A
nanowire transistor coated with antibody proteins
can briefly snag individual viruses. This
simple electronic device sets the stage for
sensors and handheld devices that can spot
pathogens in the early stages of an infection
or attack. Full
story
Cooler
material boosts fuel cells
Solid oxide fuel cells could one day power individual
homes, but they need to be cheaper first. One way
to lower their cost is to be able to run them at
somewhat lower temperatures. A material originally
designed to purify oxygen could hold the key.
Pen
stroke cuts PDA Web clutter
Browsing the Web on a handheld device can be an
exercise in frustration. Various interfaces aim
to help users zoom in on relevant content. One prototype
lets users rearrange Web pages with a single pen
stroke, collapsing unwanted elements and zooming
relevant content.
Wide
laser makes simple tweezers
Scientists have been using lasers to trap and move
individual cells and particles for years. Because
laser beams are narrowly focused, researchers have
come up with clever ways of manipulating the beams
to precisely control objects. Using a broad ribbon
of light provides a simpler method: block the path
of cells in flowing fluid and let the cells slide
along the ribbon to where you want them.
