ScienceDaily: Computers & Math News

New laser for computer chips: International team of scientists constructs first germanium-tin semiconductor laser for silicon chips Posted: 19 Jan 2015 09:45 AM PST The first semiconductor consisting solely of elements of main group IV has been revealed by researchers. The germanium-tin (GeSn) laser can be applied directly onto a silicon chip and thus creates a new basis for transmitting data on computer chips via light: this transfer is faster than is possible with copper wires and requires only a fraction of the energy.

Geographic clusters of underimmunization identified in Northern California Posted: 19 Jan 2015 05:32 AM PST Researchers used spatial analysis software and electronic medical records to identify clusters of underimmunization and vaccine refusal among Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California, according to a study.

President Lincoln’s cottage 3D laser-scanned by researchers Posted: 16 Jan 2015 01:14 PM PST A team of undergraduate students traveled to Washington to document President Lincoln's Cottage -- the only designated national monument in the District of Columbia -- using 3D laser scanning technology. Images collected from the scanning will support preservation research, potentially impacting historical interpretation and public outreach at the site, which was used by Lincoln and his family to escape the summer heat of downtown Washington.