Inkjet-printed graphene may open doors to foldable electronics

R&D – Imagine a bendable tablet computer or an electronic newspaper that could fold to fit in a pocket.

The technology for these devices may not be so far off. Northwestern University researchers have recently developed a graphene-based ink that is highly conductive and tolerant to bending.

“Graphene has a unique combination of properties that is ideal for next-generation electronics, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and chemical stability,” said Mark Hersam, professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. more> http://tinyurl.com/mn7wald

Three Guidelines for Intel’s New CEO

By George Bradt – Leadership is conducted across a series of moments – moments of opportunity and opportunities to make an impact. Whether planned or unplanned, seen or unseen, known or unknown, they go by in a flash.

This is Brian Krzanich’s moment as Intel’s new CEO.

Intel is at a crossroads. As the PC market continues to decline, Intel either goes down with it or innovates in new areas like “ultra-mobility” to get on a new path to growth. By all accounts Krzanich is poised to lead that change. It’s not going to be a one-time shift, but will require an on-going set of iterative conversations and adjustments. more> http://tinyurl.com/ctqg8y3

IBM Research Makes World’s Smallest Movie Using Atoms

IBM – Scientists from IBM (NYSE: IBM) today (May 01) unveiled the world’s smallest movie, made with one of the tiniest elements in the universe: atoms. Named “A Boy and His Atom,” the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS -verified movie used thousands of precisely placed atoms to create nearly 250 frames of stop-motion action.

“Capturing, positioning and shaping atoms to create an original motion picture on the atomic-level is a precise science and entirely novel,” said Andreas Heinrich, Principle Investigator, IBM Research. “At IBM, researchers don’t just read about science, we do it. This movie is a fun way to share the atomic-scale world while opening up a dialogue with students and others on the new frontiers of math and science. more> http://tinyurl.com/cozxvvb

DARPA wants huge Holy Grail of mobile ad hoc networks

By Michael Cooney – Even the often far-reaching researchers at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seems to think this one is a stretch: Develop what’s known as mobile ad-hoc wireless technology that lets 1000- 5000 nodes connect simultaneously and securely connect in the field.

“A MANET of a thousand nodes could support an entire battalion without the need for manual network setup, management and maintenance that comes from ‘switchboard’-era communications,” said Mark Rich, DARPA Program Manager. more> http://tinyurl.com/cyl98qz

Related>

• DARPA eyes sensors, communications, and data processing technology for the infantry squad, John Keller, Military & Aerospace
• 10 Breakthrough DARPA Technologies, Elena Malykhina, InformationWeek

The Right Touch for Control

R&D – When not properly controlled or monitored, a scientific instrument is of little practical use. High-accuracy electrical signal test equipment such as oscilloscopes, voltage testers, and data acquisition sets require a high degree of control of multiple parameters simultaneously.

Today, there are new technologies: large touchscreens; organic light-emitting diode displays; Bluetooth-enabled laboratory equipment; and compact, low-power radio transmitters. Driven by demand in the consumer electronics marketplace, these technologies are finding their way into laboratory equipment and examples abound. more> http://tinyurl.com/d7jdcgv