Tech | Page 1303 | Science Codex

Playing at pirate games

The results of a large-scale, analysis of BitTorrent file-sharing of computer games, focusing on using open methodologies are to be published in the International Journal of Advanced Media and Communication and bust some of the common myths about digital piracy.

The controversy about illegal file sharing over the Internet has been a focus of intense attention from industry and media alike for the past decade. Despite the massive financial interests involved, there is, however, only limited factual knowledge available backing claims from either side of the controversy.

NC coal plant emissions might play role in state suicide numbers

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – May 13, 2013 – New research from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center finds that suicide, while strongly associated with psychiatric conditions, also correlates with environmental pollution.

Lead researcher John G. Spangler, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of family medicine at Wake Forest Baptist, looked specifically at the relationship between air pollution and emissions from coal-fired electricity plants.

Energy supply from hydropower projects depends on rainforest conservation

San Francisco, CA (May 13, 2013) – Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that conserving rainforests in the Amazon River Basin will increase the amount of electricity that hydropower projects in the area can produce. The study is the first to quantify the impact of regional rainforest cover on energy production. Its findings reveal that rainforests are more critical than previously thought in generating the rainfall that drives river flow, and ultimately power production, in tropical areas.

'I care about nature, but ...'

This news release is available in German.

Technical inspections of vehicles prevent 170 fatalities per year

These conclusions were the most notable of those drawn by ISVA's evaluation of the vehicle inspections carried out in 2011. A total of 14,858,585 vehicles were inspected, 2,864,070 of which were rejected, which constitutes a 19.27% rejection rate The study also highlights the impact caused by the fact that one fifth of Spain's vehicle fleet does not undergo the obligatory inspection. If 20% of those vehicles that did not have a technical inspection had done so, at least 7,100 accidents, 7,000 injuries and 110 deaths more could have been prevented.

Photonic quantum computers: A brighter future than ever

Quantum computers work by manipulating quantum objects as, for example, individual photons, electrons or atoms and by harnessing the unique quantum features. Not only do quantum computers promise a dramatic increase in speed over classical computers in a variety of computational tasks; they are designed to complete tasks that even a supercomputer would not be able to handle. Although, in recent years, there has been a rapid development in quantum technology the realization of a full-sized quantum computer is still very challenging.

Graphene joins the race to redefine the ampere

A new joint innovation by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of Cambridge could pave the way for redefining the ampere in terms of fundamental constants of physics. The world's first graphene single-electron pump (SEP), described in a paper today in Nature Nanotechnology, provides the speed of electron flow needed to create a new standard for electrical current based on electron charge.

Chemistry breakthrough sheds new light on illness and health

From microscopes to MRI scanners, imaging technology is growing ever more vital in the world's hospitals, whether for the diagnosis of illness or for research into new cures. Imaging technology requires dyes or contrast agents of some sort. Current contrast agents and dyes are expensive, difficult to work with and far from ideal. Now, Danish chemists have discovered a new dye and proved its worth against any of the dyes currently available.

3-D technology allows cardiologists to see source of atrial fibrillation

SALT LAKE CITY – Researchers at the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center have developed a new 3-D technology that for the first time allows cardiologists the ability to see the precise source of atrial fibrillation in the heart – a breakthrough for a condition that affects nearly three million Americans.

Aqua satellite shows wildfires in Siberia

The Aqua satellite provided this satellite image showing a series of hotspots found in the Siberian region of Russia. These hotspots have been categorized as wildfires rather than agricultural fires by the website: http://fires.kosmosnimki.ru/ The popular Kosmosnimki.Ru web resource introduces the "hybrid" view option – map layers over satellite-based image.

Magnetic graphene may revolutionize electronics

Researchers from IMDEA-Nanociencia Institute and from Autonoma and Complutense Universities of Madrid (Spain) have managed to give graphene magnetic properties. The breakthrough opens the door to the development of graphene-based spintronic devices, that is, devices based on the spin or rotation of the electron, and could transform the electronics industry.

NRL shatters endurance record for small electric UAV

WASHINGTON--Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory flew their fuel cell powered Ion Tiger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for 48 hours and 1 minute, April 16 to 18, by using liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel in a new, NRL-developed, cryogenic fuel storage tank and delivery system. This flight shatters their previous record of 26 hours and 2 minutes set in 2009 using the same vehicle, but with gaseous hydrogen stored at 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

Secret streets of Britain's Atlantis are revealed

A University of Southampton professor has carried out the most detailed analysis ever of the archaeological remains of the lost medieval town of Dunwich, dubbed 'Britain's Atlantis'.

Future hospitalization and increased health service use may be linked to insomnia

Having trouble falling or staying asleep? According to a new study led by a team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, insomnia may be an important indicator of future hospitalization among middle-aged and older adults. They examined the association between insomnia and use of home healthcare services, nursing homes and hospitalization and found that insomnia symptoms experienced by middle-aged and older adults were associated with greater future use of costly health services.

New technique to improve quality control of lithium-ion batteries

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have created a new tool to detect flaws in lithium-ion batteries as they are being manufactured, a step toward reducing defects and inconsistencies in the thickness of electrodes that affect battery life and reliability.