Control on shape of light particles opens the way to 'quantum internet'
Eindhoven, Netherlands (SPX) Dec 16, 2014 -
In the same way as we now connect computers in networks through optical signals, it could also be possible to connect future quantum computers in a 'quantum internet'. The optical signals would then consist of individual light particles or photons. One prerequisite for a working quantum internet is control of the shape of these photons.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU ...
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Poroshenko vows to complete Chernobyl sarcophagus
Moscow (Sputnik) Dec 16, 2014 -
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has promised to complete the stalled construction of a protective cover over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor that went into meltdown in 1986, the presidential press service said Sunday.
"Under the present complicated circumstances we have to take care of those who suffered, to ensure safety at the site and complete construction of a new secure cover over ...
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Squid supplies blueprint for printable thermoplastics
University Park PA (SPX) Dec 16, 2014 -
Squid, what is it good for? You can eat it and you can make ink or dye from it, and now a Penn State team of researchers is using it to make a thermoplastic that can be used in 3-D printing.
"Most of the companies looking into this type of material have focused on synthetic plastics," said Melik C. Demirel, professor of engineering science and mechanics. "Synthetic plastics are not rapidly ...
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NTU invents smart window that tints and powers itself
Singapore (SPX) Dec 18, 2014 -
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) scientists have developed a smart window which can darken or brighten without the need for an external power source.
This unique self-tinting window requires zero electricity to operate and is also a rechargeable battery. The window's stored energy can be used for other purposes, such as to light up low-powered electronics like a light emitting diode ...
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Penn Research Outlines Basic Rules for Construction With a Type of Origami
Philadelphia PA (SPX) Dec 18, 2014 -
Origami is capable of turning a simple sheet of paper into a pretty paper crane, but the principles behind the paper-folding art can also be applied to making a microfluidic device for a blood test, or for storing a satellite's solar panel in a rocket's cargo bay.
A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers is turning kirigami, a related art form that allows the paper to be cut, into ...
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XMM-Newton spots monster black hole hidden in tiny galaxy
Paris (ESA) Dec 20, 2014 -
First impressions can be deceptive - astronomers have used ESA's X-ray satellite XMM-Newton to find a massive black hole hungrily feeding within a tiny dwarf galaxy, despite there being no hint of this black hole from optical observations.
The galaxy, an irregular dwarf named J1329+3234, is one of the smallest galaxies yet to contain evidence of a massive black hole. Located over 200 milli ...
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Inmarsat-2 F2 satellite retired after more than 23.5 years of GEO operations
Paris (SPX) Dec 20, 2014 -
Inmarsat-2 F2, the second Eurostar satellite designed and built by Airbus Defence and Space, was retired from operational service and safely decommissioned this week after completing a record breaking flawless commercial mission in geostationary orbit of 23.5 years. It takes the record away from Airbus Defence and Space's first ever Eurostar satellite, Inmarsat-2 F1 which achieved 22.5 years - b ...
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