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A prototype design tool generates computer
models of buildings in seconds -- just add
basic shapes, and presto, instant architecture.
The software automates the laborious task
of generating realistic, varied models, which
should give a big boost to architecture modeling,
urban planning, game design and movie making.
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DNA plays tic-tac-toe
In addition to its natural role as the blueprint
of life, DNA has been tapped to compute and to form
nanoscale machines. A new type of DNA logic is aimed
at marrying these artificial functions to make control
circuits for nano machines. The first result is
an unbeatable tic-tac-toe player.
Email
updates six degrees theory
The venerable six-degrees-of-separation theory has
been the key concept of many studies of networks
like the Internet. An email-based update of the
original experiment shows that one conclusion is
off the mark. It turns out that the most well-connected
people are not always the best contacts.
Cellophane
turns LCDs 3D
The same plastic wrap that makes your leftovers
last longer turns out to be efficient at rotating
the polarization of light by 90 degrees. This property
is half of what it takes to make a three-dimensional
display. Place a piece of cellophane over one side
of a laptop screen that is showing two copies of
an image, don a pair of crossed polarizer glasses,
and enjoy the 3D view.
News briefs
Detector
senses single DNA... Crystal
shortens infrared waves... Tool
sketches quantum circuits... Nanotubes
spark gas detector... Metal
process makes heat chips... Light
makes molecule shine.
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