ἀνθρώποισι πᾶσι μέτεστι γινώσκειν ἑωυτοὺς καὶ σωφρονεῖν.
Here we present parts of the ‘Preface‘ of the impressive collective work “Science and Technology in Homeric Epics“, edited by S.A. Paipetis (Springer, 2008). Continue reading “Science and Technology in Homeric Epics”
Discovery allows scientists to look at how 2D materials move with ultrafast precision.
Using a never-before-seen technique, scientists have found a new way to use some of the world’s most powerful X-rays to uncover how atoms move in a single atomic sheet at ultrafast speeds. Continue reading “Ultrathin and ultrafast: Scientists pioneer new technique for two-dimensional material analysis”
Most laypersons are familiar with the three states of matter as solids, liquids, and gases. But there are other forms that exist. Plasmas, for example, are the most abundant form of matter in the universe, found throughout our solar system in the sun and other planetary bodies. Scientists are still working to understand the fundamentals of this state of matter, which is proving to be ever more significant, not only in explaining how the universe works but in harnessing material for alternative forms of energy. Continue reading “Researchers turn liquid metal into a plasma”
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have fabricated a multiplexer/demultiplexer module based on a property of light that was not being exploited in communications systems: the optical vortex. Such devices will be crucial for improving optical networks, which are the backbone of today’s Internet, so that they can meet the traffic demands of tomorrow. Continue reading “Unlocking the untapped potential of light in optical communications”
While spectroscopic measurements are normally averaged over myriad molecules, a new method developed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) provides precise information about the interaction of individual molecules with their environment. This will accelerate the identification of efficient molecules for future photovoltaic technologies, for example. Continue reading “Spectroscopy on individual molecules”
Polymers are regularly used as thermal insulators for everything from keeping beverages hot to keeping sensitive electronics cool. In some cases, polymers can even be used as thermal conductors to enable efficient heating or cooling. Continue reading “Controlling thermal conductivity of polymers with light”
