http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/technology/ Technology news. Read articles on new gadgets and prototypes for future technology from leading research institutes around the world. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/technology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm The electrostatic motor, used more than 200 years ago by Benjamin Franklin to rotisserie a turkey, is making a comeback in a promising new design for motors that is light, soft, and operates without external electronic controllers. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm A new technique inspired by elegant pop-up books and origami will soon allow clones of robotic insects to be mass-produced by the sheet. Devised by engineers, the ingenious layering and folding process enables the rapid fabrication of not just microrobots, but a broad range of electromechanical devices. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215083025.htm Engineers have developed an optical accessory that turns an ordinary camera phone into a high-resolution microscope. The device is accurate to one hundredth of a millimeter. Among those who will benefit from the device are the printing industry, consumers, the security business, and even health care professionals. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215083025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215082827.htm Even the most exact construction plan lacks many details and design options. The building owner needs imagination to obtain an idea of the constructed building. Now, new 3D video glasses provide a true representation in virtual reality. With the help of integrated high-resolution motion sensors, the virtual environment adapts to the natural movement of the head in real time. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215082827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100723.htm Carbon nanotubes and graphene consist of just a couple of layers of carbon atoms, but they are lighter than aluminium, stronger than steel and can bend like spring-coils. Physicists have been studying the unique properties of the materials, which in future may result in improved electronics and light, strong material. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210104756.htm New research holds promise for applications ranging from high-precision optical components to tooth fillings. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210104756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209152810.htm A technique for creating a new molecule that structurally and chemically replicates the active part of the molybdenite catalyst paves the way for developing catalytic materials that can serve as effective low-cost alternatives to platinum for generating hydrogen gas from water. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209152810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135341.htm Researchers have developed a new nanotechnology platform for the development of molecule-based electronic components using the wonder material graphene. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132715.htm Risks related to the critical nature of arsenic -- used to make high-speed computer chips that contain gallium arsenide -- outstrip those of other substances in a group of critical materials needed to sustain modern technology, a new study has found. Scientists evaluated the relative criticality of arsenic and five related metals. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm Scientists have developed a "biological computer" made entirely from biomolecules that is capable of deciphering images encrypted on DNA chips. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092633.htm At the nano level, researchers have discovered a new way to weld together meshes of tiny wires. Their work could lead to exciting new electronics and solar applications. To succeed, they called upon plasmonics. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm For the first time, researchers have developed crystalline materials that allow an optical fiber to have integrated, high-speed electronic functions. The potential applications of such optical fibers include improved telecommunications and other hybrid optical and electronic technologies, improved laser technology, and more-accurate remote-sensing devices. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203092031.htm When a patient afflicted with schizophrenia hears inner voices something is taking place inside the brain that prevents the individual from perceiving real voices. A simple electronic application may help the patient learn to shift focus. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203092031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203092004.htm Overloaded cellular networks can get annoying – especially when you want to watch a video on your smartphone. An optimized Radio Resource Manager will soon be able to help network operators accommodate heavy network traffic. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203092004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151035.htm Wonder material graphene has been touted as the next silicon, with one major problem -- it is too conductive to be used in computer chips. Now scientists have given its prospects a new lifeline. Scientists have now literally opened a third dimension in graphene research. Their research shows a transistor that may prove the missing link for graphene to become the next silicon. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201140010.htm Researchers have developed a type of wearable, non-invasive electronic device that can monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiration at the same time it records a person's activity level, opening new opportunities for biomedical research, diagnostics and patient care. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201140010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135747.htm Photodetectors made from graphene can process and conduct light signals as well as electric signals extremely fast. Within picoseconds the optical stimulation of graphene generates a photocurrent. Until now, none of the available methods were fast enough to measure these processes in graphene. Scientists have now developed a method to measure the temporal dynamics of this photo current. Furthermore they discovered that graphene can emit terahertz radiation. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121243.htm Atomic-level defects in graphene could be a path forward to smaller and faster electronic devices. With unique properties and potential applications in areas from electronics to biodevices, graphene, which consists of a single sheet of carbon atoms, has been hailed as a rising star in the materials world. Now, a new study suggests that point defects, composed of silicon atoms that replace individual carbon atoms in graphene, could aid attempts to transfer data on an atomic scale by coupling light with electrons. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170229.htm A new design for a self-guided bullet could help war fighters, scientists report. Researchers have invented a dart-like, self-guided bullet for small-caliber, smooth-bore firearms that could hit laser-designated targets at distances of more than a mile (about 2,000 meters). Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131505.htm An innovative low-cost smart paint that can detect microscopic faults in wind turbines, mines and bridges before structural damage occurs is being developed. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm A kitchen gadget that vacuum seals food in plastic inspired a physicist to improve the performance of organic transistors for potential use in video displays. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152129.htm The driving bass rhythm of rap music can be harnessed to power a new type of miniature medical sensor designed to be implanted in the body. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm A researcher is developing several technologies that could improve the performance of electric motors and generators. And that could make a real difference in building sustainable energy systems. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115933.htm Looking for an item in a large department store or mall can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, but that could change thanks to a hybrid location-identification system that uses radio frequency transmitters and overhead LED lights, suggested by a team of researchers. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183752.htm Researchers have examined the challenges facing scientists building the next generation of materials and innovative electronic devices and identified opportunities for taking the rational material design in new directions. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124183752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124150413.htm Physicists have identified a property of "bilayer graphene" that the researchers say is analogous to finding the Higgs boson in particle physics. The physicists found that when the number of electrons on the BLG sheet is close to 0, the material becomes insulating -- a finding that has implications for the use of graphene as an electronic material in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124150413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm Researchers have developed a new method for creating elastic conductors made of carbon nanotubes, which will contribute to large-scale production of the material for use in a new generation of elastic electronic devices. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102917.htm Scientists have selectively grown polymer nanowires using only irradiation with a pulsed laser, in a region limited to the area of irradiation. They also succeeded in imparting diverse functionalities to the nanowires by doping with various species of nanomaterials. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183804.htm The first systematic power profiles of microprocessors could help lower the energy consumption of both small cell phones and giant data centers. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183038.htm Scientists have developed a new way to create Terahertz waves (T-rays) that may one day lead to biomedical detective devices similar to the 'tricorder' scanner used in Star Trek. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm The beauty of an electron’s spin is that it responds very rapidly to small magnetic fields. Such external magnetic fields can be used to reverse the direction of spin. In this way, information can be carried by a flow of electrons. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182431.htm A handheld tactile imaging sensor could aid doctors in early identification of cancerous lesions or tumors. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144328.htm Researchers have created new "microtweezers" capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings to make advanced sensors, and grab and position live stem cell spheres for research. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210205.htm A terahertz transmitter has generated the highest frequency ever attained by a microelectronic device. The innovative device is also minuscule and operates at room temperature, which could lead to it paving the way for new applications in, e.g., nondestructive testing or medical diagnostics. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102050.htm Conventional CMOS image sensors are not suitable for low-light applications such as fluorescence, since large pixels arranged in a matrix do not support high readout speeds. A new optoelectronic component speeds up this process. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093820.htm As tissue slides are more routinely digitized to aid interpretation, a software program is proving its utility. In bladder cancer test case, a new software tool separates malignancy from background tissue. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093637.htm Materials scientists have developed a new reactive silver ink for printing high-performance electronics on ubiquitous, low-cost materials such as flexible plastic, paper or fabric substrates. The reactive ink has several advantages over particle-based inks: low processing temperature, high conductivity, and the ability to print very small features. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111940.htm A new discovery shows that the flexibility and durability of carbon nanotube films and coatings are intimately linked to their electronic properties and could impact flexible electronic devices such as solar cells and wearable sensors. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134051.htm With a random-looking spatter of paint specks, a pair of cameras, and a whole lot of computer processing, engineers have been helping assure the safety of hundreds of truss bridges across the United States.Researchers have been testing the use of a thoroughly modern version of an old technique, "photogrammetry," to watch the failure of a key bridge component in exquisite detail. