A research group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a relatively simple, fast and effective method of depositing uniform, ultrathin layers of platinum atoms on a surface. The new process exploits an unexpected feature of electrodeposition of platinum—if you drive the reaction much more strongly than usual, a new reaction …
NBC News – Researchers trying to find a way to treat multiple sclerosis think they’ve come up with an approach that could not only help patients with MS, but those with a range of so-called autoimmune diseases, from type-1 diabetes to psoriasis, and perhaps even food allergies. So far it’s only worked in mice, but …
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced today the selection of the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI), a collaboration of several key firms in the semiconductor industry, to support university-centered research for the development of after-the-next-generation “nanoelectronics” technology. NRI is made up of participants from the semiconductor industry, including GLOBALFOUNDRIES, IBM, Intel, Micron Technology …
The Carnival of Nuclear Energy 123 is up at Hiroshima Syndrome ANS Nuclear Cafe reviews the details of what Japan’s nuclear policy currently is. The energy policy announced by Maehar’s boss, Prime Minister Noda, calls for reactors to operate to the end of their 40 year life, but it offers a loophole to operate them …
With 2 hours to go the Liftport Lunar space elevator kickstarter is at $107,500 Different Fund Raising Levels in Brief $20,000 – better sensors $30,000 – at least 3 to 5 kilometer $50,000 – new robot and at least 3 to 5 kilometer $75,000 – transition from altitude to endurance $100,000 – back in business …
Scientific American – The Carbon Monitoring for Action (CARMA) tool produced by the Center for Global Development has a database of 60,000 power plants worldwide with emissions data going back to 2004. Seven of the world’s 10 dirtiest power plants are in Asia — though none in China. On the other hand, China’s state-owned power …
US News had an update on the Wave Disk Engine back in Febuary, 2012 Mueller said in February, 2012, they have four working bench prototypes. He said, “We have engines—real, working, good-sized models—running right now,”. ARPA-E funded the wave disk engine for $2.5 million. In a traditional internal combustion engine, air and fuel are ignited, …
1. The U.S. Department of Energy is quietly collaborating with China on an alternative nuclear power design known as a molten salt reactor that could run on thorium fuel. China plans to have a 5 megawatt molten salt reactor in 2015. DOE’s assistant secretary for nuclear energy Peter Lyons is co-chairing the partnership’s executive committee, …
1. Texas oil production increased in March to 1.755 million barrels per day, which was an increase of 35,000 barrels per day from February. 2. The Bakken petroleum system is noted for low primary recovery rates of 3- to 5 percent of the original oil in place; and, while the jury’s out on exactly how …
Rand Simberg explains – What is the significance of this successful Spacex flight? 1. Spacex has both a launch system and a capsule that is capable of performing the missions assigned to it. 2. Spacex can now start to fulfill its Cargo Resupply Services (CRS) contract, which helped fund the spacecraft’s development. (About 12 flights …
Fermilab Today – The Department of Energy recently presented an Early Career Research Award to Fermilab scientist Tengming Shen, a 2010 Peoples Fellow working to spur the next magnet revolution. DOE awarded Shen $500,000 per year for five years for his research into engineering high-field superconducting materials for advanced accelerator technology. If his team succeeds, …