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Wednesday April 28, 2010
Hot Stuff:
Chillis Point the Way to Non-Addictive Painkillers
by Simon Magus
Researchers have discovered that a substance similar to capsaicin -- which gives chilli peppers their heat -- is produced by the body at the site of pain.
By finding ways to block the action of these endogenous capsaicin-like molecules, scientists hope that a new class of non-addictive painkillers will be created.
Posted in: Science by bubblejam at 10:37 AM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Saturday April 24, 2010
Small World:
Scientists Create Smallest Ever 3D Map
by Sir Thomas More
Scientists have created a 3D map of the earth so small that 1,000 of them could fit on one grain of salt.
They developed a heated silicon tip with a sharp apex -- 100,000 times smaller than a sharpened pencil -- to simply and cheaply create patterns and structures as small as 15 nanometres.
Posted in: Science by bubblejam at 06:45 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Thursday April 22, 2010
Strange Machine:
Bizarre State of Matter Could Lead to Quantum Computers
by Sir Thomas More
Researchers have discovered that ultracold mixes of electrons caught in magnetic traps could have the necessary properties for constructing fault-tolerant quantum computers.
These '5/2 quantum Hall liquids' have a 'quantum registry' that is immune to information loss from external perturbations.
Posted in: Science by bubblejam at 12:03 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Sunday April 18, 2010
Electric Blue Moon:
Solar Winds May Electrify Lunar Craters
by Sir Thomas More
New research shows that solar wind flows over the moon may charge polar lunar craters to hundreds of volts.
Polar lunar craters are of interest as they are in permanent shadow from the sun -- leading to temperatures minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
However this extreme cold has allowed the formation of water ice -- which can survive for billions of years at very low temperatures.
Posted in: by bubblejam at 07:29 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Wednesday April 14, 2010
Are You Experienced?:
Materialistic People Less Likable Than 'Experiential' Types
by Simon Magus
A new study shows that materialistic people are liked less by their peers than people who pursue happiness through life experiences.
The researchers are focused on the social costs and benefits of pursuing happiness through the acquisition of life experiences such as travelling and going to concerts against the purchase of material possessions such as luxury goods.
Posted in: Net by bubblejam at 08:07 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Sunday April 11, 2010
iWar:
Apple Declares War on Google With New Mobile Ads
by Simon Magus
Steve Jobs of Apple has unveiled iAd -- a new platform that integrates ads into iPhone and iPad apps.
As Google seeks to dominate ad sales in all markets, the move has been interpreted as the latest salvo in the rivalry between the two companies.
Posted in: Net by bubblejam at 05:15 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Friday April 09, 2010
Keep Taking The Tablets:
7th Century BC Treaty Unearthed
by Sir Thomas More
Archaeologists have unearthed a clay tablet with a largely intact Assyrian treaty from the early 7th century BC
It is hoped that the discovery will shed light on the Assyrian's relations with the West at a crucial time in their history.
Posted in: Science by bubblejam at 08:38 AM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Sunday April 04, 2010
Fantastic Plastic:
Using Plastics to Make Cheaper Solar Panels
by Simon Magus
Researchers have developed novel techniques for producing electricity-conducting plastics known as conductive polymers.
A commercial process derived from the research could dramatically lower the cost of manufacturing solar panels.
Posted in: Science by bubblejam at 06:08 PM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry
Thursday April 01, 2010
iPredict a Riot:
Five Possible Uses for the iPad
by Simon Magus
Never before has a new product polarised opinion in the blogosphere. The iPad has attracted derision and fanaticism warring factions debate the merits of the new device.
Detractors claim it is an expensive notebook with closed hardware that locks users into Apple's ecosystem. But fans of the iPad believe that it represents a new kind of device.
Is the iPad going to usher in a new age of innovation? Let's speculate upon the possibilities.
Posted in: Net by bubblejam at 11:14 AM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry