The San Francisco Section is currently accepting nominations for the following award: Daniel Cubicciotti Student Award: established in 1994 to assist a deserving student in Northern California in pursuing a career in the physical sciences or engineering. Qualified candidates will be full or part-time graduate or advanced undergraduate student(s) in good standing at a university or college in Northern California. The award consists of an etched metal plaque and a $2,000 prize which is intended to assist with the educational…
Continue reading
Just over ten years ago, the number of electric vehicles on the road could be counted in the hundreds. Now, more than 1.3 million EVs have been deployed across the globe. But even as EVs become a stronger force in the transportation sector, many buyers still cite one major deterrent in going electric: range anxiety. Range anxiety refers to the fear that during longer trips, the EV battery may run out of energy and leave drivers stranded without a charging…
Continue reading
By: Arnab Hazari, University of Michigan For the past four decades, the electronics industry has been driven by what is called “Moore’s Law,” which is not a law but more an axiom or observation. Effectively, it suggests that the electronic devices double in speed and capability about every two years. And indeed, every year tech companies come up with new, faster, smarter and better gadgets. Specifically, Moore’s Law, as articulated by Intel cofounder Gordon Moore, is that “The number of…
Continue reading
By using mild electric current, a team of researchers from Washington State University has demonstrated the ability to beat drug-resistant bacterial infections – a technology with the potential to treat chronic wound infections. Lead by ECS member Haluk Beyenal, the team combined an antibiotic with electrical current to kill the highly persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 bacteria. That very same bacteria can seen in infections of the lung, cystic fibrosis, and even chronic wounds. “I didn’t believe it. Killing most of…
Continue reading
The holiday season is approach and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the science-lover in your life. Check out our top 10 picks for 2016! Scientist Love Notes Etsy – $9.00 These tongue-in-cheek, handmade gifts feature notable scientists and phrases related to their area of study. Choose from eight carvings, ranging from Marie Curie (“You’re radiant”) to Nikola Tesla (“You’re electrifying”). Molecube Vat 19 – $19.99 The molecube is a noteworthy challenge for any…
Continue reading
Researchers are shedding new light on cell biology with the development of a graphene sensor to monitor changes in the mitochondria. The one-atom-thin layer of carbon sensor is giving researchers a new outlook into the process known as programmed cell death in mitochondria. The mitochondrion, which is found in most cells, has been known as the powerhouse of the cell due to its ability to metabolize and create energy for cells. However, the new researcher out of University of California,…
Continue reading
By: Sudeep Pasricha, Colorado State University American mining production increased earlier this decade, as industry sought to reduce its reliance on other countries for key minerals such as coal for energy and rare-earth metals for use in consumer electronics. But mining is dangerous – working underground carries risks of explosions, fires, flooding and dangerous concentrations of poisonous gases. Mine accidents have killed tens of thousands of mine workers worldwide in just the past decade. Most of these accidents occurred in…
Continue reading
In 2005, the number of electric vehicles on the road could be measured in the hundreds. Over the years, researchers have made technological leaps in the field of EVs. Now, we’ve exceeded a global threshold of one million EVs, and the demand continues to grow. However, the ultimate success and growth of the EV hinges on battery technology. With some scientists stating that convention Li-ion batteries are approaching their theoretical energy density limits, researchers have begun exploring new energy storage…
Continue reading
By: Sameer Sonkusale, Tufts University Doctors have various ways to assess your health. For example, they measure your heart rate and blood pressure to indirectly assess your heart function, or straightforwardly test a blood sample for iron content to diagnose anemia. But there are plenty of situations in which that sort of monitoring just isn’t possible. To test the health of muscle and bone in contact with a hip replacement, for example, requires a complicated – and expensive – procedure….
Continue reading
JSS Editors’ Choice article discusses AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Pennington, NJ – (July 12, 2016) – When it comes to putting technology in space, size and mass are prime considerations. High-power gallium nitride-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are appealing in this regard because they have the potential to replace bulkier, less efficient transistors, and are also more tolerant of the harsh radiation environment of space. Compared to similar aluminum gallium arsenide/gallium arsenide HEMTs, the gallium nitride-based HEMTs are ten times more…
Continue reading
