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Solving hydrogen storage issues with layered graphene sheets

Solving hydrogen storage issues with layered graphene sheets

Graphene—carbon formed into sheets a single atom thick—now appears to be a promising base material for capturing hydrogen, according to recent research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Univ. of Pennsylvania. The findings suggest stacks of graphene layers could potentially store hydrogen safely for use in fuel cells and other applications.

Mars Express buzzes Phobos

Mars Express buzzes Phobos

Images from the recent flyby of Phobos—a proposed landing for an upcoming mission—were captured on the rarely seen “dark side” of the Martian moon thanks to the highly elliptical orbit of the Mars Express that takes outside the moon’s path. The images were also taken as part of the High Resolution Stereo Camera experiment.

Oldest measurement of Earth's magnetic field reveals battle between sun and Earth

Oldest measurement of Earth's magnetic field reveals battle between sun and Earth

According to findings by Univ. of Rochester researchers who visited sites in Africa known to contain extremely old rocks, the Earth’s magnetic field 3.5 billion years ago was only half as strong as it is today. This may mean the Sun took away much of Earth’s hydrogen and water.

Phytoplankton play role in global climate change

Phytoplankton play role in global climate change

Phytoplankton are single-celled organisms that serve as the base of the marine food web and provide half the oxygen we breathe on Earth. They also play a key role in global climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere and injecting it deep into the oceans.

Dark matter lens helps measure the age of Universe

Astronomers from the United States and Europe have used a gravitational lens—a distant, light-bending clump of dark matter—to make a new estimate of the Hubble constant, which determines the size and age of the universe.

Climate tipping points may arrive without warning

Climate tipping points may arrive without warning

A new Univ. of California, Davis, study by a top ecological forecaster says it is harder than experts thought to predict when sudden shifts in Earth's natural systems will occur—a worrisome finding for scientists trying to identify the tipping points that could push climate change into an irreparable global disaster.

Rethinking renewable energy strategies

Researchers at Queen’s Univ. suggest that policy makers examine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions implications for energy infrastructure as fossil fuel sources must be rapidly replaced by windmills, solar panels and other sources of renewable energy.

New federal climate change agency forming

The weather system at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is set to intensify. The new Climate Service was announced this week, and it combines the various units of the Weather Service and Ocean Service that have been studying climate change. Pending congressional committee approval, the office will appear at the end of 2010.

Black carbon: The culprit in melting of Himalayan glaciers?

Black carbon: The culprit in melting of Himalayan glaciers?

The fact that glaciers in the Himalayan mountains are thinning is not disputed. However, few researchers have attempted to rigorously examine and quantify the causes. A scientist from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory set out to isolate the impacts of the most commonly blamed culprit—greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide—from other particles in the air that may be causing the melting.

Study documents reaction rates for three key greenhouse gases

A study provides new information about the rates at which three of the most powerful greenhouse gases are destroyed by a chemical reaction that takes place in the upper atmosphere.

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Much ado about next to nothing

Much ado about next to nothing

The recent review of the past 10 years of the National Nanotechnology Initiative--as presented by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology--suggested the rise of nanomanufacturing as the near future of nanotechnology. But the actual proposed funding reflects a cautious approach, even about nanotech in general.

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

I typically attend the annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy each year in pursuit of specific coverage. This year, I sought out candidates for coverage in a vacuum technology article, and pulled together some instruments for a spectroscopy guide. But as busy as that kept me, it wasn’t all mass spectrometers and vacuum pumps on the show floor.  

Multimedia

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NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

NuGard First Response Protective Clothing are lightweight coveralls, jackets, and pants that provide protection from heat and flame while keeping the wearers body temperature constant.

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Professor David Wessel shows his multi-touch interface that uses computer technologies that allow him to experiment with fine controls to "caress" the instrument.

New To Market

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Submersible FlowCAM catches particle images and data in-situ and real-time
Submersible FlowCAM catches particle images and data in-situ and real-time

Fluid Imaging Technologies recently introduced its Submersible FlowCAM particle and cell imaging and analysis system at Ocean Sciences 2010 in Portland, Ore. The remote sensing platform can be used for continuous, unattended monitoring tethered to research vessels or autonomous submersibles.

Daytime running light has just two LEDs

The new OSTAR Compact LED from OSRAM has been developed specifically for use in vehicle headlights. Despite drawing just 5 W, the device provides 300 lumens of power and meets ECE/SAE color binning requirements for use on motor vehicles.

Tools & Technology

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3D electromagnetic design tool
3D electromagnetic design tool

Cobham Technical Services is launching a 3D version of its rapid electromagnetic design tool for rotating electrical machines—the Advanced Machines Environment. The new software combines the accuracy of finite-element analysis (FEA) simulation with a design entry system that creates full 3D models of electric motors or generators.

Multi-axis linear actuator

The Slick Stick is a screw driven actuator that boasts a small, streamlined footprint suiting it for applications with tight space restrictions.

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