http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/nature_of_water/ The nature of water and fluid dynamics. From frictionless motion to water purity all the news about water. New applications for water in nanoelectronics and more. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/nature_of_water/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110070320.htm NASA scientists studying the origin of life have reproduced uracil, a key component of our hereditary material, in the laboratory. They discovered that an ice sample containing pyrimidine exposed to ultraviolet radiation under space-like conditions produces this essential ingredient of life. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110070320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132819.htm Materials scientists have come up with what they believe is a new way to model the formation of glasses, a type of amorphous solid that includes common window glass. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160119.htm Generating energy on a large scale by mixing salt and fresh water is both technically possible and practical. The worldwide potential for this clean form of energy – 'blue energy' – is enormous. However, several essential technological developments are needed and investments in large-scale trials, a Dutch researcher says. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029134344.htm Preventing the havoc wrought when freezing rain collects on roads, power lines, and aircrafts could be only a few nanometers away. A research team has now demonstrated a nanoparticle-based coating that thwarts the buildup of ice on solid surfaces and can be easily applied. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029134344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132957.htm Researchers have developed a process that can mix tiny volumes of liquid, even in complicated spaces. The discovery of how to mix tiny liquid volumes arose from research directed at improving the sensitivity of the chemical sensors developed in his lab. While their original project did not lead to the expected results, researchers were surprised by the wide variety of physical effects they discovered along the way, including magnetic mixing. These effects, they said, ended up being much more interesting and important than the original goal. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103844.htm The same phenomenon that occurs when it's time for certain mushrooms to eject spores also occurs when dew droplets skitter across a surface that is highly water repellent. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022182414.htm Scientists have uncovered the physical mechanism by which arrays of nanoscale pillars can be grown on polymer films with very high precision, in potentially limitless patterns. This nanofluidic process could someday replace conventional lithographic patterning techniques now used to build three-dimensional nano- and microscale structures for use in optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022182414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141402.htm A new article describes a highly simplified model cell that not only sheds light on the way certain real cells generate electric voltages, but also acts as a tiny battery that could offer a practical alternative to conventional solid-state energy-generating devices. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111431.htm A new form of spectroscopy, a scientific method that uses electromagnetic radiation to identify materials, and a novel nanoelectronic device to detect signals, can identify explosive liquids, or liquid components for the fabrication of explosives, in usual plastic bottles almost instantly. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015085916.htm A magnetic charge can behave and interact just like an electric charge in some materials, according to new research. The findings could lead to a reassessment of current magnetism theories, as well as significant technological advances. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015085916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm Researchers are developing a new type of rocket propellant made of a frozen mixture of water and "nanoscale aluminum" powder that is more environmentally friendly than conventional propellants and could be manufactured on the moon, Mars and other water-bearing bodies. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007230321.htm Any child can tell you that a magnet has a "north" and a "south" pole, and that if you break it into two pieces, you invariably get two smaller magnets with two poles of their own. But scientists have spent the better part of the last eight decades trying to find, in essence, a magnet with only one pole. A team working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found one. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007230321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930112138.htm Scientists in the United Kingdom are reporting an advance toward overcoming one of the key challenges in nanotechnology: getting molecules to move quickly in a desired direction without help from outside forces. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930112138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185700.htm Inventing a useful new tool for creating chemical reactions between single molecules, scientists have employed microfluidics to make microdroplets that each contain a single molecules of interest. By combining this new microfluidic with techniques to merge multiple droplets, the research may ultimately lead to new information on the structure and function of important organic materials such as proteins, enzymes, and DNA. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115455.htm Engineers have for the first time observed and tracked E. coli bacteria moving in a liquid medium with a motion similar to that of a kayak paddle. The findings will help lead to a better understanding of how bacteria move from place to place and, potentially, how to keep them from spreading. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm The next generation of technology to turn saltwater into a fresh resource is on tap for the Navy. The Office of Naval Research is sponsoring the development of an innovative solution for generating potable water at twice the efficiency of current production for forces afloat, Marine Corps expeditionary forces and humanitarian missions ashore. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091835.htm Researchers have used nature for inspiration in designing a new type of swimming robot which could bring a breakthrough in submersible technology. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922100141.htm Physicists in Germany have succeeded for the first time worldwide in producing a Bose-Einstein condensate from the alkaline earth element calcium. The use of alkaline earth atoms creates new potential for precision measurements -- for example, for the determination of gravitational fields. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922100141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144127.htm For the first time, MIT scientists have observed ferromagnetism in an atomic gas, addressing the decades-old question of whether gases could show properties similar to a magnet made of iron or nickel. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090912144809.htm With increasing depth, geothermal energy offers an almost inexhaustible potential for renewable energy. The drilling costs however, rise exponentially with depth in the case of conventional rotary drilling. A thermal drilling method, which will allow for reaching greater drilling depths in a more efficient and more cost-effective way, is currently under development. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090912144809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903064446.htm Scientists have long known that molecules dance about as the temperature rises, but now researchers know the exact steps that water takes with a certain molecule. Results with small, electrically charged cyanide ions and water molecules reveal that water zips around ions to a greater extent than expected. The findings improve our understanding of a chemical interaction important in environmental and atmospheric sciences. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903064446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909141639.htm In the 2,000 years since the Roman Empire employed a naturally occurring form of cement to build a vast system of concrete aqueducts, researchers have analyzed the molecular structure of natural materials and created entirely new building materials such as steel. Oddly enough, the three-dimensional crystalline structure of cement hydrate had eluded scientific attempts at decoding, until an MIT team tackled the problem. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909141639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909111626.htm Researchers have proposed a mathematical tweak that improves the accuracy of a temperature measurement technique used to monitor critical temperatures in microfludic devices used for tasks such as medical diagnostics and DNA forensics. