Nanoparticles in 3-D
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GCN tech briefs: NIST researchers have developed a tracking microscope that can monitor in 3-D the motions of nanoparticles in solutions.
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a tracking microscope that can monitor in 3-D the motions of nanoparticles in solutions.
The basic element of the microscope system is a nanoparticle solution sample well etched in silicon. Researchers chemically etched angled sides in the well that are so smooth they act as mirrors. In this configuration, four side views of a nanoparticle floating in solution (far left) are reflected up. A microscope above the well sees the real particle (center, right) and four reflections that show the particle's vertical position.
So who cares how a nanoparticle moves in a solution? Nanodevices can be built through 'directed selfassembly' in solutions. Thanks to physical properties and chemical affinities, nanoparticles can be coaxed into arranging themselves into structures that can then be used for chemical and biological sensor arrays, in addition to other uses.
The researchers hope that a better understanding of the dynamics of nanoparticles in fluids will lead to better techniques for the assembly of such nanotech devices.
IAC pushes FISMA compliance
The Industry Advisory Council, a nonprofit education group, has released a white paper designed to help federal agencies achieve compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act. The paper not only provides a road map to FISMA standards but also provides examples of how to connect testing tools together to further automate network device testing as well as provide constant, comprehensive monitoring and management of security readiness.
The paper can be downloaded at: GCN.com/1010.
Astaro launches Web gateway
Astaro is launching a new line of security appliances April 7. The Astaro Web Gateway will offer integrated URL filtering, malware detection, instant messaging and peer-to-peer application control, and bandwidth optimization to secure and control Web access. The appliance is deployed as a hardware or virtualized appliance and managed through a single browserbased graphical user interface.
Prices start at $995. Four models make up the Astaro Web Gateway hardware line and can protect from 100 users to more than 2,000 with no per-user licensing.
DRS adds rugged portables
DRS Tactical Systems is shipping a new line of fully rugged computers, headlined by the Armor Convertible Notebook and the Armor Tablet PC. Armor C12 Convertible Notebooks feature a rugged, die-cast magnesium alloy case. The Armor X10 Tablet features a specially designed aluminum DuraCase chassis with ShutOut sealing technology that meets IP 66 level protection from dust, dirt, water and temperature extremes. The units offer Mil- Std-810F durability and have been tested for drop-shock, moisture, temperature extremes and resistance to dust and vibration, providing IP 54-level protection from damaging elements.
Cell phone takes fingerprints
ASUSTeK is offering the first wireless phone protected by an integrated fingerprint sensor. The ASUS M536 has an AuthenTec AES1710 fingerprint sensor that is embedded in the front of the phone. The AES1710 is AuthenTec's fourth-generation fingerprint sensor for the wireless market. The AES1710 is a small, low-cost, lowpower, integrated sensor and its durable coating and advanced packaging enables integration in exposed environments. The sensor reads below the surface of the skin to the live layer where a person's true fingerprint resides.
TerraGo debuts Map2PDF Pro
TerraGo Technologies has announced the release of Map2PDF Professional for Acrobat, an application for automatically creating mapbooks in the GeoPDF format. Mapbooks created with the software provide access to interactive sets of maps for field users, first responders and emergency management personnel.