NASA's Phoenix Lander goes sleepless on Mars Jul 23, 2008
"We are looking for patterns of movement and phase change," said Michael Hecht, lead scientist for Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, which includes the fork-like probe. "The probe is working great. We see some changes in soil electrical properties, which may be related to water, but we're still chewing on the data.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Phoenix Mars Lander Delivers Soil-Chemistry Sample Jul 13, 2008
That laboratory is part of Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer. The main activity on the lander's schedule for today is testing a method for scraping up a sample of icy material and getting it into the scoop at the end of the Robotic Arm. (Science Daily)
NASA sticks a forkin Mars Jul 13, 2008
With these two latest developments, Phoenix has now used all the capabilities of its Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) suite of instruments. This week Phoenix also began analyzing the to go into MECA's wet chemistry laboratory, which can detect soluble minerals in the dirt. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Mars lander breaks new ground Jul 13, 2008
That laboratory is part of Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Phoenix Mars Lander testing second scoop of soil Jul 13, 2008
That laboratory is part of Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer. The results for the first wet chemistry test suggested the Martian surface contained several soluble minerals necessary for life, including potassium, magnesium and chloride. (Xinhuanet, China)
Martian Dirt is Friendly to Life Jul 1, 2008
NASA / JPL / Univ. of Arizona / Max Planck Inst. The experiment, part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA), mixed dirt with water brought from Earth and took readings from sensors sensitive to the presence of inorganic salts containing chlorine, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Still to come is a test for sulfur-bearing salts. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
How does Mars taste? Salty, reports lander Jul 1, 2008
AP/ NASA /JPL / CalTECH /University of ArizonaThese Wet Chemistry Laboratory units arepart of the microscopy, electrochemistry and conductivity analyzer, instrument on board the Phoenix Mars Lander. Video. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Martian Soil Points Toward Possibility Of Life Jun 28, 2008
"We are awash in chemistry data," Michael Hecht, lead scientist for the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, or MECA, instrument on Phoenix, said. "We're trying to understand what is the chemistry of wet soil on Mars, what's dissolved in it, how acidic or alkaline it is. With the results we received from Phoenix yesterday, we could begin to tell what aspects of the soil might support life.". (InformationWeek)
Lander Finds Conditions For Life On Mars Jun 27, 2008
This photo released by NASA shows four Wet Chemistry Laboratory units, part of the microscopy, electrochemistry and conductivity analyzer, instrument on board the Phoenix Mars Lander on Aug. 4, 2007, before the Phoenix was launched into space. The Phoenix lander's first taste test of soil near Mars' north pole reveals a briny environment similar to what can be found in backyards on Earth, scientists said Thursday. (CBS News)
Pay Dirt: Martian Soil Fit for Earthly Life Jun 27, 2008
Michael Hecht, lead researcher on Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) instrument, at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. said it would be safe, if gritty, to sprinkle a spoonful of the soil on your cereal. (Scientific American)
Mars Lander Returns Treasure Trove For Science Jun 27, 2008
"We are awash in chemistry data," said Michael Hecht of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, lead scientist for the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, or MECA, instrument on Phoenix. "We're trying to understand what is the chemistry of wet soil on Mars, what's dissolved in it, how acidic or alkaline it is. With the results we received from Phoenix yesterday, we could begin to tell what aspects of the soil might support life.". (Science Daily)
Mars Soil Is Like That in Veggie Gardens, Lander Finds Jun 27, 2008
"This means there is a broader range of organisms that can grow [in it]," said Kounaves, who works with the lander's Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA). "But Mars is a huge place, whose soils might differ radically from spot to spot," Kounaves said. (National Geographic)
Mars soil can support life Jun 27, 2008
The lab, part of called the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, or MECA, was designed to test Mars' dirt for salts, acidity, minerals and conductivity. After mixing the dirt with water Phoenix brought from Earth in one of MECA's teacup-sized beakers, the instrument measured various characteristics of the solution to learn about the properties of the dirt. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Phoenix Lander Prepares For Microscopy, Wet Chemistry On Mars Jun 26, 2008
Phoenix's wet chemistry laboratory is part of the suite of tools called the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, or MECA.. "The water in the wet-chemistry cell is frozen, and before we do an experiment we have to make sure that it's totally thawed," Phoenix co-investigator Sam Kounaves of Tufts University, wet chemistry laboratory lead, said. (Science Daily)
