Showing 20 articles starting at article 1101
Categories: Energy: Technology, Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published Artificial photosynthesis uses sunlight to make biodegradable plastic
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have succeeded in synthesizing fumaric acid, a raw material for plastics, from CO2 powered by solar energy. Typically, fumaric acid is synthesized from petroleum as a raw material to make polybutylene succinate, a biodegradable plastic, but this research shows that it can be synthesized from CO2 and biomass-derived compounds using renewable energy.
Published Plasma thrusters used on satellites could be much more powerful
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source It was believed that Hall thrusters, an efficient kind of electric propulsion widely used in orbit, need to be large to produce a lot of thrust. Now, a new study suggests that smaller Hall thrusters can generate much more thrust -- potentially making them candidates for interplanetary missions.
Published Humans can recognize and understand chimpanzee and bonobo gestures, study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Humans retain an understanding of gestures made by other great apes, even though we no longer use them ourselves, according to a new study.
Published Recyclable mobile phone batteries a step closer with rust-busting invention
(via sciencedaily.com) Mobile phone batteries with a lifetime up to three times longer than today's technology could be a reality thanks to a recent innovation.
Published Spin transport measured through molecular films now long enough to develop spintronic devices
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research group has succeeded in measuring spin transport in a thin film of specific molecules -- a material well-known in organic light emitting diodes -- at room temperature. They found that this thin molecular film has a spin diffusion length of approximately 62 nm, a length that could have practical applications in developing spintronics technology. In addition, while electricity has been used to control spin transport in the past, the thin molecular film used in this study is photoconductive, allowing spin transport control using visible light.
Published First computational reconstruction of a virus in its biological entirety
(via sciencedaily.com) A researcher has created a computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. Although other researchers have created similar reconstructions, this is believed to be the first to replicate the exact chemical and 3D structure of a 'live' virus.
Published Parasitic mites' biting rate may drive transmission of Deformed wing virus in honey bees
(via sciencedaily.com) Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite that can cause European honey bee colonies to collapse by spreading Deformed wing virus as they feed. A study suggests a relatively small number of mites can contribute to a large number of infected bees.
Published Polysulfates could find wide use in high-performance electronics components
(via sciencedaily.com) Flexible compounds made with Nobel-winning click chemistry can be used in energy-storing capacitors at high temperatures and electric fields.
Published Researchers uncover 92 fossil nests belonging to some of India's largest dinosaurs
(via sciencedaily.com) The discovery of more than 250 fossilized eggs reveals intimate details about the lives of titanosaurs in the Indian subcontinent, according to a new study.
Published Mummified crocodiles provide insights into mummy-making over time
(via sciencedaily.com) Crocodiles were mummified in a unique way at the Egyptian site of Qubbat al-Hawa during the 5th Century BC, according to a new study.
Published Blowing bubbles among echidna's tricks to beat the heat
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research into how echidnas might respond to a warming climate has found clever techniques used by the animal to cope with heat, including blowing bubbles to wet its nose tip, with the moisture then evaporating and cooling its blood.