Science

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NASA Completes MESSENGER Mission with Expected Impact on Mercury's Surface

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ORNL researchers probe chemistry, topography and mechanics with one instrument

The probe of an atomic force microscope (AFM) scans a surface to reveal details at a resolution 1,000 times greater than that of an optical microscope. That makes AFM the premier tool for analyzing physical features, but it cannot tell scientists anything about chemistry. For that they turn to the mass spectrometer (MS).

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For a 500-nanometer-deep polymeric thin film made of polystyrene (lighter) and poly-2-vinylpyridine (darker), one multimodal instrument imaged, from left, surface topography, elasticity of the bulk material and buried chemical behavior.

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Production of Industrial Nano-Membrane for Water, Wastewater Purification Device in Iran

Ab Roobesh Rosoob (Mahsar) Engineering and Productive Company produced and presented to the market water and wastewater purification devices using nanotechnology.

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Rock Spire in 'Spirit of St. Louis Crater' on Mars

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An elongated crater called "Spirit of St. Louis," with a rock spire in it, dominates a recent scene from the panoramic camera (Pancam) on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.

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Artificial photosynthesis could help make fuels, plastics and medicine

The global industrial sector accounts for more than half of the total energy used every year. Now scientists are inventing a new artificial photosynthetic system that could one day reduce industry's dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy by powering part of the sector with solar energy and bacteria. They describe a novel system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels -- all without electricity.

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The raw materials for everyday products could someday be produced by bacteria and solar energy.

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Research seeks alternatives for reducing bacteria in fresh produce using nanoengineering

Nearly half of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. from 1998 through 2008 have been attributed to contaminated fresh produce. Prevention and control of bacterial contamination on fresh produce is critical to ensure food safety. The current strategy remains industrial washing of the product in water containing chlorine. However, due to sanitizer ineffectiveness there is an urgent need to identify alternative antimicrobials, particularly those of natural origin, for the produce industry.

A team of researchers at Wayne State University have been exploring natural, safe and alternative antimicrobials to reduce bacterial contamination. Plant essential oils such as those from thyme, oregano and clove are known to have a strong antimicrobial effect, but currently their use in food protection is limited due to their low solubility in water.

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New Ceramic Material Improves Properties of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

Iranian researchers proposed a simple and cheap method to produce hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and improve its mechanical properties.

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Cacao Seed Extract Used in Production of Catalytic Nanoparticles

Iranian researchers used cacao seed extract to produce catalytic nanoparticles which can be applied in production of organic materials and compounds as non-homogenous, stable and recyclable catalysts.

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Giant cosmic tsunami wakes up comatose galaxies

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A composite image of the ‘Sausage’ merging cluster CIZA J2242.8+5310, made using data from the Subaru and Canada France Hawaii Telescopes (CFHT). The white circles indicate galaxies outside of the cluster, while yellow circles are cluster galaxies, where accelerated star formation is taking place. Green marks regions of radio emission, tracing out shock waves and purple marks the hot gas between the galaxies that emits X-rays. The cluster is one of the most massive in the Universe.

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Northwestern scientists develop first liquid nanolaser: Technology could lead to new way of doing 'lab on a chip' medical diagnostics

Northwestern University scientists have developed the first liquid nanoscale laser. And it's tunable in real time, meaning you can quickly and simply produce different colors, a unique and useful feature. The laser technology could lead to practical applications, such as a new form of a "lab on a chip" for medical diagnostics.

To understand the concept, imagine a laser pointer whose color can be changed simply by changing the liquid inside it, instead of needing a different laser pointer for every desired color.