Phoenix Mars Lander Delivers Soil Sample To Microscope Jun 23, 2008
Both the Wet Chemistry Lab and the Optical Microscope are part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, or MECA, instrument. "We want to deliver similar soil samples to all three instruments," said Ray Arvidson, the mission's lead scientist for digging activities, from Washington University in St. Louis. (Science Daily)
Phoenix Mars Lander Inspects Delivered Soil Samples Jun 15, 2008
He is a Phoenix co-investigator working on the lander's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer. The sample includes some larger, black, glassy particles as well as smaller reddish ones. (Science Daily)
Phoenix lander gets close-up look at Mars dirt Jun 14, 2008
"I'm absolutely gobsmacked that we're now looking at the soil of Mars at a resolution that has never been seen before," said TomPike of Imperial College London, who is a Phoenix co-investigator working on the lander's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer ... "It looks like a light dusting and that's just what we wanted," said Michael Hecht of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who is the lead scientist for the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA)... (Xinhua)
Phoenix starts to get rewards Jun 14, 2008
This Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) unit can view the structure of grains at scales never before seen on Mars - down to as small as about 100 nanometres, one one-hundredth the width of a human hair. The success in getting a good sample onto MECA comes off the back of news that a usable sample has also now finally made its way into the first of eight ovens on Phoenix. (BBC News -- Science)
"Holy Cow!" — Phoenix Spots Ice Jun 7, 2008
Also awaiting a sample is the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA), actually a cluster of four tools that will subject the ruddy soil to a series of tests. The images from Phoenix have started arrived in big bunches hundreds at a clip and you can view them all at the. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Closest View Of Dust Particles From Other Planet Jun 6, 2008
He is the lead scientist for Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) instrument suite. Meanwhile, Phoenix received commands Thursday to collect its first soil sample to be delivered to a laboratory instrument on the lander deck. (Science Daily)
Phoenixs "Moves" Need A Little More Work Jun 6, 2008
The Phoenix Mars Lander has been equipped with six science instruments, the Robotic Arm, the Robotic Arm Camera, the Surface Stereo Imager, the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer, the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer and the Meteorological Station, each with a series of features needed in order to successfully reach the missions objectives. This mission in particular will be very challenging, considering that everyone expects Phoenix to confirm pro-Martian life theories and... (eFluxMedia)
"Holy Cow!" Phoenix Spots Ice Jun 4, 2008
They needn't have worried. " Phoenix Spots Ice Ever been in a situation when you're certain about something but you can't quite prove it?That's how scientists felt over the weekend, as they pored over images of whitish patches spied in the Martian real estate next to and under the Phoenix lander. It certainly looks like ice to the eye, some patches of ground seem far brighter than their surroundings. But until the team gets back color pictures (due in last night), it's still just well-informed... (SkyAndTelescope.com)
> read more May 31, 2008
NASA / JPL / Univ. of Arizona The experiment that will do this, called the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer () contains a miniaturized wet-chemistry laboratory with four teacup-size beakers. We already know that salts exist on Mars. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Mars probe to deploy robotic arm May 28, 2008
The equipment includes the microscopy, electrochemistry, and conductivity analyzer (MECA) which combines a wet chemistry laboratory, a probe for thermal and electrical conductivity, and optical and atomic force microscopes. The other key instrument is the thermal and evolved gas analyzer (TEGA), which combines a high-temperature furnace and a mass spectrometer instrument to assess the soil samples. (Canada.com)
NASA's Phoenix lands on Mars May 26, 2008
Besides the robotic arm and mast camera, the lander's instruments include a Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer, a Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, and a meteorology station that will track weather patterns, particularly the winds that could carry humidity southward. Next year, the Mars Science Laboratory, a lander as large as an automobile and equipped with a ray-gun type laser to zap rocks at a distance of 30 feet, is scheduled to follow up on Phoenix's discoveries. (Boston Globe)
LANDING PREVIEW STORY May 26, 2008
