IBM scientists demonstrate computer memory breakthrough
Jun 30, 2011 Space
For the first time, scientists at IBM Research have demonstrated that a relatively new memory technology, known as phase-change memory (PCM), can reliably store multiple data bits per cell over extended periods of time. This significant improvement advances the development of low-cost, faster and more durable memory applications for consumer devices, including mobile phones and cloud storage, as well as high-performance applications, such as enterprise data storage.
Two Peregrine Falcons Shot in California
Jun 30, 2011 Space
A reward being offered for for information on the shooting of two peregrine falcons, a mother and daughter, were found in Oakland, Calif., this month.
Scientists to Chemical Regulators: Stop Ignoring Boobs
Jun 30, 2011 Space
A new set of reports shows that federal policy on chemicals testing neglects breast health.
Close encounter with the Milky Way: Incredible image of natural phenomenon in skies above Devil’s Tower recalls sci-fi classic
Jun 30, 2011 Space
Somewhat reminiscent of the finale to Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, this incredible image captures not a UFO hovering above the Wyoming landmark, but the Milky Way.
Why Do Fingers Wrinkle When They Get Wet?
Jun 30, 2011 Space
Common knowledge says it’s because skin absorbs water, but a scientist proposes a new, evolutionary theory.
Universe’s most distant quasar found, powered by massive black hole
Jun 30, 2011 Space
A team of European astronomers has used European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope and a host of other telescopes to discover and study the most distant quasar found to date. This brilliant beacon, powered by a black hole with a mass two billion times that of the Sun, is by far the brightest object yet discovered in the early Universe.
Young Darwin’s Marginalia Shows Evolution of His Theory
Jun 30, 2011 Space
A trove of books from Charles Darwin’s personal library is now digitized, online and free for all to view. The collection, displaying Darwin’s scrawled-in-pencil marginalia, tantalizingly reveals his thought process as he developed the theory of evolution.
Underground Physics Lab to Cost U.S. Energy Department at Least $1.2 Billion
Jun 30, 2011 Space
Physics fans, hold your breath: An underground lab that’s absolutely vital to the future of particle physics in the United States will cost the Department of Energy (DOE) between $1.2 billion and $2.2 billion, according to a study presented today to the federal High Energy Physics Advisory Panel
The Math of the Rubik’s Cube
Jun 30, 2011 Space
Last August, 30 years after the Rubik’s cube first appeared, an international team of researchers proved that no matter how scrambled a cube got, it could be solved in no more than 20 moves. Although the researchers used some clever tricks to avoid evaluating all 43 quintillion of the cube’s possible starting positions, their proof still relied on the equivalent of 35 years’ worth of number crunching on a good modern computer.
Anger a Crow and It Will Never Forget Your Face : Discovery News
Jun 30, 2011 Space
Mess with a crow, and it will remember your face for over five years, research shows.