Computer Science: Encryption
Published

A new weapon in the war on robocall scams      (via sciencedaily.com) 

The latest weapon in the war on robocalls is an automated system that analyzes the content of unsolicited bulk calls to shed light on both the scope of the problem and the type of scams being perpetuated by robocalls. The tool, called SnorCall, is designed to help regulators, phone carriers and other stakeholders better understand and monitor robocall trends -- and take action against related criminal activity.

Computer Science: Encryption
Published

Smart devices: Putting a premium on peace of mind      (via sciencedaily.com) 

The White House has announced plans to roll out voluntary labeling for internet-connected devices like thermostats and baby monitors that meet certain cybersecurity standards. A new survey of U.S. consumers shows that they are willing to pay a significant premium to tell which gadgets are safe from security attacks before they buy. But voluntary product labels may not be enough if the program is going to protect consumers in the long run, the findings suggest.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Technology Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

Single drop of ethanol to revolutionize nanosensor manufacture      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Engineers have developed a breakthrough technique to make the processing of nanosensors cheaper, greener and more effective by using a single drop of ethanol to replace heat processing of nanoparticle networks, allowing a wider range of materials to be used to make these sensors.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

How heat treatment affects a milk alternative made from rice and coconut water      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Whether they're made from soybeans, almonds, oats, or just sourced straight from the cow, milk products must go through heat treatment to prevent harmful bacterial growth and keep them safe. But understanding how these processes affect new, plant-based milk formulations could make the beverages more pleasant to drink as well. Researchers have discovered how pasteurization and sterilization affects the look and feel of one such drink made from coconut and rice.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Offbeat: Computers and Math
Published

Way cool: 'freeze ray' technology      (via sciencedaily.com) 

An unusual discovery is now being developed as an on-demand cooling solution for high-flying military electronics.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Alternative Fuels Energy: Nuclear
Published

Fusion model hot off the wall      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Heat load mitigation is critical to extending the lifetime of future fusion device. Researchers have found a way to explain the rotational temperatures measured in three different experimental fusion devices in Japan and the United States. Their model evaluates the surface interactions and electron-proton collisions of hydrogen molecules.

Computer Science: Encryption Computer Science: General
Published

Why computer security advice is more confusing than it should be      (via sciencedaily.com) 

If you find the computer security guidelines you get at work confusing and not very useful, you're not alone. A new study highlights a key problem with how these guidelines are created, and outlines simple steps that would improve them -- and probably make your computer safer.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Novel thermal sensor could help drive down the heat      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Excess heat from electronic or mechanical devices is a sign or cause of inefficient performance. In many cases, embedded sensors to monitor the flow of heat could help engineers alter device behavior or designs to improve their efficiency. For the first time, researchers exploit a novel thermoelectric phenomenon to build a thin sensor that can visualize heat flow in real time. The sensor could be built deep inside devices where other kinds of sensors are impractical. It is also quick, cheap and easy to manufacture using well-established methods.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Catalyst can control methane emissions in natural gas engines      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A catalyst using a single or just a few palladium atoms removed 90% of unburned methane from natural gas engine exhaust at low temperatures in a recent study. While more research needs to be done, the advance in single atom catalysis has the potential to lower exhaust emissions of methane, one of the worst greenhouse gases that traps heat at about 25 times the rate of carbon dioxide. Researchers showed that the single-atom catalyst was able to remove methane from engine exhaust at lower temperatures, less than 350 degrees Celsius (662 degrees Fahrenheit), while maintaining reaction stability at higher temperatures.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Nuclear
Published

A non-covalent bonding experience      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Putting a suite of new materials synthesis and characterization methods to the test, a team of scientists has developed 14 organic-inorganic hybrid materials, seven of which are entirely new.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Droplet levitation is a new way to explore airborne viruses and microorganisms      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers report achieving self-sustaining and long-term levitation of millimeter-sized droplets of several different liquids without any external forces. To get the droplets to levitate, they use solutocapillary convection, which occurs when a surface tension gradient is formed by nonuniform distribution of vapor molecules from the droplet at the pool surface. Further exploring the effects of various external conditions on self-sustained droplet levitation will reveal whether it can be harnessed and adapted for microbiology and biochemistry applications.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Ecology: General Ecology: Invasive Species Environmental: Ecosystems
Published

Small-winged and lighter colored butterflies likely to be at greatest threat from climate change      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Small-winged and lighter colored butterflies likely to be at greatest threat from climate change. The family, wing length and wing colour of tropical butterflies all influence their ability to withstand rising temperatures, say ecologists. The researchers believe this could help identify species whose survival is under threat from climate change.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Thermal cloak passively keeps electric vehicles cool in the summer and warm in the winter      (via sciencedaily.com) 

When an electric vehicle is parked outside, its temperature can swing wildly from day to night and season to season, which can lead to deterioration of the battery. To dampen these fluctuations and extend the battery's lifespan, researchers have designed an all-season thermal cloak that can cool an electric vehicle by 8°C on a hot day and warm it by 6.8°C at night. The cloak, made predominantly of silica and aluminum, can do so passively without outside energy input and operates without any modification between hot or cold weather.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

The ground is deforming, and buildings aren't ready      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A new study has linked underground climate change to the shifting ground beneath urban areas. The phenomenon is affecting all major urban areas around the globe, causing civil structures and infrastructures to crack.

Computer Science: Encryption
Published

Solving rare disease mysteries ... and protecting privacy      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have demonstrated a new way of linking personal records and protecting privacy. The first application is in identifying cases of rare genetic disorders. There are many other potential applications across society.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Sweat it out: Novel wearable biosensor for monitoring sweat electrolytes for use in healthcare and sports      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Wearable sensors are becoming a promising tool in personalized healthcare and exercise monitoring. In a recent study, researchers develop a novel wearable chemical sensor capable of measuring the concentration of chloride ions in sweat. By using a heat-transfer printing technique, the proposed sensor can be applied to the outer surface of common textiles to prevent skin irritation and allergies, and could also be useful in the early detection of heat stroke and dehydration.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics
Published

Climate-friendly air conditioning inspired by termites      (via sciencedaily.com) 

The climate control used by termites in their mounds could inspire tomorrow's climate-smart buildings. New research shows that future buildings inspired by the termites could achieve the same effect as traditional climate control, but with greater energy efficiency and without its carbon dioxide footprint.

Computer Science: Encryption
Published

Stressed for a bit? Then don't click it, cybersecurity experts advise      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Workers feeling a specific form of stress are more likely than others to become the victims of a phishing attack, according to a new study.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Offbeat: Computers and Math
Published

Researchers create highly conductive metallic gel for 3D printing      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed a metallic gel that is highly electrically conductive and can be used to print three-dimensional (3D) solid objects at room temperature.