Physics and Astronomy News Archive: September 2011

Image: Neutrinos Detected at Faster Than Light Speed

Neutrinos Detected at Faster Than Light Speed

Source: CERN   Posted: 9/23/11

The OPERA result is based on the observation of over 15000 neutrino events and appears to indicate that the neutrinos travel at a velocity 20 parts per million above the speed of light, nature’s cosmic speed limit.
Image: Smarter robot arms

Smarter robot arms

Source: MIT   Posted: 9/22/11

A combination of two algorithms developed at MIT allows autonomous robots to execute tasks much more efficiently — and move more predictably.
Image: Shake, rattle and … power up?

Shake, rattle and … power up?

Source: MIT   Posted: 9/18/11

Researchers at MIT have designed a device the size of a U.S. quarter that harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations, such as those that might be felt along a pipeline or bridge.
Image: From 9/11 to Now: Lessons from the Tragedy

From 9/11 to Now: Lessons from the Tragedy

Source: NSF   Posted: 9/11/11

Researchers share lessons from 9/11 and their impact on society and disaster response.
Image: NASA Launches Mission to Study Moon From Crust to Core

NASA Launches Mission to Study Moon From Crust to Core

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 9/11/11

NASA's twin lunar Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, to study the moon in unprecedented detail.
Image: Quantum computing with light

Quantum computing with light

Source: MIT   Posted: 9/9/11

A switch that lets one photon alter the quantum state of another could point the way to both practical quantum computers and a quantum Internet.