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- 'Plasma bubbles' may have aided enemy in fatal Afghan battle
- Search for better biofuels microbes leads to human gut
- 'Bendy' LEDs: Displays and solar cells with inorganic compound semiconductor micro-rods one step closer
- Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago
- Artificial intelligence that imitates children’s learning
- Graphene: When a doughnut becomes an apple
- Scientists seen as competent but not trusted by Americans
- Firelight talk of the Kalahari Bushmen: Did tales told over fires aid our social and cultural evolution?
| 'Plasma bubbles' may have aided enemy in fatal Afghan battle Posted: 23 Sep 2014 08:18 AM PDT Plasma bubbles may have contributed to communications outages during the 2002 battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan. A new model could help predict the impact of such bubbles on future military operations. |
| Search for better biofuels microbes leads to human gut Posted: 23 Sep 2014 08:07 AM PDT Scientists have scoured cow rumens and termite guts for microbes that can efficiently break down plant cell walls for the production of next-generation biofuels, but some of the best microbial candidates actually may reside in the human lower intestine, researchers report. |
| Posted: 23 Sep 2014 08:06 AM PDT "Bendy" light-emitting diode (LED) displays and solar cells crafted with inorganic compound semiconductor micro-rods are moving one step closer to reality, thanks to graphene. Currently, most flexible electronics and optoelectronics devices are fabricated using organic materials. But inorganic compound semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) can provide plenty of advantages over organic materials for use in these devices -- including superior optical, electrical and mechanical properties. |
| Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago Posted: 23 Sep 2014 07:16 AM PDT Achieving complete breakdown of plant biomass for energy conversion in industrialized bioreactors remains a complex challenge, but new research shows that termite fungus farmers solved this problem more than 30 million years ago. The new insight reveals that the great success of termite farmers as plant decomposers is due to division of labor between a fungus breaking down complex plant components and gut bacteria contributing enzymes for final digestion. |
| Artificial intelligence that imitates children’s learning Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:59 AM PDT The computer programs used in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are highly specialized. They can for example fly airplanes, play chess or assemble cars in controlled industrial environments. Scientists have now created an AI program that can learn how to solve problems in many different areas. The program is designed to imitate certain aspects of children's cognitive development. |
| Graphene: When a doughnut becomes an apple Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:59 AM PDT In experiments using the wonder material graphene, researchers have been able to demonstrate a phenomenon predicted by a Russian physicist more than 50 years ago. They analyzed a layer structure that experts believe may hold great promise. |
| Scientists seen as competent but not trusted by Americans Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:13 PM PDT While Americans view scientists as competent, they are not entirely trusted. This may be because they lack 'warmth' and are not perceived to be friendly and trustworthy. One way to combat this perception is through showing concern for humanity and the environment, according to research. |
| Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:28 PM PDT A study of Africa's Kalahari Bushmen suggests that stories told over firelight helped human culture and thought evolve by reinforcing social traditions, promoting harmony and equality, and sparking the imagination to envision a broad sense of community, both with distant people and the spirit world. |
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