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    New Concept of Terrestrial Planet Formation

    September 21, 2017, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    This is a photo of Io with a volcanic plume at the top. Credit: The University of Hong Kong

    This is a photo of Io with a volcanic plume at the top. Credit: The University of Hong Kong

    Scientists are proposing a new way of understanding the cooling and transfer of heat from terrestrial planetary interiors and how that affects the generation of the volcanic terrains that dominate the rocky planets. Based on the present dynamics of Jupiter’s tidally heated moon, Io, the scientists hypothesize that the geological histories of the solar system’s terrestrial bodies, specifically Mercury, Venus, Moon and Mars, are consistent with a mode of early planetary evolution involving heat-pipes. They further propose that heat-pipe cooling is a universal process that may explain the common features seen on the surfaces of terrestrial planets.

    “We believe that the concept of a heat-pipe mode of...

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    New Self-Powered Paper Patch could help Diabetics measure Glucose during Exercise

    September 20, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    A new paper-based sensor patch developed by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York could allow diabetics to effectively measure glucose levels during exercise. Credit: Binghamton University Electrical and Computer Science Assistant Professor Seokheun Choi

    A new paper-based sensor patch developed by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York could allow diabetics to effectively measure glucose levels during exercise. Credit: Binghamton University Electrical and Computer Science Assistant Professor Seokheun Choi

    A new paper-based sensor patch developed by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York could allow diabetics to effectively measure glucose levels during exercise. Today’s most widespread methods for glucose self-testing involve monitoring glucose levels in blood. Conventional measurements, however, are not suitable for preventing hypoglycemia during exercise.

    “This is because 1) the underlying process relies on invasive and inconvenient blood sampling, causing the possibility of sample ...

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    2D Electronics’ Metal or Semiconductor? Both

    September 20, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) polymorphism. Metallic (right) and semiconducting (left) MoTe2 crystals are obtained side by side on the same plane. Rectangular crystals represent metal MoTe2, while hexagonal crystals are the characteristic feature of semiconducting MoTe2.

    Molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) polymorphism. Metallic (right) and semiconducting (left) MoTe2 crystals are obtained side by side on the same plane. Rectangular crystals represent metal MoTe2, while hexagonal crystals are the characteristic feature of semiconducting MoTe2.

    Researchers produced the first 2D field-effect transistor (FET) made of a single material. Modern life will be almost unthinkable without transistors. They are the ubiquitous building blocks of all electronic devices: each computer chip contains billions of them. However, as the chips become smaller and smaller, the current 3D field-electronic transistors (FETs) are reaching their efficiency limit...

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    Nanosat Fleet proposed for Voyage to 300 Asteroids

    September 20, 2017, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    Artist’s concept of the spacecraft. Credit: FMI

    Artist’s concept of the spacecraft. Credit: FMI

    A fleet of tiny spacecraft could visit over 300 asteroids in just over 3 years, according to a mission study led by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. The Asteroid Touring Nanosat Fleet concept comprises 50 spacecraft propelled by innovative electric solar wind sails (E-sails) and equipped with instruments to take images and collect spectroscopic data on the composition of the asteroids. Each nanosat would visit 6 or 7 asteroids before returning to Earth to deliver the data. The concept will be presented by Dr Pekka Janhunen at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) 2017 in Riga on Tuesday 19th September.

    “Asteroids are very diverse and, to date, we’ve only seen a small number at close range...

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