Lowering the color of crystals in sugar factories
Like diamonds, sugar crystals ideally are very pure and low in color. Now studies led by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) chemist Gillian Eggleston have provided a better understanding of the source of undesirable color ...
Report recommends ways to improve K-12 STEM education, calls on policymakers
State, national, and local policymakers should elevate science education in grades K-12 to the same level of importance as reading and mathematics, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report recommends ...
Physicists observe 'campfire effect' in blinking nanorod semiconductors
When semiconductor nanorods are exposed to light, they blink in a seemingly random pattern. By clustering nanorods together, physicists at the University of Pennsylvania have shown that their combined "on" time is increased ...
Smartphone app helps you find friends in a crowd
Can a smartphone app enable meaningful, face-to-face conversation? Engineers are trying to find out, with software that helps people locate their friends in a crowd and make new friends who share similar interests.
Finding is a feather in the cap for researchers studying birds' big, powerful eyes
Say what you will about bird brains, but our feathered friends sure have us -- and all the other animals on the planet -- beat in the vision department, and that has a bit to do with how their brains develop.
Chemist solves riddle of killer diseases
Anthrax, septicemia and meningitis are some of the planet's most deadly infections. In part because doctors lack basic insights to prevent and cure diseases caused by so called Gram-positive bacteria. Now, ...
High technology, not low taxes, may drive states' economic growth
High-tech training may trump tax breaks for creating more jobs and improving a state's economy, according to a team of economists.
Youth cybercrime linked to friends' influence
Peer influence and low self-control appear to be the major factors fueling juvenile cybercrime such as computer hacking and online bullying, according to a new study led by a Michigan State University criminologist.
American Express checks in with Foursquare
American Express and Foursquare announced a partnership on Thursday to provide discounts to AmEx cardholders who use the location-based service to "check in" from participating shops and restaurants.
Study brings brain-like computing a step closer to reality
(PhysOrg.com) -- The development of 'brain-like' computers has taken a major step forward today with the publication of research led by the University of Exeter.
Cybercrime networks impacted 1M computer users
(AP) -- Law enforcement officers in the U.S. and seven other nations have seized dozens of computers, servers and bank accounts in an international probe of cybercrime rings responsible for $74 million in losses to more ...
Scientists a step closer to understanding 'natural antifreeze' molecules
Scientists have made an important step forward in their understanding of cryoprotectants compounds that act as natural 'antifreeze' to protect drugs, food and tissues stored at sub-zero temperatures.
'Language tests being misused': new study
A seminal article on language testing, co-authored by Dr Glenn Fulcher, a Reader in Education at the University of Leicester, argues that some agencies are using unsuitable language tests to achieve policy ends.
Scientists uncover an unhealthy herds hypothesis
Biologists worldwide subscribe to the healthy herds hypothesis, the idea that predators can keep packs of prey healthy by removing the weak and the sick. This reduces the chance disease will wipe out the whole ...