SciTech Daily

May 15, 2013

Stanford Engineers Develop Flexible Skin-Like Heart Monitor

By combining layers of flexible materials into pressure sensors, engineers have developed a wearable heart monitor that is thinner than a dollar bill. Most of us don’t ponder our pulses outside of the gym. But doctors use the human pulse as a diagnostic tool to monitor heart health. Zhenan Bao, a professor of chemical engineering [...]

May 15, 2013

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Hubble Views Galaxy Cluster Abell S1077

This new Hubble images shows galaxy cluster Abell S1077 and is based in part on data spotted by Nick Rose in the Hubble’s Hidden Treasures image processing competition. Bright arcs are smeared around the heart of galaxy cluster Abell S1077 in this image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble space telescope. The arcs are stretched images [...]

May 15, 2013

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New Astronomical Tool Traces the Evolution of Cosmic Carbon

By using a collection of authentic PAH spectra, coupled with algorithm-driven, blind-computational analyses, astrophysicists are able to interpret previously unknown infrared emissions from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), finding that PAHs changed significantly in size, electrical charge and structure, to adjust to different environments. Scientists at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, now have the [...]

May 15, 2013

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APEX Reveals Interstellar Dust in the Cosmic Clouds of Orion

In this new image, the APEX telescope reveals interstellar dust in the cosmic clouds of the Orion constellation. This dramatic new image of cosmic clouds in the constellation of Orion reveals what seems to be a fiery ribbon in the sky. This orange glow represents faint light coming from grains of cold interstellar dust, at [...]

May 14, 2013

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A New Model of a Quantum Computer

In a newly published study, researchers from the University of Vienna detail a new model of a quantum computer, the boson sampling computer. Harnessing the unique features of the quantum world promises a dramatic speed-up in information processing as compared to the fastest classical machines. Scientists from the Group of Philip Walther from the Faculty [...]

May 14, 2013

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Study Reveals Non-Inherited Mutations Account for Many Heart Defects

A new study found that non-inherited mutations account for many heart defects, suggesting that common pathways may underlie a wide range of common congenital diseases. New mutations that are absent in parents but appear in their offspring account for at least 10% of severe congenital heart disease, reveals a massive genomics study led by researchers [...]

May 14, 2013

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Organic Photovoltaics Potentially as Inexpensive as Paint

Researchers at the University at Buffalo are working on the development of organic photovoltaics that use polymers and small molecules that are carbon-based and can be applied in liquid form over large areas, reducing the cost and possibly becoming as inexpensive as paint. Buffalo, New York – Most Americans want the U.S. to place more [...]

May 14, 2013

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Planets Aligning in Rare Triple Conjunction

At the end of May, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury will form a bright triangle only three degrees wide in the night’s sunset, displaying a rare triple conjunction of planets. Sunset is a special time of day. Low-hanging clouds glow vivid red and orange as the background sky turns cobalt blue. The first stars pop out [...]

May 14, 2013

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PAPER Array is Producing Ground-Breaking Science and Spectacular Cosmic Images

The PAPER array in South Africa’s Karoo Radio Astronomy Reserve is producing ground-breaking science and spectacular cosmic images. Scientific studies done with the “PAPER” array, one of the world-class scientific instruments in South Africa’s Karoo Radio Astronomy Reserve, is producing ground-breaking science and spectacular cosmic images, resulting in several important articles in top astronomy journals. [...]

May 14, 2013

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NASA Looks at the Impacts of Strong Solar Flares

As solar activity continues to build up toward what is known as solar maximum, NASA details the impacts of CME’s and space weather on Earth. Given a legitimate need to protect Earth from the most intense forms of space weather — great bursts of electromagnetic energy and particles that can sometimes stream from the sun [...]

May 13, 2013

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Curiosity Team Selects Second Drilling Location on Mars

Scientists have chosen the second drilling site for the Curiosity rover on Mars. Pasadena, California — The team operating NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has selected a second target rock for drilling and sampling. The rover will set course to the drilling location in coming days. This second drilling target, called “Cumberland,” lies about nine feet [...]

May 13, 2013

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Researchers Reverse Diabetic Symptoms in Mice

In a new study, researchers successfully engrafted insulin-producing cells into a diabetic mouse model, reversing diabetic symptoms in the animal in as little as 10 days. Researchers have made a significant first step with newly engineered biomaterials for cell transplantation that could help lead to a possible cure for Type 1 diabetes, which affects about [...]