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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Superhero supercomputer helps battle autism

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 01:23 PM PDT

When it officially came online at the San Diego Supercomputer Center in early January 2012, Gordon was instantly impressive. In one demonstration, it sustained more than 35 million input/output operations per second -- then, a world record.

Simulations uncover obstacle to harnessing laser-driven fusion: Under realistic conditions, hollow cones fail to guide energetic electrons to fuel

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 01:23 PM PDT

Researchers have uncovered an obstacle to the cone-guided approach to fast-ignition fusion energy through computer simulations. Scientists found electric fields that build up on the cone's edge reduce the number of energetic electrons being directed by laser beams toward the targeted fuel.

New process to make nanospheres

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 01:22 PM PDT

Small, with power-packed potential. A patent-pending technology to produce nanospheres could enable advances across multiple industries, including electronics, manufacturing, and biomedical sectors.

Backpack mapping system captures intelligence in tough-to-get-to places

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 01:21 PM PDT

Engineers have developed a portable device -- carried in a backpack -- that can be used to automatically create maps in tight spaces where GPS is not readily available – such as in underground areas and on ships.

Astronomers discover new kind of supernova

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 10:33 AM PDT

Supernovae were always thought to occur in two main varieties. But a team of astronomers is reporting the discovery of a new type of supernova called Type Iax. Previously, supernovae were divided into either core-collapse or Type Ia categories. Core-collapse supernovae are the explosion of a star about 10 to 100 times as massive as our sun. Type Ia supernovae are the complete disruption of a tiny white dwarf.

Discovery may allow scientists to make fuel from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 08:23 AM PDT

Excess carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere created by the widespread burning of fossil fuels is the major driving force of global climate change, and researchers the world over are looking for new ways to generate power that leaves a smaller carbon footprint. A new process is made possible by a unique microorganism called Pyrococcus furiosus, or "rushing fireball," which thrives by feeding on carbohydrates in the super-heated ocean waters near geothermal vents. By manipulating the organism's genetic material, scientists have created a kind of P. furiosus that is capable of feeding at much lower temperatures on carbon dioxide.

'Metascreen' forms ultra-thin invisibility cloak

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 05:25 PM PDT

Up until now, the invisibility cloaks put forward by scientists have been fairly bulky contraptions -- an obvious flaw for those interested in Harry Potter-style applications.

Mars Curiosity rover resumes science investigations

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 08:11 AM PDT

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has resumed science investigations after recovery from a computer glitch that prompted the engineers to switch the rover to a redundant main computer on Feb. 28. The rover has been monitoring the weather since March 21 and delivered a new portion of powdered-rock sample for laboratory analysis on March 23, among other activities.

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