ScienceDaily Technology Headlines -- for Saturday, November 12, 2011

ScienceDaily Technology Headlines

for Saturday, November 12, 2011

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2012: Killer solar flares are a physical impossibility, experts say (November 11, 2011) -- 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 – some people worry that a gigantic "killer solar flare" could hurl enough energy to destroy Earth. Citing the accurate fact that solar activity is currently ramping up in its standard 11-year cycle, there are those who believe that 2012 could be coincident with such a flare. But this same solar cycle has occurred over millennia. Anyone over the age of 11 has already lived through such a solar maximum with no harm. In addition, the next solar maximum is predicted to occur in late 2013 or early 2014, not 2012. ... > full story

Americans using more fossil fuels (November 11, 2011) -- American energy use went back up in 2010 compared to 2009, when consumption was at a 12-year low. The United States used more fossil fuels in 2010 than in 2009, while renewable electricity remained approximately constant, with an increase in wind power offset by a modest decline in hydroelectricity. There also was a significant increase in biomass consumption, according to the most recent energy flow charts. ... > full story

Hubble uncovers tiny galaxies bursting with starbirth in early Universe (November 11, 2011) -- Using its infrared vision to peer nine billion years back in time, astronomers have uncovered an extraordinary population of tiny, young galaxies that are brimming with star formation. ... > full story

Aerial robot system can save firefighter lives, study suggests (November 11, 2011) -- A new system built around an unmanned aerial vehicle has faced a real-world test in a West Virginia controlled forest burn, and proved its usefulness. ... > full story

Astronomers find clouds of primordial gas from the early universe, just moments after Big Bang (November 11, 2011) -- For the first time, astronomers have found pristine clouds of the primordial gas that formed in the first few minutes after the Big Bang. The composition of the gas matches theoretical predictions, providing direct evidence in support of the modern cosmological explanation for the origins of elements in the universe. ... > full story

A light wave of innovation to advance solar energy: Researchers adapt classic antennas to harness more power from the sun (November 11, 2011) -- Engineers are developing a solar panel composed of nano-antennas instead of silicon semiconductors. They say that through the use of these antennas, a much higher conversion rate from light into usable energy can be achieved -- and could lead to a more cost-effective way to harvest and utilize "green" energy. ... > full story

Plant with 'eggbeater' texture inspires waterproof coating (November 11, 2011) -- A floating weed that clogs waterways around the world has at least one redeeming feature: It's inspired a high-tech waterproof coating intended for boats and submarines. The Brazilian fern Salvinia molesta has proliferated around the Americas and Australia in part because its surface is dotted with oddly shaped hairs that trap air, reduce friction, and help the plant stay afloat. ... > full story

Flexible rack systems sort molecules (November 11, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a flexible and efficient new process for the separation of enantiomers. Enantiomer separation is indispensable for the production of many pharmaceuticals. In their process, the scientists use porous molecular frameworks that are assembled in layers on solid substrates using a specifically developed method. ... > full story

Chemists reveal the force within you: New method for visualizing mechanical forces on cell surface (November 10, 2011) -- A new method for visualizing mechanical forces on the surface of a cell provides the first detailed view of those forces, as they occur in real-time. Emory chemists were able to measure something that's never been measured before: The force that one molecule applies to another molecule across the entire surface of a living cell, and as this cell moves and goes about its normal processes. ... > full story

Unique bipolar compounds enhance functionality of organic electronics (November 10, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered compounds that exhibit unique and novel electrochemical properties. ... > full story

Revolutionary ultrasonic nozzle that will change the way water cleans (November 10, 2011) -- A team of scientists from the UK has developed a revolutionary ultrasonic attachment for taps, which massively enhances the ability of water to clean. ... > full story

Rare earth metal shortages could hamper deployment of low-carbon energy technologies (November 10, 2011) -- Scientists report that five metals, essential for manufacturing low-carbon technologies, show a high risk of shortage. Reasons for this lie in Europe's dependency on imports, increasing global demand, supply concentration and geopolitical issues. ... > full story