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shutdown protects nets
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Power
grids are notoriously vulnerable to cascade
failures, which occur when a single event
creates a wave of disruption that spreads
through a large portion of the network. The
Internet and other complex networks are similarly
vulnerable. A study shows that an effective
defense is to knock out more nodes immediately
after an initial failure. The key is picking
the right nodes.
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Tools
design DNA-nanotube logic
Laying out the millions of transistors that make
up a computer chip is a difficult job that requires
sophisticated software. Future nanotechnology-based
computer architectures will be no less complicated.
One research team is getting a jump on the problem
by developing a suite of design tools for building
computer chips made from carbon nanotubes and assembled
by DNA.
Five
photons linked
Quantum computing relies on the weird phenomenon
of entanglement, which links traits of particles
like photons and electrons regardless of the physical
distance between the particles. A photon experiment
sets the record with five entangled particles. Five-photon
entanglement enables a quantum correction code critical
to making quantum computers practical. The researchers
also used the five entangled photons to carry out
a new type of quantum teleportation.
Liquid
crystal IDs pathogens
Liquid crystal is not only the stuff of computer
screens and watch displays, it is also how your
cell membranes are structured. Combining the similarly
structured artificial and biological materials makes
a device that detects viruses and toxins. One prototype
makes colorful patterns in the presence of harmful
substances and works without a power source.
Briefs
Photosynthesis
drives solar cell... Hybrid
nanowire makes transistor... Nanocrystals
spark efficient LEDs... Nanotubes
make fluid filter... DNA
copier uses little power... Method
makes stronger steel.
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