A Binghamton University scientist, Changhong Ke, has been selected to help the Air Force research the use of nanotubes in aircraft, reports Colin Aylesworth at the Press & Sun-Bulletin:
Nanotubes are tiny, hollow tube-like structures made of low density, high strength materials like carbon or boron nitride. "They have similar mechanical properties but different electrical properties," Ke said. The carbon tubes have conductive properties, whereas the boron nitride tubes have insulative properties. However, both materials are able to dissipate heat very well, making them desirable in environments where an engine or electrical components could overheat. Nanotubes are so named because their diameter is measured in nanometers. Several thousand nanotube strands would be thinner than a single human hair.
Ithaca College
Ithaca College is hosting the 2011 National Conference on Undergraduate Research reports Rachel Stern at the Ithaca Journal. The conference runs March 31 to April 2 and will host more than 3,000 students.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is teaming up with Purdue University to study how doctors talk to patients, using hidden microphones and a $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Brings new meaning to "principal investigator" (Chicago Tribune).
Science!
Here's the fun part of science. The Post-Standard has a quiz up about science in the news and the Press & Sun-Bulletin returns with its "Ask a Scientist" feature. This week: why do deer have white spots?
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