Raydiance Corporation, developer of the world's first commercial-grade ultrafast laser, today announced it has partnered with the Small Spacecraft Division in the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., to develop advanced microfluidics devices for space-based biological experiments.
Monthly Archives: January 2010
Fluidigm and IntegraGen Join Forces to Create a Genetic Analysis Service and European Demonstration Lab
Fluidigm, the inventor of integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs), has joined with IntegraGen SA, one of France's leading providers of genetic research testing services, to bring IFC technology to French researchers.
Major step towards low-power all-optical switching for optical communications
The January issue of the premier scientific magazine Nature Photonics publishes an ultra-small and fast, electrically pumped all-optical memory on a silicon chip with record low power consumption.
Scientists use nanotechnology to try building computers modeled after the brain
Scientists have great expectations that nanotechnologies will bring them closer to the goal of creating computer systems that can simulate and emulate the brain's abilities for sensation, perception, action, interaction and cognition while rivaling its low power consumption and compact size. DARPA for instance has a program called SyNAPSE that is trying to develop electronic neuromorphic machine technology that scales to biological levels. Started in late 2008 and funded with $4.9 million, the goal of the initial phase of the SyNAPSE project is to 'develop nanometer scale electronic synaptic components capable of adapting the connection strength between two neurons in a manner analogous to that seen in biological systems, as well as, simulate the utility of these synaptic components in core microcircuits that support the overall system architecture.' Independent from this military-inspired research, nanotechnology researchers in France have developed a hybrid nanoparticle-organic transistor that can mimic the main functionalities of a synapse. This organic transistor, based on pentacene and gold nanoparticles and termed NOMFET (Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field-Effect Transistor), has opened the way to new generations of neuro-inspired computers, capable of responding in a manner similar to the nervous system.
Sustainable use of nanomaterials for novel engineering solutions
At the fifth DFG-NSF Research Conference approximately 70 high-ranking German and American physics and chemistry researchers discussed important issues of nanotechnology with colleagues from the fields of materials science, materials engineering and life sciences.
Camtek Introduces a New Semiconductor Inspection System for the LED Market
Camtek's Condor 5LED is a new AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) system designed to provide solutions to a variety of requirements that are unique to LED Semiconductor Manufacturers.
Weisses LED Licht aus Nanopfeilern
Forscher des Paul-Drude-Instituts fuer Festkoerperelektronik entwickeln gemeinsam mit der Industrie und anderen Forschungsinstituten im Rahmen eines EU-Projektes weisse Leuchtdioden (LEDs), die auf Nanosaeulen basieren. Dadurch koennte die Produktion von energiesparenden weissen LEDs deutlich billiger werden.
RUSNANO CEO on building an innovation economy in Russia
RUSNANO CEO Anatoly Chubais took part in the International conference 'Russia and Global World: New Decade Challenges'. He delivered a speech on building an innovation economy in Russia.
Survey shows concerns over copper usage in semiconductor packaging
The results of a new survey shows the semiconductor industry has serious reservations about the reliability and yield of copper bonding wire.
Saudia Arabian KACST launches nanotechnology solar energy initiative to produce desalinated water
The new nanotechnology for using solar energy to operate desalination plants was developed by KACST in association with IBM.
Cymbet Closes $31 M in Private Financing to Add Manufacturing Capacity
The Company will use proceeds from this financing round to expand EnerChip sales and marketing initiatives globally, as well as to add manufacturing capacity for its eco-friendly, EnerChip solid-state energy storage devices in response to rising customer demand.
SIGMA forum roundtable and keynote examines new technologies and the future at WBT2010
WBTshowcase announced today that sci-fi think tank founder Arlan Andrews, Sr. P.E. will join seven fellow members of SIGMA on a panel session titled 'The World's Best Technologies - 2010 and Beyond' on Wednesday, March 17th at WBT2010.
Keithley Instruments’ Solar Cell Testing Survey Shows Priorities and Best Practices in Test Methods
A recent survey of solar cell/photovoltaic device researchers and manufacturers working in government, university-based, and corporate labs and manufacturing facilities indicates distinct differences in testing methods and priorities among respondents from Asia, North America, and Europe.
Waters Introduces ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System; HPLC Simplicity with UPLC Performance
Waters Corporation today introduced the new Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System incorporating the proven, robust and reliable performance of ACQUITY UltraPerformance LC (UPLC) with the operational familiarity of traditional high performance liquid chromatography.
Fellowship honors NanoTech Institute co-founder
Lauded for his landmark advancements in nanotechnology, optics and the science of physics as a whole, Dr. Anvar Zakhidov has been named a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).
Panasonic’s Thin, Colorful New Lumix Cameras Get Price Tags [Lumix]
Panasonic's new Lumix point and shoots were introduced earlier this month at CES and they caught our eye with their skinny design. We've always found Lumix to be nice gear, so we're glad to see that the FH and FP series cameras are available at several price points, from $110 for the F2 up to $229.95 for the FP3, with the rest all falling somewhere in between.
The cameras are slated to ship in mid-February. For full details, check out the press release below.
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS, FOCUSING ON STYLE, FUNCTION AND CONVENIENCE
SECAUCUS, NJ (January 25, 2010) – Panasonic today announced pricing for its new line of LUMIX digital cameras, which include the LUMIX FH-, FP- and F- Series – all which will be available in mid-February.
The LUMIX FH-Series including the FH1, FH3 and FH20 are all slim, pocket-size models that pack a powerful 28mm wide-angle lens. All of these models also record High Definition video and feature Panasonic's hallmark, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user. The LUMIX FH1 will be available for a suggested retail price of $159.95, the LUMIX FH3 for $179.95 and the LUMIX FH20 for $199.95.
