Detecting damage in non-magnetic steel with the help of magnetism

Magnetic test methods are used to detect damages to materials, which was previously impossible with non-magnetic steel. Researchers have now developed a process in which they apply a thin magnetic layer to steel. Changes in the microstructure can thus be detected by changes in magnetic effects. Materials such as aluminum can also be tested in this way.

Cold wave reveals potential benefits of urban heat islands

Researchers have found that the urban heat island effect -- cities are hotter in the summer than their surrounding areas -- also helps keep cities warmer during extreme cold. The findings have implications for urban planners in areas such as New York City or Chicago, which experience marked seasonal temperature swings.

The Milky Way's long-lost sibling finally found

Scientists at the University of Michigan have deduced that the Andromeda galaxy, our closest large galactic neighbor, shredded and cannibalized a massive galaxy two billion years ago.

Nanocrystals emit light by efficiently 'tunneling' electrons

Using advanced fabrication techniques, engineers have built a nanosized device out of silver crystals that can generate light by efficiently 'tunneling' electrons through a tiny barrier. The work brings plasmonics research a step closer to realizing ultra-compact light sources for high-speed, optical data processing and other on-chip applications.

'Ribbon' wraps up mystery of Jupiter's magnetic equator

The discovery of a dark ribbon of weak hydrogen ion emissions that encircles Jupiter has overturned previous thinking about the giant planet's magnetic equator.

Slowdown of North Atlantic circulation rocked the climate of ancient northern Europe

Major abrupt shifts occurred in the climate of ancient northern Europe, according to a new study. The research reports that sudden cold spells, lasting hundreds of years, took place in the middle of the warm Eemian climate period, about 120,000 years ago.

Scientists perfect technique to boost capacity of computer storage a thousand-fold

Scientists have created the most dense, solid-state memory in history that could soon exceed the capabilities of current hard drives by 1,000 times. New technique leads to the densest solid-state memory ever created.

Surprising findings on the physics of water entry could lead to smarter design of ships

The phenomenon of objects entering water is commonplace, yet a full understanding of the physics of water entry remains elusive, especially as it pertains to instances where a solid object enters a body of water that contains other solid objects. A team of researchers has published a series of surprising findings that may lead to strategies for minimizing the strain of water entry on marine vessels, seaplanes, and space-crew capsules designed for water landing.

NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling

When experts compare the DNA left at a crime scene with the DNA of a suspect, they generate statistics that describe how closely those DNA samples match. These match statistics are reliable because they're based on rigorous scientific research. However, that research only applies to DNA fingerprints, also called DNA profiles, that have been generated using current technology. Now, scientists have laid the statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing, or NGS, which produces DNA profiles that can be more useful in solving some crimes.

Material formed from crab shells and trees could replace flexible plastic packaging

Researchers have created a material derived from crab shells and tree fibers that has the potential to replace the flexible plastic packaging used to keep food fresh.

Top Technology News -- ScienceDaily