Thursday, June 18, 2009

Protein that Triggers Plant Cell Division Revealed by Researchers

Advance in Understanding Cellulose Synthesis

Exploring High-Temperature Superconductivity and the Pseudogap


Using both scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and angle-resolved photo-electron spectroscopy (ARPES) gives researchers a more complete understanding of high-temperature superconducting materials. STM can show actual atoms on the material's surface. ARPES uses the photoelectric effect by aiming a beam of light (photons) at the material's surface. The photons excite atoms in the material, causing them to eject electrons, which are then captured by a detector. The momentum (speed and direction) of the ejected electrons give researchers information about the momentum of electrons inside the material.

Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Meteorite Grains Divulge Earth's Cosmic Roots

Pacific Volcano Blows Top, Grounds Flights


Sarychev Peak : Location: 48.1N, 153.2E
Elevation: 4906 feet (1496 m)
Sarychev Peak, a stratovolcano, is the most active volcanoes in the Kurile Islands. Sarychev Peak erupted at least 14 times between 1765 and 1989. The largest eruption (VEI=4) was in 1924. Most eruptions are moderate to moderate-large (VEI=2-3) and explosive. An eruption in 1960, the last major eruption, produced a 3 mile (5 km) high ash cloud. An eruption in 1964 lasted only 6 minutes.

Friday, June 12, 2009

International Year of Astronomy

Seven Deadly 'Shrooms

DON'T EAT ME: Some of the world's most toxic mushrooms look dangerously similar to those harvested for food--or recreation.
TAYLOR LOCKWOOD

Monday, June 8, 2009

Brain Cells for Socializing

John Allman (with colleague Atiya Hakeem at Caltech examining elephant brain specimens) is searching for one of the biological keys to human behavior.