Liberal Arts Colleges Are Disappearing

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The number of liberal arts colleges in the United States has dropped 39% since 1990, from 212 to 139, reports Michigan State University scholar Roger Baldwin.

WordBuzz: Narbs

Narrative bits, or “narbs,” refer to small bits of information in the digital universe that, when collected, tell an otherwise untold story. The term is credited to Wake Forest University communication professor Ananda Mitra.

Progress toward Nano Self-Construction

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Researchers have been working with nano-sized particles for years and assembling basic structures out of them, but nanoparticles may soon start assembling themselves.

Radiation Shields for Space Workers

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Cosmic radiation—charged particles that emanate throughout deep space—is a deadly obstacle to future human expeditions to Mars, the asteroids, or other locations beyond Earth. Now, the European Space Agency is partnering with a German particle-accelerator laboratory to develop “radiation shields” that might protect spacecrafts’ crews from exposure.

Underwater Navigation Modeled on Fish

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The tuna’s fast, nimble body is a perfect model for underwater propulsion. The Boston Engineering Corporation is developing a prototype BIOSwimmer robot that sports a fish-shaped form, tail, and fins.