Using supercomputers to explore nuclear energy

Jan 25 | News

Ever wanted to see a nuclear reactor core in action?  A new computer algorithm developed by researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory allows scientists to view nuclear fission in much finer detail than ever before.

Scientists attempt to crack deeper mysteries of uranium fission

10/6/2009 | News

If nuclear energy is to be part of our future, we will need to better understand the fissile process. At an advanced nuclear reactor operated by Idaho National Lab, researchers are conducting a new type of study on the distribution of elements in fuel rods following neutron radiation in an effort to reveal how we can use more of the fissionable uranium. An additional project at INL to refine nuclear modeling to the femtometer scale should help matters.

Pushing quantum mechanics to higher levels

8/12/2009 | News

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have devised a new type of superconducting circuit that behaves quantum mechanically, but has up to five levels of energy instead of the usual two. These circuits act like artificial atoms in that they can only gain or lose energy in packets, or quanta, by jumping between discrete energy levels.

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Much ado about next to nothing

Mar 15

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

Mar 5

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.  

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NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

Jan 7

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

Jan 7

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