" Based on the Mars Odyssey data, scientists believe ice is present five to 10 inches below the surface. Because of the ultra-low temperatures in the northern polar region, that ice likely will be as hard as concrete. But a powered rasp on the end of Phoenix's robot arm is designed to shave ice chips into a scoop for analysis by the craft's instruments. The aluminum and titanium robot arm measures 7.7 feet long and is capable of digging a trench up to about 20 inches deep. It is designed to... (Astronomy Now Online)
The Mars Lander's To-Do List May 23, 2008
Once on the surface, it will deploy a suite of scientific instruments to study the terrain around it: stereoscopic cameras, microscopic imagers, electrochemistry analyzers, meteorological sensors. Most dramatically, it will also unstow and flex a powerful, 8-ft. (Time.com)
Phoenix Mars Lander: How to Hunt for Martian Ice May 22, 2008
The laboratory is part of the spacecraft's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) ... The thermal and electrical conductivity probe, part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, will assess how heat and electrons move through the soil from one spike to another of a four-spike electronic fork that will be pushed into the soil ... The Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) allows scientists to analyze loose regolith soil for... (Space.com)
Phoenix diaryScientists await the landing of Nasa's Red Planet probe May 20, 2008
Our aim has been to get to know the instrument (the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer - or Meca) inside out before landing. On Friday, we packed up our microscope to send to the Science Operations Center in Tucson, Arizona. (BBC News -- Science)
Bumpy Road to Mars, Part 1 May 16, 2008
A prototype wet chemistry beaker showing some of the electrochemistry sensors on the sides of the beker ... They are both involved with MECA: the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer. (Space.com)
Highly polished Carr a rust bucket in disguise Apr 9, 2008
Most involve pitting, from microscopic manganese inclusions that disturb the electrochemistry within, voluntarily rearranging the electrons without approval from head office, much as happens in political parties. Here in NSW, Bob Carr was for many years the ALP's glamour coating - the intelligent, press-friendly surface beneath which electron-rearrangement could occur all the more industriously for being masked. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Position Sensors: Magnets Know Their Place Mar 4, 2008
The second method uses electrochemistry to deposit nanoparticles directly from solution. We have not finished developing the electrodeposition technique, but it is very promising, says Ibarra. (Science Daily)
Mars lander's chem lab is NASA's MECA Feb 28, 2008
One of them--the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA)--is a complete wet-chemistry lab that will analyze samples of soil scooped from the Martian surface, based on analytical techniques that are standard on Earth but had to be extensively modified and refined. The design effort was led by Sam Kouvanes, a chemistry professor at Tufts University (Medford, Mass. (EETimes)
I3 Concept Vehicle From Johnson Controls Features Practical Innovations - in Seating, Electronics, Interiors and Batteries - That Are 'Market Ready' Jan 14, 2008
This layered approach complements the cell electrochemistry and container design with system-level software and hardware features to maintain functional integrity. The battery is not the only sustainable feature onboard the I3 concept car. (PR Newswire)
Overexcited neurons not good for cell health Dec 18, 2007
When a neurons electrochemistry is imbalanced every cell downstream is imbalanced. Weve revealed that its an integrated communications network that determines protein folding. (EurekAlert!)
EaglePicher Technologies Ships First Lithium-Ion Batteries for Communications Satellites Nov 29, 2007
EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, an EaglePicher company, is the leading producer of batteries and energetic devices for the defense, space and commercial industries, and provides the most experience and broadest capability in battery electrochemistry of any battery supplier in the United States. EaglePicher Technologies offers a wide range of battery technology including thermal, nickel hydrogen, lithium carbonmonofluoride, lithium thionyl chloride, lithium manganese dioxide, lithium sulfur... (PR Newswire)
Experts work to vacuum upCO2 Nov 21, 2007
Rau is also in the early stages of researching a method of air capture that relies on electrochemistry instead of solar heat. One criticism of such work is that it might excuse a lifestyle that furthers global warming. (MSNBC -- Environment)
S.P. Company Wins NASA Contract Nov 9, 2007
Scribner Associates Inc. is a world leader in analytical instrumentation and software for electrochemistry. Its products include application software for general electrochemical research and laboratory instrumentation that are used by scientists and engineers worldwide in the development of electrochemical technologies such as batteries and clean energy research such as hydrogen fuel cells, corrosion science and prevention technology. (The Pilot Newspaper)
WaveSense Blood Glucose Meter One of Few Brands to Pass Rigorous TNO Tests Oct 9, 2007
WaveSense employs Dynamic Electrochemistry to extract a spectrum of information inaccessible to traditional static electrochemistry methods. WaveSense technology aids in the detection of a wide range of variables that can distort a glucose reading, these variables can be corrected through advanced signal processing algorithms in the meter, thus leading to accurate readings. (PR Newswire)