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134047.htm Similar to the way pavement, softened by a hot sun, will slow down a car, graphene slows down an object sliding across its surface. But stack the sheets and graphene gets more slippery, say theorists who developed new software to quantify the material's friction. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151738.htm Scientists propose a "repair-and-go" approach to fixing malfunctions caused by small-surface cracks on any digital device or part before it hits store shelves. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211557.htm Engineers have discovered that the new material graphene conducts heat about 20 times faster than silicon, making it an option as a semiconductor material that could produce quieter and longer-lasting computers, cellphones and other devices. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm The prospect of electronics at the nanoscale may be even more promising with the first observation of metallic conductance in ferroelectric nanodomains. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145916.htm Researchers have figured out what gives armchair nanotubes their unique bright colors: hydrogen-like objects called excitons. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109132608.htm Smaller and more powerful electronics requires the understanding of 'quantum jamming' physics, experts say. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109132608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102916.htm A superlens would let you see a virus in a drop of blood and open the door to better and cheaper electronics. It might, says one researcher, make ultra-high-resolution microscopes as commonplace as cameras in our cell phones. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102914.htm An engineering professor has made a breakthrough discovery with graphene, a material that could play a major role in keeping laptops and other electronic devices from overheating. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm Can organic matter behave like a fridge magnet? Scientists have now shown that it can. Researchers took nonmagnetic graphene and then either 'peppered' it with other nonmagnetic atoms like fluorine or removed some carbon atoms from the chicken wire. The empty spaces, called vacancies, and added atoms all turned out to be magnetic, exactly like atoms of, for example, iron. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161826.htm The smallest wires ever developed in silicon -- just one atom tall and four atoms wide -- have been shown by a team of researchers to have the same current-carrying capability as copper wires. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135408.htm Scientists have used supercomputers to uncover the properties of a promising form of graphene, known as graphene nanowiggles. What they found was that graphitic nanoribbons can be segmented into several different surface structures called nanowiggles. Each of these structures produces highly different magnetic and conductive properties. The findings provide a blueprint that scientists can use to literally pick and choose a graphene nanostructure that is tuned and customized for a different task or device. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111910.htm Smartphones could help save hundreds of thousands of lives in the aftermath of a disaster or humanitarian crisis, new research has found. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm A relay reaction of hydrogen atoms at a single-molecule level has been observed in real-space. This way of manipulating matter could open up new ways to exchange information between novel molecular devices in future electronics. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152008.htm Creating semiconductor structures for high-end optoelectronic devices just got easier, thanks to new research. Scientists developed a method to chemically etch patterned arrays in the semiconductor gallium arsenide, used in solar cells, lasers and other optoelectronic devices. Unlike other wet methods, metal-assisted chemical etching works in one direction, from the top down, without damaging the surface like dry etching does. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142459.htm Researchers have shown how arrays of tiny "plasmonic nanoantennas" are able to precisely manipulate light in new ways that could make possible a range of optical innovations such as more powerful microscopes, telecommunications and computers. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211324.htm Imagine if the next coat of paint you put on the outside of your home generates electricity from light -- electricity that can be used to power the appliances and equipment on the inside. Scientists have just created an inexpensive "solar paint" that uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce energy. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm A fundamental problem that has long puzzled scientists has been solved after more than 70 years. An international team of researchers has discovered a subtle electronic effect in magnetite, the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals. The effect causes a dramatic change to how this material conducts electricity at very low temperatures. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm Engineers have developed a self-healing system that restores electrical conductivity to a cracked circuit in less time than it takes to blink. As a crack propagates, microcapsules filled with liquid metal break open and the liquid fills the gap, restoring electrical flow. The technology is especially attractive for applications where repair is impossible, such as a battery, or finding the source of a failure is difficult, such as an air- or spacecraft. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203953.htm Researchers have developed a new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe that can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. It can also measure the temperature-dependent voltage at a nanometer-scale point contact. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152721.htm Testing the effectiveness of new pharmaceuticals may get faster thanks to a new technique incorporating quantum dots. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135851.htm Scientists have devised a method to guide endoscopic "capsules" on a more precise course through the small intestine to detect difficult-to-diagnose tumors or wounds, or allow for biopsies or drug delivery. The ability to manipulate the capsule, he says, will not only lead to better diagnosis capabilities, but a less invasive and quicker procedure as well. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135851.htm