ScienceDaily Technology Headlines
for Monday, September 13, 2010
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Glasperlenspiel: Scientists propose new test for gravity (September 13, 2010) -- A new experiment proposed by physicists may allow researchers to test the effects of gravity with unprecedented precision at very short distances -- a scale at which exotic new details of gravity's behavior may be detectable. ... > full story
Deadly tides mean early exit for hot Jupiters (September 13, 2010) -- Bad news for planet hunters: most of the "hot Jupiters" that astronomers have been searching for in star clusters were likely destroyed long ago by their stars. In a new study, researchers offer this new explanation for why no transiting planets (planets that pass in front of their stars and temporarily block some of the light) have been found yet in star clusters. The researchers also predict that the planet hunting being done by the Kepler mission is more likely to succeed in younger star clusters than older ones. ... > full story
Superwind Galaxy NGC 4666 (September 13, 2010) -- The galaxy NGC 4666 takes pride of place at the centre of this new image, made in visible light with the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at the La Silla Observatory in Chile. NGC 4666 is a remarkable galaxy with very vigorous star formation and an unusual "superwind" of out-flowing gas. It had previously been observed in X-rays by the ESA XMM-Newton space telescope, and the image presented here was taken to allow further study of other objects detected in the earlier X-ray observations. ... > full story
Child's 'mental number line' affects memory for numbers (September 12, 2010) -- As children in Western cultures grow, they learn to place numbers on a mental number line, with smaller numbers to the left and spaced further apart than the larger numbers on the right. Then the number line changes to become more linear, with small and large numbers the same distance apart. Children whose number line has made this change are better at remembering numbers, according to a new study. ... > full story
Mapping new paths for a stressed-out Internet: Collaboration aims to create first accurate geometric map of the Internet (September 12, 2010) -- Researchers have created the first geometric "atlas" of the Internet as part of a project to prevent our most ubiquitous form of communication from collapsing within the next decade or so. ... > full story
Astronomer unveils the mysteries of 'Green Pea' galaxies (September 12, 2010) -- First discovered in 2007 by amateur stargazers, the strange so-called Green Pea galaxies have now been shown to be extraordinary and extremely compact star cities that have low amounts of complex elements after being diluted by streams of gas and strong supernova winds. ... > full story
Public looks at synthetic biology -- cautiously (September 12, 2010) -- A new poll finds that two-thirds of Americans think that synthetic biology should move forward, but with more research to study its possible effects on humans and the environment, while one-third support a ban until we better understand its implications and risks. More than half of Americans believe the federal government should be involved in regulating synthetic biology. ... > full story
Carbon mapping breakthrough (September 12, 2010) -- By integrating satellite mapping, airborne-laser technology, and ground-based plot surveys, scientists have revealed the first high-resolution maps of carbon locked up in tropical forest vegetation and emitted by land-use practices. ... > full story
Land-use expert brings satellite data down to Earth (September 12, 2010) -- By integrating remote satellite imagery with revelations from door-to-door interviews, geographers are exploring the complex conditions that give rise to a broad range of land-use challenges -- from the reforestation of Vietnam to the spread of Lyme disease in Belgium. ... > full story
New model provides more effective basis for biodiversity conservation (September 12, 2010) -- A new mathematical model has been developed that provides a more effective basis for biodiversity conservation than existing frameworks. ... > full story
E. coli engineered to produce biodiesel (September 11, 2010) -- New research is shedding light on how to alter the genetic makeup of E. coli to produce biodiesel fuel derived from fatty acids. ... > full story
Yikes! Sensor measures yoctonewton forces fast (September 11, 2010) -- Physicists have used a small crystal of ions (electrically charged atoms) to detect forces at the scale of yoctonewtons. Measurements of slight forces -- one yoctonewton is equivalent to the weight of a single copper atom on Earth -- can be useful in force microscopy, nanoscale science, and tests of fundamental physics theories. ... > full story
Computer models suggest treatments for fractures that won't heal (September 11, 2010) -- New models, reinforced by in vivo experimentation, show why 5-10 percent of bone fractures don't heal properly, and how these cases may be treated to restart the healing process. Results of the model may benefit the aging population in which the occurrence of bone fractures is expected to rise substantially in the near future. ... > full story
Micro rheometer is latest 'lab on a chip' device (September 11, 2010) -- Researchers have demonstrated a micro-miniaturized device that can make complex viscosity measurements -- critical data for a wide variety of fields dealing with things that have to flow -- on sample sizes as small as a few nanoliters. ... > full story
New CCTV technology to help prevent terror attacks (September 11, 2010) -- Numerous CCTV systems are in use in public places which have the capacity to gather large amounts of image material. For the time being, however, there are no effective ways to analyze the mass of video data automatically and recognize potential risk situations in advance. A new European research project is aimed at developing IT solutions to this end. ... > full story
A Nearby Galactic Exemplar (September 11, 2010) -- ESO has released a spectacular new image of NGC 300, a spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way, and located in the nearby Sculptor Group of galaxies. Taken with the Wide Field Imager (WFI) at ESO's La Silla Observatory in Chile, this 50-hour exposure reveals the structure of the galaxy in exquisite detail. NGC 300 lies about six million light-years away and appears to be about two thirds the size of the full Moon on the sky. ... > full story
