What's new about a spider's web? It takes a computer to know

Article Abstract:

Oxford University scientists use computers to study the structural integrity of spider webs to understand how spiders are able to capture a large, tasty insect without losing it. The researchers believe that spiders routinely catch insects because they build webs of intricate water-soluble threads that produce strong structures, plus the aerodynamic resistance of the web produces enough drag to slow the insect's plunge into the web. The insects are held on the web by an organic sticky solution until the spider is ready to eat them. The scientists adapted computer programs that are normally used to simulate automobile crash simulations to produce simulations of spider webs catching bugs. To add more accuracy to their results, the esteemed scientists spent hours launching Styrofoam bullets at real webs.

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Biology, Design and construction, Study and teaching, Spider webs, Entomology, Simulation game, Computer simulation games

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New way reportedly found for making semiconductors; growing pure, exotic crystals at Cornell

Article Abstract:

Scientists at Cornell University have overcome an important obstacle in the creation of new semiconductor materials. Pure crystals are being used to develop compounds that are nearly impossible to create with present technology. Semiconductor researchers have long searched for a substrate, or universal base, that any pure single crystal compound could be developed from. This discovery is expected to lead to a variety of new types of semiconductors for sensors, lasers, data storage devices, switches, computer chips and many other areas, as well as decrease the cost of creating the electronic components. The scientists at Cornell have developed a way to use a substrates of gallium compounds, or silicon, with a layer on top that is used to grow material for a range of new semiconductors.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor Devices, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Research, Semiconductor industry, Technology development, Product introduction, New technique

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String of failures of space rockets worries industry; 6 mishaps in 9 months; costly problems eroding faith in U.S. ability to launch spy and other satellites

Article Abstract:

Since August 12, 1998, four Lockheed Martin and 2 Boeing rocket vehicles have failed during launch, destroying their satellite payloads. Three of the Lockheed vehicles were its Titan 4, which cost $340 million; the fourth was an Athena 2. The Boeing vehicles were both Delta 3 rockets, which cost about $85 million. Manufacturers, launch services, and government agencies, such as NASA and the Air Force, are trying to determine if it is a production or a launch procedure problem. US launch services face price pressure from international competitors, China and Russia among them.

United States, Product standards, safety, & recalls, Commercial Launch Services, All Other Support Activities for Transportation, Transportation services, not elsewhere classified, Investigations, Satellite launch services industry, System failures (Engineering), Expendable launch vehicles (Astronautics)

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