A group of American researchers, based at the University of Washington (UW), and at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (UNC) has recently managed to take an important step forward in its quest of finding a method of converting methane gas into a liquid fuel. The innovation could see a lot more uses for methane, as well as facilities brought to the production processes related to obtaining other chemicals as well. The find is detailed in the October 23 issue of the top journal Science.
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Friday, October 23, 2009
'Mini lasers' illuminate dark molecules
A new microscopy technique that turns molecules into "mini lasers" has been developed by researchers in the US. The new method could help scientists to study biological samples containing "dark molecules", which are invisible to today's advanced fluorescence microscopes.
USVs and UUVs as Minehunters
It now looks increasingly likely that drones – specifically unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) – will play a growing role in minehunting within a few years. A range of scenarios can be envisaged. The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has asked DCNS and co-contractors Thales Underwater Systems and ECA to help it determine which scenarios are the most promising.Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft Gets X-Plane Designation
Air Force officials have approved X-55A as the new designation for the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft.
The X-55A is a technology demonstrator for the design and manufacturing of future aircraft using advanced composite materials. The X-55A is a modified Dornier 328J aircraft with the fuselage aft of the crew station and the vertical tail removed and replaced with completely new structural designs. These designs are made from composites using new out-of-autoclave curing techniques.
NGC Awarded DARPA Contract That Takes Technology to 'NEXT' Level
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) the first phase of a $28.9-million Nitride Electronic NeXt Generation Technology (NEXT) contract. Work on the contract will support defense communications, aircraft and space systems with the development of the next generation of gallium nitride (GaN) technology. The first phase of the contract totals $12.4 million.
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Nuclear Plants Cautiously Phase Out Dial-Up Modems
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is asking the operators of America’s 66 nuclear power plants to voluntarily upgrade the on-site monitoring systems that report plant conditions to the government.
That upgrade to the 16-year-old Emergency Response Data System? Replacing telephone dial-up modems with VPN appliances.
1,000 troops arrive in Israel for exercise
More than 1,000 U.S. troops and some of the U.S. Army’s most sophisticated weaponry arrived in Israel this week to practice shooting down ballistic missiles to protect Israel from potential adversaries, most likely Iran.
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USAF re-orients frustrated jamming strategy
The US Air Force has dramatically changed the focus of a frustrated, decade-long attempt to revitalize its ability to jam radars and communications systems.
After abandoning a second attempt earlier this year to convert some Boeing B-52Hs into standoff jamming platforms, the USAF investment strategy has shifted to fielding less expensive "stand-in" systems that could be delivered within a few years.
Net Neutrality: Two Huge Positives for Business
Federal Communication Commissionnet neutrality rules have the potential to save businesses money in ways that range from heading off potential new Internet access charges to opening up low-cost, high-bandwidth services distinguished by superior quality of service.
While the FCC won't make final decisions until next spring at the earliest, its rule-making agenda that was approved Friday prompts speculation on what the outcome might yield, and that includes the possibility of high-quality access at a low price.
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While the FCC won't make final decisions until next spring at the earliest, its rule-making agenda that was approved Friday prompts speculation on what the outcome might yield, and that includes the possibility of high-quality access at a low price.
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China's cyberwarfare capabilities grow
China is building its cyberwarfare capabilities and appears to be using the growing technical abilities to collect U.S. intelligence through a sophisticated and long-term computer attack campaign, according to an independent report.
Augustine Commission: NASA's Plans 'Unsustainable'
To get to the moon and then eventually go on to Mars will take much more money and technology than the U.S. space program has now, according to a report released today by an independent panel convened, at White House request, under former aerospace executive Norman Augustine.
Japan's Stance on U.S. Base Jolts Alliance
The U.S.-Japan security alliance has been strained as Tokyo's new center-left leaders, in a row over a U.S. military base, make good on their promise to be less subservient to Washington, analysts say.
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