Space
Tech
One of the world’s largest storage companies is investing into processing, here’s why
Western Digital sent shockwaves around the hardware world last year when it announced support for the open-source RISC-V platform. Although still an upstart in the market, RISC-V has been quickly gaining momentum as an alternative to hardware from the likes of AMD or Intel, leading many firms to sign up. So why is WD throwing its weight behind RISC-V? We spoke to company CTO Martin…
Apple’s ‘entry-level’ MacBook may land in September with a not-so-budget price
Anonymous sources speaking to DigiTimes claim that Apple will launch its long-rumored, entry-level MacBook 2018 model this September alongside new iPhones and iPads as well as details regarding the AirPower wireless charger release. The MacBook will be supposedly be priced at $1,200 in the US when it releases later this year industry sources have told DigiTimes. Last we heard from a previous report, the MacBooks…
Astronomers observe cosmic steam jets and molecules galore
The ALMA telescope in Chile has transformed how we see the universe, showing us otherwise invisible parts of the cosmos. This array of incredibly precise antennas studies a comparatively high-frequency sliver of radio light: waves that range from a few tenths of a millimeter to several millimeters in length. Recently, scientists pushed ALMA to its limits, harnessing the array's highest-frequency (shortest wavelength) capabilities, which peer…
Novel sensors could enable smarter textiles
A team of engineers at the University of Delaware is developing next-generation smart textiles by creating flexible carbon nanotube composite coatings on a wide range of fibers, including cotton, nylon and wool. Their discovery is reported in the journal ACS Sensors where they demonstrate the ability to measure an exceptionally wide range of pressure -- from the light touch of a fingertip to being driven…
Protecting the power grid: Advanced plasma switch for more efficient transmission
Inside your home and office, low-voltage alternating current (AC) powers the lights, computers and electronic devices for everyday use. But when the electricity comes from remote long-distance sources such as hydro-power or solar generating plants, transporting it as direct current (DC) is more efficient -- and converting it back to AC current requires bulky and expensive switches. Now the General Electric (GE) company, with assistance…
HEALTH
Florida’s obesity rate may be higher than originally thought, new study...
Florida's obesity rate may be higher than originally thought. A widely used national health survey puts the overall obesity rate in the state at 27.8 percent, but a new study based on an analysis of a robust clinical data repository shows a rate of 37.1 percent -- nearly 10 percentage points higher. The findings by researchers from University of Florida Health, Florida Hospital in Orlando…
