Techonology, Engineering and Computer Science News

Carnegie Mellon hosting first conference to explore scientific use of gigapixel imagery
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(Carnegie Mellon University) Scientists who are pioneering the use of gigapixel imagery will discuss how they are leveraging this new technology Nov. 11-13 at the first Fine International Conference on Gigapixel Imaging for Science, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University. The deadline for early conference registration is Sept. 13.

Moussa B.H. Youdim wins the 2010 ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(European College of Neuropsychopharmacology) The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology is pleased to announce Moussa B. H. Youdim as the recipient of the 2010 ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his innovative and lasting contribution to the area of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric drug development. The ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award is presented biennially and recognises significant and lasting impact on the field of neuropsychopharmacology. The award is accompanied by a prize of € 20,000 ($25,600).

Iowa State chemists discover method to create high-value chemicals from biomass
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(Iowa State University) Walter Trahanovsky, an Iowa State professor of chemistry, was trying to produce sugar derivatives from biomass using high-temperature chemistry. He was surprised when his research also produced significant yields of high-value chemicals.

Image-based modeling of inhomogeneous single-scattering participating media
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(Science in China Press) For inhomogeneous single-scattering participating media, we propose an image based modeling method, which includes the design of an easy-to-use participating media capture device and the use of a progressive refinement algorithm for a multiresolution volume with a graphics processing unit. Compared with previous methods, only a few captured images of participating media from different viewpoints are required in the construction of the media with high-frequency density details. Furthermore, our method does not need to simplify the radiative transfer equation.

Science's policy clout diminished, but oil risk looms large
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(SAGE Publications UK) More people are likely to believe scientific studies claiming that oil drilling is riskier, not safer, than was previously thought, according to a new study of attitudes in California. What's more the findings, which appear in the journal Public Understanding of Science, published by SAGE, show that scientists' efforts to influence public opinion have a limited effect.

Bermuda in warnings as the GOES-13 Satellite catches Fiona approaching
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) Bermuda has warnings up as Tropical Storm Fiona approaches, and GOES-13 satellite imagery from today shows that Fiona, although packing a punch, is a much smaller system that her brother, the Category 4 Hurricane Earl.

NASA sees Depression Nine become Gaston then back to a depression
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) Tropical Depression Nine strengthened yesterday into Tropical Storm Gaston, but today it ran into dry and stable air and weakened back into a depression again.

Laser-based missile defense for helicopters being developed
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(University of Michigan) Protecting helicopters in combat from heat-seeking missiles is the goal of new laser technology created at the University of Michigan and Omni Sciences, Inc., which is a U-M spin-off company.

Miniature auto differential helps tiny aerial robots stay aloft
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(Harvard University) Engineers at Harvard University have created a millionth-scale automobile differential to govern the flight of minuscule aerial robots that could someday be used to probe environmental hazards, forest fires, and other places too perilous for people. Their new approach is the first to passively balance the aerodynamic forces encountered by these miniature flying devices, letting their wings flap asymmetrically in response to gusts of wind, wing damage, and other real-world impediments.

NASA catches heavy rainfall happening in Category 4 Earl as it approaches the US
2 September 2010, 4:00 am
(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) Hurricane Earl is still a powerful category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it approaches the North Carolina coast today. NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observed the high rates rain was falling within Earl, in some areas more than 2 inches per hour. Today, the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is also flying into the eye of Hurricane Earl at altitudes of 60,000 feet to gather information about the storm.