Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Scientist creates 'taste test strips'
PHILADELPHIA, June 12 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist says he's developed a new, more effective taste testing method based on the same technology used to produce breath freshener...
'Nanoglassblowing' Seen As Boon To Study Of Individual Molecules
Researchers have developed a new fabrication technique called 'nanoglassblowing' that creates nanoscale fluidic devices to isolate and study single molecules in solution, including individual DNA strands.
Professor Designs Plasma-propelled Flying Saucer
Flying saucers may soon be more fact than mere science fiction. A mechanical and aerospace engineering professor has submitted a patent application for a circular, spinning aircraft design reminiscent of...
Phantom parent molecule of important class of chemical compounds isolated for first time
A team of scientists from the University of Georgia and two European universities has, for the first time, synthesized and characterized the elusive parent molecule of an important class of...
European System For Cutting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Is Working Well
In a bid to control greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change, the European Union has been operating the world's first system to limit and to trade carbon dioxide. Despite...
Designing Microchips That Contain Multiple Selves
Computer engineers have created a way to design integrated circuits that contain many individual selves. The chips can assume different identities, depending on the user's needs. The new method enables...
Cambridge University Eco Racing solar car drive across Britain
This year Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) have designed and built the UK's first road legal solar car.
Ovulation moment caught on camera
A human egg has been filmed, in close-up, emerging from the ovary - the first time such an event has been captured.
Engineers search for fuel-saving big rigs
(AP) -- Tractor trailers lose valuable miles per gallon to the drag that air exerts, but air may also help tame the fuel guzzling forces. Scientists at Georgia Tech's...
Northwestern chemist investigates lost reds in Homer painting
More than 30 years ago, when Northwestern University chemist Richard Van Duyne developed a powerful new sensing technique, he never thought he would be using it to learn more about...
Perfect Vision But Blind To Light
Mammals have two types of light-sensitive detectors in the retina. Known as rod and cone cells, they are both necessary to picture their environment. However, researchers at the Salk Institute...
Q & A: The Summer Wind
Does it get windier the higher up you go? Or does it depend on the wind conditions in general and the arrangement of surrounding buildings?
Hair Analysis Deflates Napoleon Poisoning Theories
A detailed analysis of hairs taken from Napoleon’s head at four times in his life casts doubt on the theory that he died from arsenic poisoning.
Researchers untangle quantum quirk
Quantum computing has been hailed as the next leap forward for computers, promising to catapult memory capacity and processing speeds well beyond current limits. Several challenging problems need to be...
Scientists work on car that gets 100 mpg
DENVER, June 10 (UPI) -- Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., are testing a modified 2006 Toyota Prius that can get 100 miles per...
Mind: Anticipating the Future to ‘See’ the Present
New research suggests that the brain’s adaptive ability to see into the near future creates many common optical illusions.
Physicists Reveal Secrets Of Newest Form Of Carbon
Using one of the world's most powerful sources of man-made radiation, physicists have uncovered new secrets about the properties of graphene -- a form of pure carbon that may one...
Scientists Close to Reconstructing First Living Cell [News]
Modern cells are like microscopic cities: They have power plants (mitochondria), trash dumps (lysosomes), local government (the nucleus, with DNA serving as the legal charter), and many other activities going...
Wireless airwave auction slows down
The government auction of wireless airwaves, expected to net new cellphone providers next year, continued to slow down on Tuesday with bids hitting $3.3 billion and firming up along regional...
Technology monitors tiny bone fractures
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., June 10 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they are developing a monitoring system similar to those used by seismologists to detect tiny cracks in bones.
Power stations need fuel efficiency standards, argue greens
New UK power stations should meet tough greenhouse gas efficiency standards as a stepping stone towards very low carbon electricity generation, say environmentalists
High pressure used to grow new cartilage
HOUSTON, June 10 (UPI) -- U.S. bioengineers say they have discovered that intense high pressure can stimulate cartilage cells to grow new tissue.
Mechanics of climate curbs
Despite recent criticisms, the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism is delivering the goods.
Eco coal power may cost 'double'
The next clean coal power stations could lead to higher electric bills, a power firm boss tells the BBC.
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Hosts 1500 Scientists in Warsaw
SETAC Europe 18th Annual Meeting World under stress: scientific and applied issues in environmental toxicology and chemistry Warsaw, Poland 25 - 29 May 2008
Suprafroths: How Cappuccino Froth Is Like A Superconductor
Who would think that the froth on a morning cup of cappuccino has a lot in common with superconductors? Physicists have found that the bubble-like arrangement of magnetic domains in...
Liquid Crystals Slow Light Pulses to a Snail's Pace
In a vacuum, the speed of a light pulse is always a constant at 186,000 miles (300,000 km) per second. But by changing the medium through which light travels, physicists...
Revolutionary Swimsuit Built For Speed
It's a second-skin that makes your body sleeker - and faster. Thanks to a new swimsuit by Speedo, swimmers are breaking dozens of records. But is it actually an unfair...