarounds employed by health-care providers who use an electronic medical record system may help make electronic medical records even more useful to...