Methods of Electroplating Sep 25, 2007
Plating Metal Objects Using Electrochemistry ... Electrochemistry is used in several important applications in industry. (Suite101.com)
Akermin Names Engineering V.P. for Its Biocatalysts Aug 28, 2007
D. in analytical chemistry and electrochemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He holds four U.S. patents and has published more than 50 technical papers. (Primezone Releases)
Working Toward New Energy With Electrochemistry Aug 23, 2007
In an effort to develop alternative energy sources such as fuel cells and solar fuel from "artificial" photosynthesis, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory are taking a detailed look at electrons -- the particles that set almost all chemical processes in motion. (Credit: Image courtesy of DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory). (Science Daily)
Phoenix Lander will look for water, ice on Mars surface Aug 14, 2007
MECA stands for Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer. This device contains an optical microscope to look at soil samples and send back pictures. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Nasa to launch Mars polar probe Aug 4, 2007
Camera will take close-up colour images of soil Surface stereoscopic imager will record panoramic views of the surroundings from atop a mast on the lander Meteorological station will track daily weather and seasonal changes using temperature and pressure sensors Microscopy, electrochemistry and conductivity analyser will use four tools to examine soil samples Mars descent imager will take a downward-looking picture during the final moments before the spacecraft lands Thermal and evolved-gas... (BBC News -- Science)
Phoenix mission on the launch pad Aug 4, 2007
Next up will be a single-colour shot of the panorama, followed by tests of its instruments, which include a mass spectrometer, a number of different cameras, and an analyser that can do atomic force microscopy and electrochemistry, and measure conductivity. "Then we start digging," says Deborah Bass, Phoenix deputy project scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. (Nature News Service)
Phoenix Ready for Launch to the Martian Far North Aug 3, 2007
Another instrument, MECA (Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer), will study the Martian soil by various methods, including mixing samples with water. Unlike the , explained Smith, there is no chance the Phoenix will last for years on the Red Planet. (The Planetary Society)
Porphyrin electron-transfer reactions observed at the molecular level Aug 3, 2007
Researchers at Temple University have observed and documented electron transfer reactions on an electrode surface at the single molecule level for the first time, a discovery which could have future relevance to areas such as molecular electronics, electrochemistry, biology, catalysis, information storage, and solar energy conversion. The researchers have published their findings, Dynamics of Porphyrin Electron-Transfer Reactions at the ElectrodeElectrolyte Interface at the Molecular Level,... (EurekAlert!)
NASA Scientists to Discuss Phoenix Mission to Mars Aug 1, 2007
Michael Hecht, lead scientist for microscopy, electrochemistry and conductivity analyzer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. The news conference will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's Internet homepage. (NASA Watch)
UK boffins at heart of Mars climate study Jul 28, 2007
Phoenix will carry the most sophisticated set of advanced research tools ever used on Mars, including a robotic arm, camera, surface stereoscopic imager, thermal and evolved gas analyser, microscopy, electrochemistry and conductivity analysers, meteorological station and a Mars descent imager. Phoenix will land on the Red Planet's northern plains in the area known as Vastitas Borealis where it will claw down into the icy soil. (VNUNet.com)
NASA Media Events for Phoenix Launch Jul 24, 2007
Michael Hecht, Lead Scientist for Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer Jet Propulsion Laboratory. A post-launch release will be issued approximately two hours after launch to confirm that contact has been made with the spacecraft through the Deep Space Network. (NASA Watch)
Elsevier announces significant increases in impact factors Jul 19, 2007
Elsevier has the top four ranked titles in the electrochemistry category: 1) Biosensors and Bioelectronics; 2) Journal of Power Sources; 3) Electrochemistry Communications; and, 4) Electrochimica Acta. . (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Smallest Piece Of Ice Reveals Its True Nature Jun 24, 2007
It may also provide a new way of thinking about the structure of ice clusters that form on solid surfaces in general, opening the door for applications in a variety of fields as diverse as astronomy, electrochemistry, and energy research. It also takes us a step closer to understanding how water interacts with different aerosols and dust particles in the atmosphere, processes which drive cloud formation and have a large impact on the planet's climate. (Science Daily)
Re-education of Marius Kloppers Jun 4, 2007
