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NIST Research Tightens Bounds on Quantum Information 'Speed Limit'
Research from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has narrowed the theoretical limits for where the “speed limit" lies for solving problems on quantum computers.
Delphi-Equipped Audi Drives Itself U.S. Coast-to-Coast
According to automated technology company Delphi Automotive, its first automated drive across North America went well.
Liquid Metal Property Could Lead to Shape-Shift Robots
A team of scientists at Tsinghua University in China has found a liquid metal alloy with self-propulsion and shape-shifting abilities.
Oil Spill Dispersant Found to Be Toxic to Coral, Researchers Say
A Temple University study finds that the dispersant used to remediate the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is toxic to cold-water corals.
Plant Cell Structure Could Improve Renewable Materials
An advance in the understanding of wood has led to an increased potential for using plants in renewable materials, energy and building construction.
Automotive Touch Panel Revenues to Hit $1.5 Billion in 2018, IHS says
Growing global penetration of touch-enabled smart devices and improvements in touch technology are driving demand for automotive touch screens.
China Introduces Hydrogen-powered Tram
China is investing in a hydrogen-powered technology in a major way—to the tune of 200 billion yuan, or $32 billion. A tram running on hydrogen power and reaching a top speed of about 43 miles per hour made its debut in Qingdao in April.
China to Finance Bulk of $2 billion Iran-Pakistan Pipeline
China will reportedly finance a $2bn, 1682km natural gas pipeline from Iran to Pakistan.
IHS to Acquire RootMetrics, Broadening Its Mobile Networks Analytics Reach
IHS Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire RootMetrics, a U.S.-based independent mobile networks analytics firm that offers insights into the mobile user experience.
A Robot Race to the Moon
Technology companies aren't waiting on NASA to spur commercial development in space. Lured in part by the chance to win the $20 million Google Lunar XPRIZE, 18 teams from around the world are racing to be the first to accomplish a unique technical triple play: Fly a lander to the Moon’s surface, deploy a rover that must maneuver a distance of at least 500 meters and send high-definition images back to Earth.
Brains and Brawn: A Smart Car with Potent Engineering
In many ways, the microcar saved the fate of the personal automobile in Europe. Automotive resources waned after World War II in the face of massive reconstruction, so manufacturers that focused on affordable autos elected to produce bubble cars (microcars).
IEEE Internet of Things Survey Ranks Mind Control as Top Technology in 2025
The future technology of choice won't be new smartphones or laptops; it will be the human mind.
NASA and Aerospace Companies to Research Lightweight Composites for Aeronautics
U.S. space agency NASA has established a public-private partnership—the Advanced Composites Consortium—to improve composite materials research and certification.
Aluminum Batteries Could Challenge Lithium-Ion on Cost and Safety
Researchers from Stanford University in California have created a fast-charging, inexpensive and long-lasting aluminum battery that could challenge lithium-ion cells.
Shell to Buy BG Group in $70bn Deal
Royal Dutch Shell says it has agreed to buy oil and gas exploration firm BG Group in a deal that values the business at $70 billion. The cash and shares offer gives investors a 50% premium on BG Group's share price on April 7.
U.S. Safety Board Calls for Upgrades to Oil Tank Cars
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says that rail tank cars carrying oil or ethanol need to be retrofitted or replaced to make them more fire-resistant.
3D Designs for Neural Tissue Engineering
A researcher writing in the journal Neural Regeneration poses a potential solution to one of the greatest challenges in medicine: fighting neurological diseases.
Audi Plans Tablet-Sized Controller for Autonomous Vehicles
Automaker Audi says it will go to production with a piloted driving controller that is roughly the size of a tablet computer.
Micro Grids Can Solve Macro Problems
Potentially serious problems face national electric grids. The need for power continues to grow, placing a strain on the existing generation infrastructure, transmission lines as well as power plants. In many parts of the world, the possibility of blackouts is a constant threat.
Pratt & Whitney to Use 3D Printing for Some Engine Parts
Pratt & Whitney says it will deliver jet engine parts produced using additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. The company says it will be among the first to use additive manufacturing to make compressor stators and synch ring brackets for its PurePower PW1500G engines.