More than a bumpy ride: Turbulence offers boost to birds

Most sensible air travelers dread turbulence. A little atmospheric hiccup can shake airplanes, rattle nerves and spill beverages. A Cornell University-led study found that birds don't mind at all.

Research reveals a singular moment: When a bubble breaks free

Understanding how a drop or bubble suspended in a larger mass of fluid divides into multiple pieces is invaluable for engineers designing chemical reactors, engines and ships, as well as for geoscientists studying interactions ...

Rocket fuel that's cleaner, safer and still full of energy

Research published this week in Science Advances shows that it may be possible to create rocket fuel that is much cleaner and safer than the hypergolic fuels that are commonly used today. And still just as effective. The ...

Inflatable modules could be the future of space habitats

The astronauts of the International Space Station welcomed the arrival of what we call the "Bigelow Bungalow", officially known as the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) on April 10.

US Congress acts to avert helium shortage

The US Congress, entrenched in a titanic budget battle, managed to come together Thursday to pass legislation that prevents a market shortage of helium.

Landing is key puzzle in Mars trip, experts say

Landing astronauts safely on Mars is one of the biggest technological hurdles for any future manned mission to the Red Planet, even more complicated than last year's daring rover touchdown.

Student engineers design, build, fly 3-D 'printed' airplane

(Phys.org)—When University of Virginia engineering students posted a YouTube video last spring of a plastic turbofan engine they had designed and built using 3-D printing technology, they didn't expect it to lead to anything ...

SpaceX has big plans for launches

SpaceX, the upstart company that shot a capsule to the International Space Station and back last week, won't have much time to savor its first major success.

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