The FP-Series, featuring the LUMIX FP1 and the LUMIX FP3, have a 4x optical zoom with a folded optics design, making the camera design stylish and sleek. The series highlights a newly-adopted lens cover which protects the lens and also serves as the camera's power switch. The FP3 features an intuitive 3.0" touch-screen LCD for easy-to-use operation. New to the FP-Series is High Definition (HD) video recording capability allowing for both beautiful still and motion images. The FP1 will be available for $149.95 and the FP3 for $229.95.
In the LUMIX F-Series, the LUMIX F3 and LUMIX F2 have been designed with simplicity, style and performance in mind. Both models record High Definition video and are equipped with 28mm wide angle lenses and an Extra Optical Zoom function to extend zoom power from 4x to 7.8x. Both models also feature Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents the blurring of a moving subject; Face Detection, which helps to clearly capture registered faces; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects one of six scene modes that best fits the shooting
situation. The LUMIX F3 will be available for $129.95 and the LUMIX F2 for $109.95.For more information on all Panasonic LUMIX digital camera models, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/lumix.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom.For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visithttp://panasonic.net/olympic/.
Gigantic Game of Guess Who Played On 40 Nokia Booklet 3Gs [Nokia]
When Mark reviewed the Nokia Booklet 3G last November, he unfortunately didn't have 40 of them so couldn't play a giant game of Guess Who by himself. But the guys at WOMWorld/Nokia did, making a hilarious video in the process.
Are you the blue website with the red hat and an eyeglass? [Recombu]
So What’s So Great About Scientific Literacy Anyway? | The Intersection
In the new version of the Unscientific America talk, I also tried to make more explicit the reasons why we think “scientific literacy,” broadly defined, is essential to American democracy, and something every citizen should strive for. What’s so great about it? Well, here are my answers:
1. Knowledge is a good in and of itself. The more anyone has of it, the better.
2. Empowerment: The more Americans know about science, and the methods of critical thinking about evidence that it imparts, the better off they’ll be when it comes to making choices in their own lives, e.g., in the medical arena.
3. Citizenship: The more scientifically literate our citizens are, the more they’ll be able to access and engage with the scientific aspects of key public policy issues like climate change.
4. Policy: There is a reality out there, and we need our decisions to be aligned with it. Ultimately, 3 should lead to 4, as more citizen engagement with science reverberates in the decision-making process. And that’s what matters most of all.
Any questions or objections? Or does that about encompass it?
I think that traditionally, most of the emphasis in “scientific literacy” discussions has been on 1 & 2. What I like think is different about the approach that we take in Unscientific America is that it much more strongly stresses 3 & 4.
•Knowledge is a good in and of itself.
•
•Empowerment: “Scientific” Americans will be better equipped to make the right choices in their lives, e.g., in the medical arena.
•Citizenship: Greater science literacy = greater engagement in the science underlying public policy issues, like global warming, stem cell research, etc.
•
•Policy: There is a reality out there, and we need our decisions to be aligned with it….
NYT, Condé Nast Working on "Large-Screen" iPhone Apps For the Tablet [Rumor]
According to the Times (the LA one), the Times (the NY one) has been working on a tablet app in recent weeks. Also: Condé Nast basically admitted to the same in a press release. Familiar? Sure. But intriguing!
In September, we reported through two sources at the paper that the NYT had been approached by Apple to develop content of some sort for the tablet. As the paper of record, they're the obvious choice for an inaugural app demo—remember the the wave of iPhone commercials, where the floating hands navigate to the NYT homepage?—and they already have tablet-appropriate software available for download. In that sense, the LAT report is just more corroboration; of the NYT's involvement with Apple; of the tablet's penchant for the written word; and obviously, of the tablet's mere existence.
More interesting, though, is a quote highlighted in the report from a Conde Nast press release last week, which was supposed to tout the (moderate) success of the GQ iPhone app, but which may have also revealed it to be a not-so-subtle prelude to a tablet app. Quoted directly:
In addition to developing more content for the iPhone and the anticipated tablet from Apple, Conde Nast has formed a strategic partnership with Adobe to collaborate on creating technologies that will allow the company to design and produce a new generation of digital magazines.
Normally it'd be prudent to just ignore this kind of thing, since the Apple Tablet, even as a rumor, has ingratiated itself so far into the media's consciousness that print ombudsman and PR people can't seem to squeeze out a public statement or press release without mentioning it, but at this late stage in the game, and from the company most likely in the world to be involved with such a venture if it does exist, these words are worth hanging on.
On another note, I tend to think people are overstating the role that print media text content will play in this device, and vice versa! Discuss.
UPDATE: Peter Kafka at AllThingsD isn't convinced that Conde Nast will be in the tablet demo lineup. [LAT]
Oppo’s Sub-$300 BDP-80 Blu-ray Player Plays Whatever You Throw At It [BluRay]
We've long been fans of Oppo, makers of high-quality, universal Blu-ray players, but that quality always came at a price. Their new BDP-80, announced today, plays Blu-ray discs, DVDs, SACDs, MKVs, MP3s, and more for only $289.
The last we heard from Oppo, their BDP-83 was getting near-perfect reviews. The only problem was the price: $500. Now, you can bring a high performance Oppo player to your home theater for under $300.
The BDP-80 shaves off some of its more expensive older brother's higher end features, like 24p DVD conversion and in/out IR ports, but it still looks like it's a great option if you're looking for a high-quality, versatile BRD player. To check out a full comparison chart or place your order head to Oppo's site. [Oppo via Engadget]
