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Yashi

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

ScienceDaily: Consumer Electronics News

ScienceDaily: Consumer Electronics News


Using sand to improve battery performance

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 12:39 PM PDT

Researchers have created a lithium ion battery that outperforms the current industry standard by three times. The key material: sand. Yes, sand. Researchers are now focused on using silicon at the nanoscale, or billionths of a meter, level as a replacement for graphite.

ScienceDaily: Automotive and Transportation News

ScienceDaily: Automotive and Transportation News


Damage assessment of runaway barges at Marseilles lock and dam

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:11 AM PDT

It takes a synchronized lock and dam system —- operating like a motorized flight of stairs on the Illinois River, using gravity to move the water —- to maintain a minimum depth for boat traffic. A disastrous domino effect occurred on April 19, 2013, when heavy rain and runoff, strong winds, and river currents resulted in seven unmoored barges crashing into the dam at Marseilles. Soil scientists have now studied the extensive repercussions of the incident.

More California gas stations can provide hydrogen than previously thought

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:09 AM PDT

A new study concludes that a number of existing gas stations in California can safely store and dispense hydrogen, suggesting a broader network of hydrogen fueling stations may be within reach.

Safe harbor: Freight transport logistics

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 06:21 AM PDT

One of the most important means of connecting with foreign countries is by sea, especially for the transport of freight. Researchers are assessing harbor safety using simulations in order to help provide smooth and efficient navigation.

ScienceDaily: Energy and Resources News

ScienceDaily: Energy and Resources News


Solar energy gets a boost: 'Singlet fission' can increase solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 10:21 AM PDT

Scientists have reviewed chemists' work on "singlet fission," a process in which a single photon generates a pair of excited states. This conversion process has the potential to boost solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

Solar cells: Powered by nanoholes

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:10 AM PDT

Increasing the cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic devices is critical to making these renewable energy sources competitive with traditional fossil fuels. One possibility is to use hybrid solar cells that combine silicon nanowires with low-cost, photoresponsive polymers. A simple and inexpensive fabrication procedure boosts the light-capturing capabilities of tiny holes carved into silicon wafers.

More California gas stations can provide hydrogen than previously thought

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:09 AM PDT

A new study concludes that a number of existing gas stations in California can safely store and dispense hydrogen, suggesting a broader network of hydrogen fueling stations may be within reach.

Silicon sponge improves lithium-ion battery performance

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 06:29 AM PDT

A sponge-like silicon material could help lithium-ion batteries run longer on a single charge by giving the batteries' electrodes the space they need to expand without breaking.

ScienceDaily: Computers and Internet News

ScienceDaily: Computers and Internet News


Building much smaller, greener electronics: Atom-scale, ultra-low-power computing devices to replace transistor circuits

Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:25 PM PDT

The digital age has resulted in a succession of smaller, cleaner and less power-hungry technologies since the days the personal computer fit atop a desk, replacing mainframe models that once filled entire rooms. Desktop PCs have since given way to smaller and smaller laptops, smartphones and devices that most of us carry around in our pockets. Scientists are now developing atom-scale, ultra-low-power computing devices to replace transistor circuits.

Mathematical model illustrates our online 'copycat' behavior

Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:24 PM PDT

Researchers examined how users are influenced in the choice of apps that they install on their Facebook pages by creating a mathematical model to capture the dynamics at play.

ScienceDaily: Engineering and Construction News

ScienceDaily: Engineering and Construction News


Nanotechnology: Paving the way for electronic applications

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:10 AM PDT

Two-dimensional sheets of electronic materials, such as graphene, show promise for practical nanoelectronics applications, including transparent electronic circuits used in electronic displays. The formation of electrically conducting 'nanoroads' on atomically thin semiconductor nanosheets enables the integration of electronic components.

Improving the stability of clay for construction

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 08:10 AM PDT

New research set out to improve the engineering quality of clay using waste materials and a secret binder ingredient. Clay is a natural material composed primarily of fine-grain minerals. It consists of tiny particles that have plastic and adhesive properties. Clay also possesses small voids and pores, so it's capable of retaining water. In this condition, it tends to expand and shrink, which can lead to settlement.

Orgainic solar modules embedded in glass last longer

Posted: 08 Jul 2014 06:21 AM PDT

Organic solar modules have advantages over silicon solar cells. However, one critical problem is their shorter operating life. Researchers are working on a promising solution: they are using flexible glass as a carrier substrate that better protects the components.

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