Attraction at the Atomic Level

Countless romance novels begin with a hero and heroine who initially repel each other, only to find them thrown together in uncomfortable circumstances and ultimately rejoicing as their antagonism switches to ardor.Odd as it seems, this tried-and-true romantic formula may also describe the scintillating secret behind the science of superconductivity--the phenomenon that occurs when materials conduct electricity across huge distances without losing any energy due to resistance from the ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111397&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

National Science Board to Honor Norm Augustine with Prestigious Vannevar Bush Award

The National Science Board (NSB) today announced that Norman R. Augustine will receive its 2008 Vannevar Bush Award for his distinguished public service leadership in science, engineering and technology; for his longstanding commitment to the ethical conduct of business and the engineering profession; and for his extraordinary contributions to the welfare of the nation through his advocacy of science, technology and engineering education as national priorities. The NSB will honor Augustine ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111409&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Star Wars Exhibition Brings Reality to Fantasy

An exhibit developed by the Museum of Science, Boston, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Ltd. explores the possibility that some of the robots, vehicles and devices of the Star Wars films are closer to reality than one might think. The exhibition--now at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pa., through May 4--showcases landspeeders, R2D2 and other icons as engineering design challenges and highlights how researchers are currently pursuing similar ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111453&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.