Thursday 23 April 2009

World first for strange molecule


A molecule that until now existed only in theory has finally been made. Known as a Rydberg molecule, it is formed through an elusive and extremely weak chemical bond between two atoms. The new type of bonding, reported in Nature, occurs because one of the two atoms in the molecule has an electron very far from its nucleus or centre.

It reinforces fundamental quantum theories, developed by Nobel prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, about how electrons behave and interact. The Rydberg molecules in question were formed from two atoms of rubidium - one a Rydberg atom, and one a "normal" atom.

Full details @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8013343.stm

Monday 20 April 2009


The Energy Show 2009 will be held at the RDS Main Hall, Dublin
Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th April 2009
Organised by SEI, the format will consist of a two-day trade exhibition coupled with a seminar programme covering the topical aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy. For further information email energyshow@sei.ie or see http://www.sei.ie/News_Events/Energy_Show_2009

Thursday 9 April 2009

Getting to grips with Irish twisters


While tornadoes are primarily associated with the US, they are also recognised as part of the Irish weather pattern. After a winter in which it seemed as though storms were a constant companion, you’d be forgiven for concluding that the weather is getting worse. However, in the case of tornadoes at least, a sense of calm prevails. Not only has the number of tornadoes occurring declined over the past year but the strength of them has also decreased, according to Dr John Tyrrell, a climatologist at the department of geography at University College Cork and head of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro).

Tyrrell revealed that while there was a substantial rise in the number of tornadoes reported last year, just four were declared genuine. While tornadoes are primarily associated with the US, Ireland has had as many as nine of them a year in the past, with some causing considerable damage. To find out more read Charlie Taylor's article at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sciencetoday/2009/0409/1224244274787.html

Friday 3 April 2009

Research Repositories - open access @ ROAR


Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR)

The Registry of Open Access Repositories is available at http://roar.eprints.org/index.php. Browse by country or system software for e-prints, e-theses, institutional & departmental research or teaching & learning objects. There are 10 entries for Ireland including RCSI, UCD, TCD, Maynooth, WIT and DIT's own repository Arrow@dit.ie.