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909111626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122438.htm Air, road traffic and water flows can only be accurately predicted with computer simulations if the computers can automatically focus on important changes in an area, say researchers. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165241.htm Scientists are developing a new technology for use in underwater acoustics. The new technology uses flashes of laser light to remotely create underwater sound. The new acoustic source has the potential to expand and improve both Naval and commercial underwater acoustic applications, including undersea communications, navigation and acoustic imaging. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133627.htm Three decades ago, American and Finnish scientists came up with a very powerful method for cooling gases by "laser bombardment." Now physicists in Germany have demonstrated that it actually works. Fast cooling by laser bombardment could possibly be used for the construction of new mini fridges. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819123935.htm Using thin films of silk as templates, researchers have incorporated inorganic nanoparticles that join with the silk to form strong and flexible composite structures that have unusual optical and mechanical properties. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819123935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170915.htm Scientists are reporting development of a new coating for glass, plastics and a range of other materials that would enable consumers to wipe away oils with plain water. They note that the material can be added to common window cleaning sprays, and used to prevent bathroom mirrors, automobile windshields and other surfaces from fogging up. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811191654.htm Researchers in the United States and Spain have discovered that a tool widely used in nanoscale imaging works differently in watery environments, a step toward better using the instrument to study biological molecules and structures. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811191654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821163515.htm NASA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research have successfully launched a small rocket using an environmentally-friendly, safe propellant comprised of aluminum powder and water ice, called ALICE. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821163515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819113451.htm A nontoxic and environmentally friendly way to make tiny nanorods of zinc oxide has been developed for the first time. The approach could allow the nanorods to be used safely in medical and for other applications. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819113451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083226.htm Researchers have developed a reusable organic liquid that can pull harmful gases such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide out of industrial emissions from power plants. The process could directly replace current methods and allow power plants to capture double the amount of harmful gases in a way that uses no water, less energy and saves money. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818150050.htm Like oil and water, two water-based liquids can mingle without mixing in a new technology developed for biological experiments. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818150050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728083712.htm Chemists and engineers have found that exposing particular mixtures of polymer particles and other materials to sudden freeze-drying can create a high-tech armored foam that could be used for a number of purposes, including a new range of low power room temperature gas sensors. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728083712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142351.htm Researchers have found how mirror-image molecules gain control over each other and dictate the physical state of superstructures. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811091828.htm Researchers have captured the first images of what's actually happening in the fuzzy area of the crystal-liquid interface. Their lab's data make the waves between the two states of matter, solid and liquid, visible for the first time. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811091828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143716.htm Water is familiar to everyone -- it shapes our bodies and our planet. But despite this abundance, the molecular structure of water has remained a mystery, with the substance exhibiting many strange properties that are still poorly understood. Recent work, however, is shedding new light on water's molecular idiosyncrasies, offering insight into its strange bulk properties. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112601.htm A process that cleans wastewater and generates electricity can also remove 90 percent of salt from brackish water or seawater, according to an international team of researchers from China and the US. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728105639.htm Scientists have invented a three-way valve that controls the flow through a magnetic material which is attracted by an external magnet when the liquid reaches a certain temperature. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728105639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729121702.htm Rsearchers have created an innovative device called a "microfluidic palette" that can be used to study the complex biological mechanisms in cells responsible for cancer metastasis, wound healing, biofilm formation and other fluid-related processes. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729121702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720082642.htm Scientists in Brazil report the controllable formation of quantum turbulence in an ultra-cold atom gas. The research makes it easier to characterize quantum turbulence -- and potentially even classical turbulence -- because it is possible to tune many characteristics of the cold-atom gas. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720082642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191300.htm In the classic fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes," Hans Christian Andersen uses the eyes of a child to challenge conventional wisdom and help others to see more clearly. In similar fashion, researchers have now revealed the naked truth about a classic bell-shaped curve used to describe the motion of a liquid as it diffuses through another material. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723175436.htm "Jewel beetles" are widely known for their glossy external skeletons that appear to change colors as the angle of view changes. Now they may be known for something else -- providing a blueprint for materials that reflect light rather than absorbing it to produce colors. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723175436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722120835.htm Music, rather than electromechanical valves, can drive experimental samples through a lab-on-a-chip in a new system. This development could significantly simplify the process of conducting experiments in microfluidic devices. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722120835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721144643.htm By substituting a single atom in a molecule widely used to purify water, researchers have created a far more effective decontaminant with a shelf life superior to products currently on the market. The substitution isn’t performed atom by atom using nanoscopic tweezers but rather uses a simple chemical process of dissolving aluminum salts in water, gallium salts into a sodium hydroxide solution and then slowly adding the sodium hydroxide solution to the aluminum solution while heating. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721144643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723081758.htm Researchers have developed aluminum foams using calcium carbonate, a low cost and easy to use foaming agent that could multiply the many applications of these materials in different sectors of industry. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723081758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708194634.htm An embedded microsensor capable of measuring real-time water stress in living plants has been developed. In theory, the sensor will help vintners strike the precise balance between drought and overwatering -- both of which diminish the quality of wine grapes. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708194634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164447.htm Researchers in Switzerland have for the first time created thin films with controllable electronic properties. This discovery could have a large impact on future applications in sensors and computing. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164447.htm