AIAA Houston Section Lecture: Dr. Franklin Chang Daz Developing VASIMR Nov 12, 2009
Utilizing ionized gases accelerated by electric and magnetic fields, these devices expand the performance envelope of rocket propulsion far beyond the limits of the chemical rocket. The VASIMR(R) engine - short for Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket - is one such rocket. (NASA Watch)
Controversial study suggests vast magma pool under Washington state Oct 26, 2009
Using sensitive instruments at 85 sites among the mountains - including Mount St. Helens during its just-ended eruptive phase - scientists studied the electric and magnetic fields of the Southern Washington Cascades Conductor, Burgess said. "It's up for debate, but it is reasonable to assume it is a large magma chamber," he said. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Laser pulses control single electrons in complex molecules Sep 2, 2009
These short light pulses exhibit strong electric and magnetic fields influencing the charged particles. A femtosecond lasts 1000 times longer than an attosecond. (EurekAlert!)
Magnetospheric Multiscale mission enters implementation phase Jun 19, 2009
"These previous efforts show clearly that special capabilities including spacecraft separations as close as 10 kilometers, rapid measurements of the properties of charged particles at speeds up to 100 times faster than previously performed, and high resolution three-dimensional measurements of electric and magnetic fields from spacecraft with controlled surface electric potential are required to unlock the secrets of how magnetic reconnection operates in space.". . (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Resident fears over electricity upgrade May 19, 2009
Residents in Ryde have accused EnergyAustralia of secretly buying a disused hardware shop and convenience store in a residential area to build a substation they say will produce electric and magnetic fields (EMF) close to or above limits linked to a heightened risk of leukaemia in children (see separate story). And in Kogarah, EnergyAustralia was forced to abandon plans to build a 10-metre high substation across from South Carlton Public School after residents waged a year-long campaign to have... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Quantum Computers: Powerful Method Of Suppressing Errors Developed Apr 28, 2009
The new error-suppression method was demonstrated using an array of about 1,000 ultracold beryllium ions (electrically charged atoms) trapped by electric and magnetic fields. Each ion can act as a quantum bit (qubit) for storing information in a quantum computer. (Science Daily)
