Tech
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
Sparing the rare earths
Potential shortages of useful metals inspire scientists to seek alternatives for magnet technologies
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Computers get under our skin
Epidermal devices offer new potential to integrate electronics into the body.
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Airports’ leaden fallout may taint some kids
People who live below the flight path of piston-engine aircraft — or downwind of airports serving such small planes — are exposed to lead from aviation fuel. A new study now links an airport’s proximity to somewhat elevated blood-lead levels in children from area homes.
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Some comfort about broken CFLs
My night-owl daughter woke me in a panic at around 2 a.m., a couple of weeks back. While swatting at a fly, she’d just broken the compact fluorescent light illuminating her closet. Having heard me warn endlessly of how we should be careful in handling these bulbs — since they contain mercury — she wanted to know what kind of damage control was called for. I only wish I knew then what I do now.
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Batteries not included
Researchers have developed a sensor that, when flexed, generates enough charge to send wireless signals.
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New technique spins superlong nanowires
Made from any number of materials, fibers are millionths of a millimeter across and kilometers long.
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Social Networks
Power networks in Congress, Twitter’s crystal ball and iPhone contagion in news from an MIT workshop on information in social media.
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Information flow can reveal dirty deeds
An analysis of Enron e-mails reveals that corrupt networks have a distinctive shape.
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Nuclear energy: As Germany goes…
The German government surprised many energy analysts May 30, with its pledge to phase out use of nuclear power. What makes the announcement particularly noteworthy is that this government is not offering to walk away from a bit player. Nuclear power currently supplies almost one-quarter of that nation’s electrical energy — more than its share in the United States.
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Cans bring BPA to dinner, FDA confirms
Federal chemists have confirmed what everyone had expected: that if a bisphenol-A-based resin is used to line most food cans, there’s a high likelihood the contents of those cans will contain at least traces of BPA.
- Tech
Nanotubes coming to a screen near you
New technology promises brighter, bigger display screens that use less energy.
