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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Robot & baby sea turtles reveal principles of motion

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:17 PM PDT

Based on a study of both hatchling sea turtles and "FlipperBot" -- a robot with flippers -- researchers have learned principles for how both robots and turtles move on granular surfaces such as sand.

Galaxy goes green in burning stellar fuel

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 12:37 PM PDT

Astronomers have spotted the "greenest" of galaxies, one that converts fuel into stars with almost 100-percent efficiency. The findings come from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer in the French Alps.

Nanowires grown on graphene have surprising structure

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:58 AM PDT

When engineers set out to grow nanowires of a compound semiconductor on top of a sheet of graphene, they did not expect to discover a new paradigm of epitaxy. The self-assembled wires have a core of one composition and an outer layer of another, a desired trait for many advanced electronics applications.

New material approach should increase solar cell efficiency

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:58 AM PDT

A new research group brought together aspects of condensed matter physics, semiconductor device engineering, and photochemistry to develop a new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst based on the combination of the TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and other "metallic" oxides that greatly enhance the visible light absorption and promote more efficient utilization of the solar spectrum for energy applications.

The crystal's corners: New nanowire structure has potential to increase semiconductor applications

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:57 AM PDT

New research describes the discovery of a new structure that is a fundamental game changer in the physics of semiconductor nanowires.

Light bursts out of a flying mirror

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:41 AM PDT

Researchers have succeeded in generating flashes of extreme ultraviolet radiation via the reflection from a mirror that moves close to the speed of light.

Hubble captures comet ISON

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 10:40 AM PDT

When the Hubble picture of ISON was taken on April 10, the comet was slightly closer than Jupiter's orbit at a distance of 386 million miles from the Sun. Hubble photographed a jet blasting dust particles off the sunward-facing side of the comet's nucleus. Preliminary measurements suggest that ISON's nucleus is no larger than three or four miles across.

New research findings open door to zinc-oxide-based UV lasers, LED devices

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 08:08 AM PDT

Researchers have solved a long-standing materials science problem, making it possible to create new semiconductor devices using zinc oxide -- including efficient ultraviolet lasers and LED devices for use in sensors and drinking water treatment, as well as new ferromagnetic devices.

Jupiter's atmosphere still contains water supplied by the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet impact

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 07:23 AM PDT

Researchers are reporting Herschel observations of water in Jupiter's stratosphere. It is a clear remnant of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet impact on Jupiter nearly 20 years ago.

Cause of LED efficiency droop finally revealed

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 07:23 AM PDT

Researchers have conclusively identified Auger recombination as the mechanism that causes light emitting diodes to be less efficient at high drive currents.

Anatomy of a blast: Researchers develop sensor system to assess the effects of explosions on soldiers

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 07:21 AM PDT

To study the effects of improvised explosive devices on soldiers and help provide continuing treatment, researchers have developed a sensor system that measures the physical environment of an explosion and collects data that can correlate what the soldier experienced with long-term outcomes.

Humans feel empathy for robots: fMRI scans show similar brain function when robots are treated the same as humans

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:11 AM PDT

How do we really feel about non-sentient objects on a human level? A recent study found that humans have similar brain function when shown images of affection and violence being inflicted on robots and humans.

Scientists provide 'new spin' on emerging quantum technologies

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:10 AM PDT

Scientists have shed new light on a fundamental area of physics which could have important implications for future electronic devices and the transfer of information at the quantum level.

New fatigue model leads to more durable ships

Posted: 23 Apr 2013 06:09 AM PDT

Scientists have developed a model making it possible to determine how fatigue sets in with various welded steel materials. The model allows for the development of lighter structures, and as a consequence, more energy-efficient ships.

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