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Sniffing out terrorists

A new intelligent system has been developed to help identify terrorists carrying explosives. Sensitive electronic noses capture the smell of the explosives; the system processes the acquired data, correlates it with individuals' movements … and ultimately tracks down the suspects.

Lasers put a shine on metals

Lasers put a shine on metals

Polishing metal surfaces is a demanding but monotonous task, and it is difficult to find qualified young specialists. Polishing machines do not represent an adequate alternative because they cannot get to difficult parts of the surface. A new solution is provided by laser polishers. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen have developed a way of automating the polishing work.  

Electrostatic surface cleaner

Electrostatic surface cleaner

Manufacturers usually resort to a type of vacuum cleaner to remove the dust. It blows air on the contaminated surface, then sucks this in again, together with the undesired particles. However, this method does not effectively remove particles smaller than 20 micrometers, as the electrostatic force causes the majority of them to remain on the surface. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart have developed a system which also removes these fine dust particles effectively from the product surfaces.  

Blood diagnosis: chip-based and mobile

Blood diagnosis: chip-based and mobile

The analysis takes just a few minutes and the doctor knows straight-away whether there are any pathogens in the blood. An improved marker-free technique provides the basis for faster analysis, whether in a hospital or for mobile blood donations.

Self-healing surfaces

The engineers’ dream of self-healing surfaces has taken another step towards becoming reality—researchers have produced a electroplated layer that contains tiny nanometer-sized capsules. If the layer is damaged, the capsules release fluid and repair the scratch.

Shape-memory micro-forceps presents engineering challenge

Shape memory alloys can “remember” a condition. If they are deformed, a temperature change can be enough to bring them back to their original shape.

Fitting squares into circles

Particle filters are standard in the basic fittings for cars; however, now construction machines, city buses, and garbage trucks must now follow suit. Thanks to researchers at Fraunhofer, this can be achieved by a new material and design for ceramic filters. Based on a material patented at the IKTS, a porous silicon carbide ceramic, the Franuhofer researchers developed an efficient ceramic diesel particle filter for off-road applications.

Artificial liver for drug tests

Artificial liver for drug tests

Researchers have created artificial organ systems, including their live liver model with a functioning system of blood vessels, which are aimed at offering an alternative to animal experiments during the drug development process.

Mini-beamer in a cell phone or PDA

Cellphone TV is coming closer! With an innovative mini beamer it will be possible to create a public viewing even on a small scale. This mini beamer is different than conventional beamers because it doesn’t need an additional illumination system; it also takes up little space (the prototype is 2.5cm long and has a diameter of 1.8cm) and needs very little energy.

Explosives combat product piracy

Pirated products are such a widespread problem they account for an estimated 10% of global trade volume. Researchers in Germany have come with a holographic printing method for steel surfaces that may help. The procedure is straightforward: a metal surface is covered with an object to be imprinted, then that is covered with an explosive thin-film material. After detonation, the imprint is permanent and unique. Even with identical templates, a duplicate cannot be made.

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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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P2i showcases liquid repellent nano-coating for hearing aids
P2i showcases liquid repellent nano-coating for hearing aids

At the AudiologyNOW! 2010 show in San Diego next month, UK-based coatings company P2i will display their relatively new Aridion liquid-repellant nano-coating. Designed for exposure to humidity or sweat, the polymer layer is applied by a pulsed ion gas process that lower’s the hearing aid’s surface energy, coaxing water away from delicate components.

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.

Tools & Technology

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Benchtop NMR analyzer
Benchtop NMR analyzer

Oxford Instruments America, Inc.’s Magnetic Resonance Group released the second generation of its MQC analyzers.

Software solution for microarray image analysis

BioDiscovery Inc. released ImaGene 9.0 for microarray image analysis. The new features include improved memory performance for the latest high density arrays, streamlined processing pipeline focused on image quantification and intensity extraction, and new modular design with options to add modules for analysis of gene/miRNA expression or CGH data.

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