ECN Magazine News

Scientists capture first direct proof of Hofstadter butterfly effect

mbarnes — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:50:15 +0000

A team of researchers from several universities – including UCF –has observed a rare quantum physics effect that produces a repeating butterfly-shaped energy spectrum in a magnetic field, confirming the longstanding prediction of the quantum fractal energy structure called Hofstadter's butterfly.

New insights into how materials transfer heat could lead to improved electronics

mbarnes — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:55 +0000

TORONTO, ON – U of T Engineering researchers, working with colleagues from Carnegie Mellon University, have published new insights into how materials transfer heat, which could lead eventually to smaller, more powerful electronic devices.

Security risks found in sensors for heart devices, consumer electronics

mbarnes — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:43:33 +0000

ANN ARBOR—The type of sensors that pick up the rhythm of a beating heart in implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers are vulnerable to tampering, according to a new study conducted in controlled laboratory conditions.

Implantable defibrillators monitor the heart for irregular beating and, when necessary, administer an electric shock to bring it back into normal rhythm. Pacemakers use electrical pulses to continuously keep the heart in pace.

UT Arlington physicist's tool has potential for brain mapping

mbarnes — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:40:55 +0000

A new tool being developed by UT Arlington assistant professor of physics could help scientists map and track the interactions between neurons inside different areas of the brain.

Add boron for better batteries

mbarnes — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:35:12 +0000

Rice University theorists say graphene-boron mix shows promise for lithium-ion batteries

HOUSTON – (May 16, 2013) – Frustration led to revelation when Rice University scientists determined how graphene might be made useful for high-capacity batteries.

Calculations by the Rice lab of theoretical physicist Boris Yakobson found a graphene/boron anode should be able to hold a lot of lithium and perform at a proper voltage for use in lithium-ion batteries. The discovery appears in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.

As yen falls, goods from Japan are more affordable

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:42:54 +0000

J.C. Penney posts bigger 1Q loss than expected

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:36 +0000

The legacy of J.C. Penney's former CEO continues to cast a dark cloud over the department-store chain.

Penney on Thursday reported that it widened its loss in the first quarter on a 16 percent plunge in revenue. It marks the fifth straight quarter that the struggling company has posted massive declines.

The results show that Penney is still reeling from the turnaround plan orchestrated by its former CEO Ron Johnson, who was ousted last month after less than a year and a half on the job.

Labor group says Apple making progress at Foxconn

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:34:57 +0000

A labor group Apple Inc. joined to assess working conditions at three manufacturing plants in China, where its products are made, says conditions are improving. But employees are still working more hours than the country's legal limit.

The Fair Labor Association said Thursday that Apple's largest supplier, Foxconn, has made all recommended improvements to working conditions that were due by the end of December.

Dell's 1Q earnings fall 79 pct as PC sales sag

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:07:55 +0000

Dell's earnings plunged 79 percent in the latest quarter as the shift to smartphones and tablets reduced demand for the company's personal computers.

The dismal performance announced Thursday actually might work to the advantage of Dell Inc.'s board. That's because Dell's directors are trying to persuade shareholders to accept a $24.4 billion buyout offer from CEO Michael Dell and other investors. Some shareholders say the sales price of $13.65 per share is too low, but Dell's board contends it's a good deal in light of challenges facing the company.

Brocade 2Q profit up 20 pct., sales disappoint

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:49:55 +0000

Brocade Communications Systems Inc., a maker of computer networking technology, said Thursday that fiscal second-quarter sales fell because of a slowdown in the storage market.

Still, the company increased its profit in what it termed a "challenging" market, helped by a tax benefit. Net income rose 20 percent, to $47 million, or 10 cents per share, in the February-April quarter, from $39.3 million, or 8 cents per share the year before. Excluding one-time items, profit came to 17 cents per share, which beat analysts' estimate of 15 cents per share, according to FactSet.