New model may simplify high-dose radiosurgery planning (September 11, 2010) -- There is yet no straightforward way to determine the optimal dose level and treatment schedules for high-dose radiation therapies such as stereotactic radiation therapy, which is used to treat brain and lung cancer, or for high-dose brachytherapy for prostate and other cancers. Radiation oncology researchers may have solved the problem with a new mathematical model called the Generalized LQ (gLQ) Model that encompasses all dose levels and schedules. ... > full story
Caught in the act: Fireballs light up Jupiter (September 10, 2010) -- Amateur astronomers working with professional astronomers have spotted two fireballs lighting up Jupiter's atmosphere this summer, marking the first time Earth-based telescopes have captured relatively small objects burning up in the atmosphere of the giant planet. The two fireballs -- which produced bright freckles on Jupiter that were visible through backyard telescopes -- occurred on June 3, 2010, and August 20, 2010, respectively. ... > full story
Neurons: Faster than thought and able to multiply (September 10, 2010) -- Using computer simulations of brain-like networks, researchers from Germany and Japan have discovered why nerve cells transmit information through small electrical pulses. The process not only allows the brain to process information much faster than previously thought, but also single neurons are already able to multiply, opening the door to more complex forms of computing. ... > full story
Graphene may hold key to speeding up DNA sequencing (September 10, 2010) -- Researchers have demonstrated that graphene can act as an artificial membrane separating two liquid reservoirs. By drilling a tiny pore just a few-nanometers in diameter, called a nanopore, in the graphene membrane, they were able to measure exchange of ions through the pore and demonstrated that a long DNA molecule can be pulled through the graphene nanopore just as a thread is pulled through the eye of a needle. ... > full story
World's first transcontinental anesthesia: Researchers pioneer anesthetics via videoconferencing (September 10, 2010) -- Videoconferences may be known for putting people to sleep, but never like this. A team from McGill University's Department of Anesthesia achieved a world first on August 30, 2010, when they treated patients undergoing thyroid gland surgery in Italy remotely from Montreal, Canada. ... > full story
Tally-ho! Deep Impact spacecraft eyes comet target (September 10, 2010) -- On Sunday, Sept. 5, NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft beamed down the first of more than 64,000 images it's expected to take of Comet Hartley 2. The spacecraft, now on an extended mission known as EPOXI, has an appointment with the comet on Nov. 4, 2010. ... > full story
First detailed image of disc around young star (September 10, 2010) -- New research carried out using ESO telescopes has, for the first time, allowed astronomers to reconstruct a detailed picture of the inner disc of matter around a young star -- HD 163296. Young stars are surrounded by discs of dust and gas and scientists believe that it is in these discs that planets are born. Dusty grains in the disc stick to each other to make larger lumps that in turn also aggregate together. This growth is expected to continue until rocky bodies about the size of the Earth are formed. ... > full story
Researchers give robots the capability for deceptive behavior (September 10, 2010) -- Researchers have published what is believed to be the first detailed examination of robot deception. They developed algorithms that allow a robot to determine whether it should deceive and designed techniques that help the robot select the best deceptive strategy to avoid getting caught. ... > full story
'Tractor beam' one step closer to reality: Laser moves small particles (September 10, 2010) -- Researchers in Australia have developed the ability to move particles over large distances, using a specially designed laser beam that can move very small particles up to distances of 1.5 meters using only the power of light. ... > full story
New method helps computer vision systems decipher outdoor scenes (September 10, 2010) -- Computer vision systems can struggle to make sense of a single image, but a new method enables computers to gain a deeper understanding of an image by reasoning about the physical constraints of the scene. ... > full story
Bionic speech recognition (September 10, 2010) -- Researchers in Tunisia have published details of a speech enhancement system that uses two distinct tools to reduce the noise from a recorded or sampled voice signal. In a new article, the researchers explain how a bionic wavelet transform and a recurrent neural network can be used for speech enhancement. ... > full story
Quantum dice: Simple device measures quantum noise of vacuum fluctuations and generates true random numbers (September 10, 2010) -- Behind every coincidence lies a plan -- in the world of classical physics, at least. In principle, every event, including the fall of dice or the outcome of a game of roulette, can be explained in mathematical terms. Researchers in Germany have constructed a device that works on the principle of true randomness. With the help of quantum physics, their machine generates random numbers that cannot be predicted in advance. ... > full story
Opportunity Rover reaches halfway point of long trek to Mars crater (September 10, 2010) -- When NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity left Victoria Crater two years ago this month, the rover science team chose Endeavour Crater as the rover's next long-term destination. With a drive of 111 meters (364 feet) on Monday, Sept. 8, Opportunity reached the estimated halfway point of the approximately 19-kilometer (11.8-mile) journey from Victoria to the western rim of Endeavour. ... > full story
Scientists observe single ions moving through tiny carbon-nanotube channel (September 9, 2010) -- For the first time, a team of chemical engineers has observed single ions marching through a tiny carbon-nanotube channel. Such channels could be used as extremely sensitive detectors or as part of a new water-desalination system. They could also allow scientists to study chemical reactions at the single-molecule level. ... > full story
