ScienceDaily: Top Technology News |
- NASA taps the power of zombie stars in two-in-one instrument
- Microalgae produce more oil faster for energy, food or products
- Engineering algae to make the 'wonder material' nanocellulose for biofuels and more
- Accidental discovery may lead to improved polymers
- New emissions standards would fuel shift from coal to natural gas
| NASA taps the power of zombie stars in two-in-one instrument Posted: 08 Apr 2013 12:53 AM PDT Neutron stars have been called the zombies of the cosmos. They shine even though they're technically dead, occasionally feeding on neighboring stars if they venture too close. Interestingly, these unusual objects, born when a massive star extinguishes its fuel and collapses under its own gravity, also may help future space travelers navigate to Mars and other distant destinations. NASA recently selected a new mission called the Neutron-star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) to not only reveal the physics that make neutron stars the densest objects in nature, but also to demonstrate a groundbreaking navigation technology that could revolutionize the agency's ability to travel to the far reaches of the solar system and beyond.  |
| Microalgae produce more oil faster for energy, food or products Posted: 07 Apr 2013 06:15 PM PDT Scientists have described technology that accelerates microalgae's ability to produce many different types of renewable oils for fuels, chemicals, foods and personal-care products within days using standard industrial fermentation.  |
| Engineering algae to make the 'wonder material' nanocellulose for biofuels and more Posted: 07 Apr 2013 10:29 AM PDT Genes from the family of bacteria that produce vinegar, Kombucha tea and nata de coco have become stars in a project -- which scientists today said has reached an advanced stage -- that would turn algae into solar-powered factories for producing the "wonder material" nanocellulose. They have now reported on advances in getting those genes to produce fully functional nanocellulose.  |
| Accidental discovery may lead to improved polymers Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:49 AM PDT The discovery of an unexpected side product of polymer synthesis by chemical engineers may have implications for the manufacture of commercial polymers used in sealants, adhesives, toys and even medical implants.  |
| New emissions standards would fuel shift from coal to natural gas Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:48 AM PDT Tougher EPA air-quality standards could spur an increased shift away from coal and toward natural gas for electricity generation, according to a new study. Complying with stricter regulations on sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and mercury may make nearly two-thirds of the U.S. coal-fired power plants as expensive to run as plants powered by natural gas. The regulations would make 65 percent of U.S. coal plants as expensive as natural gas, even if gas prices rise significantly.  |
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