He is a chemical engineer with a doctorate secured by a thesis on the electrochemistry of iron chemical alloys. He has held key positions, including chief marketing officer, chief commercial officer, and, finally, leadership of BHP's non-ferrous materials division, which includes copper and aluminium and accounts for more than half of group earnings. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
UMR’s Dr. Switzer presented presidential excellence award Jun 2, 2007
Dr. Switzer is the Donald L. Castleman Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at UMR. He is an international leader in materials synthesis by electrodeposition, an area at the interface between chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science and solid-state physics. One of Dr. Switzer s colleagues writes that he is an outstanding scientist whose contributions to ceremic and electrodeposition technology have revolutionized the field. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
New Computer Chip Monitors Thousands Of Molecules Simultaneously May 4, 2007
"What electrochemistry does best is to reverse the polarity of things," Moeller said ... He will discuss the work at the 211th National Meeting of the Electrochemistry Society in Chicago, May 7, 2007. (Science Daily)
Saft Adds New Lithium Technology to its Product Portfolio Apr 25, 2007
Saft's standard electrochemistry is still the ideal choice for power and applications with high-energy consumption, or where life or life cycle cost are important. Saft's industry leading CANProbe(TM) electronics provide very high reliability protection and virtually eliminate the probability of abuse failures. (PR Newswire)
Oxidation and Reduction Apr 11, 2007
A transfer of electrons happens in many important inorganic reactions, such as electrochemistry and extraction of metals from ores ... If we understand the concept we will understand how electrochemistry, batteries and iron-smelting happen. (Suite101.com)
What is Inorganic Chemistry? Mar 23, 2007
Electrochemistry uses this phenomenon to synthesise certain important chemicals such as aluminium metal and also the principle is used in batteries. Acid-Base Reactions. (Suite101.com)
100 more of the world's top scientists express skepticism of theory Feb 12, 2007
The list includes representatives from the studies of chemistry, biology, dendrology, genetics, molecular biology, organic synthesis, quantum chemistry, bacteriology, astrophysics, mathematics, geriatrics, entomology, economics, biochemistry, physics, electrochemistry, nuclear engineering and is available at It's maintained by the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture. The list represents the most educated people in the world from all branches of science with one thing on common... (WorldNetDaily)
BP Ignores Warnings About Potential Corrosion, Leaks in Caspian Pipeline Jan 9, 2007
There seems to be a cultural problem at BP resulting in a state of denial,'' says pipeline engineer John Leeds, who holds a doctorate in electrochemistry and has 40 years of experience and more than 70 published technical papers. Let's call it an ostrich policy. (Bloomberg)
Solvay raises interim div as Q3 net improves 6 pct UPDATE Oct 27, 2006
Electrochemistry activities (caustic soda) and fluorinated products trended downward, mainly in fluor activities. In Solvay's Plastics division, REBIT reached 98 mln eur in the latest quarter as the increase in profit accelerated to 26 pct in the three months to September from 6 pct for the nine months as a whole, due to the strong growth in the Vinyls cluster, the company said. (Forbes -- Business)
Chinese professors begin lectures at ISU: Pair's visit here part of campus Oct 3, 2006
"Should Idaho add underground wings to the Capitol building? yes no Chinese professors begin lectures at ISU: Pair's visit here part of campus Xingdong Wu, dean of the foreign studies school at Nantong University in China, discusses China and its economic development inside the Bear River Room Monday in Idaho State University's student union center at Pocatello. Journal photo by Joshua Duplechian exchange effortBy Journal WriterPOCATELLO Two Chinese professors will give a series of lectures at... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Vendors: Fire problem just batteries Sep 20, 2006
"So the question in my mind is 'Why are people not building batteries with these safety precautions?' Something is wrong here, and I believe it has to do with human behavior, not electrochemistry," Sadoway said. "In our attempts to bring portable power to the masses, we may have gotten too aggressive in our cost cutting. If you want something that's quickly recharged, delivers high bursts of power on demand, and is cheap cheap cheap, I would say that's over-specified.". (InfoWorld)
MIT forges greener path to iron production Sep 13, 2006
"No one has ever studied the fundamental electrochemistry of a process operating at 1600C. We're doing voltammetry at white heat!". The result. (EurekAlert!)
President Discusses the American Competitiveness Initiative at Tuskegee University Apr 20, 2006
The government funded research in microdrive storage, electrochemistry and signal compression. They did so for one reason: It turned out that those were the key ingredients for the development of the Ipod. (White House News Releases)