Phoenix Mars Lander finds surprises about red planet's watery past (September 9, 2010) -- Liquid water has interacted with the Martian surface throughout Mars' history, measurements by NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander suggest. The findings also suggest that liquid water has primarily existed at temperatures near freezing, implying hydrothermal systems similar to Yellowstone's hot springs on Earth have been rare on Mars throughout its history. ... > full story
Chemical engineer's work could lead to improved DNA analysis (September 9, 2010) -- DNA analysis is poised to experience a significant advancement thanks to the work of a chemical engineer who has discovered a way to achieve more effective separation of DNA fragments. ... > full story
Energy technologies not enough to sufficiently reduce carbon emissions, expert concludes (September 9, 2010) -- Current energy technologies are not enough to reduce carbon emissions to a level needed to lower the risks associated with climate change, a physicist concludes in a new evaluation. ... > full story
Most influential tweeters of all? Depends on the topic (September 9, 2010) -- Tweet this, Ashton Kutcher, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Just because you have a ton of followers on Twitter doesn't necessarily mean you're among the most influential people in the Twitterverse, according to researchers. ... > full story
Extreme X-ray source suggests new class of black hole (September 9, 2010) -- Astronomers have found proof to confirm the distance and brightness of the most extreme ultra-luminous X-ray source, which may herald a new type of black hole. ... > full story
Portable laser backpack revolutionizes 3-D mapping (September 9, 2010) -- A portable, laser backpack for 3-D mapping is being hailed as a breakthrough technology capable of producing fast, automatic and realistic 3-D mapping of difficult interior environments. ... > full story
Laws of physics vary throughout the universe, new study suggests (September 9, 2010) -- A team of astrophysicists based in Australia and England has uncovered evidence that the laws of physics are different in different parts of the universe. The report describes how one of the supposed fundamental constants of Nature appears not to be constant after all. Instead, this 'magic number' known as the fine-structure constant -- 'alpha' for short -- appears to vary throughout the universe. ... > full story
Deepwater Horizon oil remains below surface, will come ashore in pulses, expert says (September 9, 2010) -- A coastal studies expert disagrees with published estimates that more than 75 percent of the oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident has disappeared. ... > full story
Consumers will pay more for goods they can touch (September 9, 2010) -- We've all heard the predictions: e-commerce is going to be the death of traditional commerce; online shopping spells the end of the neighborhood brick-and-mortar store. While it's true that online commerce has had an impact on all types of retail stores, it's not time to bring out the wrecking ball quite yet, says a team of researchers. ... > full story
Researchers hear puzzling new physics from graphene quartet's quantum harmonies (September 9, 2010) -- Using a one-of-a-kind instrument, researchers have discovered an unexpected and tantalizing set of energy levels in graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon with potentially revolutionary electronic properties, when the material is exposed to extremely low temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields. ... > full story
Computer-based video analysis boosts data gathering in behavioral studies (September 9, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a computer-based system that can learn how to identify behaviors of interest and then analyze many hours of video. ... > full story
Cloud computing method greatly increases gene analysis (September 9, 2010) -- Researchers have developed new software that greatly improves the speed at which scientists can analyze RNA sequencing data. The software, known as Myrna, uses "cloud computing," an Internet-based method of sharing computer resources. Faster, cost-effective analysis of gene expression could be a valuable tool in understanding the genetic causes of disease. ... > full story
First UK cameras to scan the night skies (September 9, 2010) -- An astronomy graduate has set up the first UK camera which can continuously scan the night sky and dictates the best conditions for surveys. ... > full story
Structure for three intrinsically disordered proteins determined (September 8, 2010) -- A research team has determined the structure for three proteins in a class known as intrinsically disordered proteins. The findings are important because they show how these proteins fold with the regulator protein phosphatase-1, which must happen for biological instructions to be passed along. ... > full story
Intelligent Battery project opens new ground in energy storage applications (September 8, 2010) -- Integrated electronics, interoperability between battery and charger, intuitive data interfaces and a clever new design concept are part of a recent 'intelligent battery' project undertaken by researchers in Europe. ... > full story
Twins are intriguing research subjects for biometircs researchers (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers are examining how iris discrimination performs in twins to confirm prior claims that biometrics is capable of differentiating between twins. ... > full story
Forcing mismatched elements together could yield better solar cells (September 8, 2010) -- In what could be a step toward higher efficiency solar cells, researchers have invalidated the most commonly used model to explain the behavior of a unique class of materials called highly mismatched alloys. ... > full story
Nano-architectured aluminum has steely strength (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have figured out a way to make an aluminum alloy, or a mixture of aluminum and other elements, just as strong as steel. ... > full story
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