New Atlas

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Official definition of a kilogram set to change this week

Michael Irving November 13, 2018

The official definition of a kilogram may be redefined this week. After years of debate and discussion, scientists from around the world are meeting in Paris on Friday to vote on whether the kilogram, the mole, the ampere and the kelvin should be changed to more stable and reliable definitions.

The official definition of a kilogram – as well as a few other SI measurements – ...

Space

How to navigate deep space by pulsar

David Szondy August 20, 2016

Scientists are working on a way to replace radio-based space navigation with a cosmic GPS that uses pulsars to fix a spaceship within a radius of two kilometers (1.2 mi) at the distance from Earth to Neptune.

XNAV uses pulsars similar to the one at the heart of the Crab Nebula as navigation ...

Science

New test can detect cocaine use through a single fingerprint

Chris Wood May 15, 2015

A collaborative team of researchers has developed a new, non-invasive test that's able to detect cocaine use in a patient by analyzing a single fingerprint. Unlike existing tests, the new technique is able to determine whether the subject has ingested the drug, rather than just touched it.

The technique involves the detection of chemicals in the fingerprint, which are given off when cocaine ...

Science

Silver bonding technique could provide a simple way of producing smart fabrics

Ben Coxworth July 30, 2013

A new approach to producing "smart fabrics" involves bonding electrically-conductive silver to ordinary materials.

A working sample of NPL's silver-coated conductive fabric

Environment

Eco-friendly circuit board releases its electronics when exposed to hot water

Ben Coxworth October 31, 2012

Scientists have developed a circuit board material that releases its electronic components when exposed to hot water, so they can be salvaged for re-use.

A sample of the new circuit board material, being prepared for salvage

Music

Laser "sound visualizer" may lead to better loudspeakers

Randolph Jonsson November 9, 2011

Scientist have created a laser "sound visualizer" that may lead to better louspeaker design

Visualization of the acousto-optic effect (Image: NPL)

Robotics

Robotic strawberry pickers could be on the way

Ben Coxworth October 20, 2011

Scientists at the UK's National Physical Laboratory have developed technology that can identify ripe strawberries in the field, which could lead to robotic strawberry pickers.