Physicists Trap, Map Tiny Magnetic Vortex
In a research first that could lead to a new generation of hard drives capable of storing thousands of movies per square inch, physicists at Rice University have decoded the three-dimensional structure of a tornado-like magnetic vortex no larger than a red blood cell.

"Understanding the nuances and functions of magnetic vortices is likely going to be a key in creating next-generation magnetic storage devices," said lead researcher Carl Rau, professor of physics and astronomy. "It's widely believed this technology will support storage densities in the range of terabits per square inch, and our group is equally excited about the potential for magnetic processors and for high-speed magnetic RAM." more>>>

Joint Quantum Institute Created by University of Maryland, NIST and NSA
The University of Maryland (UM), the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the National Security Agency (NSA) announced the creation of a joint research institute designed to advance quantum physics research--deciphering the secrets of nature at the submicroscopic scale--and to exploit this knowledge to transform quantum technology from an exciting promise to practical reality. more>>>


Sandia Piezoelectric Films to be Part of Space Station Experiment
For the past three years a Sandia research team headed by Mat Celina has been investigating the performance of various piezoelectric polymer films that might one day serve as ultra-light mirrors in space telescopes.

In 2007 the research will go one step further when a Labs’ experimental package of promising polymers will be part of a NASA experiment on the upcoming Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-6) to be launched into low Earth orbit (LEO).

“This will be the first time these polymers will be remotely operated in an actual space environment,” Celina says. “We hope to learn which polymer materials will work best in space. The materials will boldly go where they have not been before.” more>>>

Sponsored by Ohaus

OHAUS INTRODUCES THE NEW DISCOVERY SERIES OF SEMI-MICRO AND ANALYTICAL BALANCES Ohaus Corporation, a leading manufacturer of balances for the laboratory, education, industrial and specialty markets worldwide, is proud to announce the launch of the Discovery Series of Semi-Micro and Analytical balances. Designed for applications that require precise measurement, the Discovery will perform beyond expectations and prove to be one of the most accurate and reliable tools available for university research, pharmaceutical research, drug discovery, and general lab applications This new family of Semi-Micro and Analytical balances offers precision weighing with semi-micro performance specifications that are two times better than most other balances in its class. The Discovery, which features Ohaus' SmarText™ software, is not only extremely easy to use, but with the introduction of Advanced AutoCal™, it is extremely reliable as well. Highest Performance The Ohaus Discovery is available in 4 analytical models with a FineRange™ model featuring semi-micro readability. Discovery’s repeatability and linearity performance is twice as advanced as most 10 micro gram balances in its class. For added balance stability and accuracy, the Discovery’s glass and steel construction resists the effects of static. Its corrosion resistance helps extend the product’s life to provide years of reliable service.

SmarText ™ Software Guides Users Through Balance Use The Ohaus Discovery series is designed to offer simple operation and functionality by utilizing Ohaus' intuitive SmarText™ software, first introduced to the market in the Ohaus Adventurer™ Pro. SmarText™ is easy-to-use balance software that utilizes text prompts to guide users through balance setup and application use. Delivered through a 2 line backlit LCD and clearly marked buttons, SmarText™ tells you what is going on and what you have to do next.

Advanced AutoCal™ Automatic Internal Calibration All Discovery models feature Ohaus' Advanced AutoCal™ internal calibration system, which helps to ensure accurate weighing by automatically calibrating the balance when it senses a temperature change significant enough to affect the weighing accuracy. To minimize weighing errors, AutoCal™ utilizes two internal calibration weights to perform a linear calibration. Furthermore, AutoCal™ helps to keep Discovery accurate without the need for external weights. Feature Rich The Ohaus Discovery is the perfect combination of performance and value. Its features include: •Multiple Application Modes – Statistics, Density Determination, Pipette Calibration, Percent Weighing, Dynamic Weighing, Check Weighing, High Point, Parts Counting, Totalization and Gross/Net/Tare Weighing. •RS232 Interface with GLP Data Output - Connect to a PC or a printer and record GLP/GMP data including date, time, balance ID, user ID, project ID and reference data. •Environmental Settings - User selectable filter settings to compensate for vibrations and other disturbances. •Up Front Level Indicator - Ensure that the balance is level with a quick view of the up front level indicator and eliminate the need to look behind the balance during the leveling process.

Other Standard Features and Equipment Discovery also features a stainless steel weighing platform, integral weigh-below hook for density or specific gravity determination, in-use cover, stability indicator, mechanical and software overload/underload protection, AC adapter, user selectable span calibration points, auto tare, multiple weighing units, user selectable printing options, user selectable communications settings, user selectable data print options, user definable project and user ID's, software reset menu, and a software lockout menu. Headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey, Ohaus Corporation manufactures an extensive line of high-precision electronic and mechanical balances and scales that meet the demands of virtually any weighing need. The company is a global leader in the Laboratory, Industrial, and Education channels as well as a host of specialty markets, including the Food Preparation, Pharmacy and Jewelry industries. An ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, Ohaus products are precise, reliable and affordable, and are backed by industry-leading customer support. For additional information, contact Ohaus Corporation at 973-377-9000, or visit the web site at www.ohaus.com.