Featured Article Archives - Page 440 of 536

Supercomputer reveals plant structure

May 25, 2015

Scientists from IBM Research, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland have moved a step closer to identifying the nanostructure of cellulose – the basic structural component of plant cell walls. Tapping into the IBM Blue Gene/Q supercomputer at the Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), researchers have been able to model the structure and dynamics of cellulose at the molecular level. The insights could pave the way for more disease-resistant varieties of crops, and increase the sustainability of the pulp, paper and fibre industry – one of the main users of cellulose.

Glacier shows no warming signs

May 22, 2015

NASA images show that the Hubbard Glacier in Alaska is advancing. Since measurements began in 1895, Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier has been thickening and steadily advancing into Disenchantment Bay. The advance runs counter to so many thinning and retreating glaciers nearby...

IoT set to take off in 2015

May 21, 2015

The worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to grow 19% in 2015, led by digital signage, according to a new forecast from International Data Corporation (IDC). The second annual forecast focuses on growing IoT use in 11 vertical industries, including...

SA’s SMEs go green

May 20, 2015

The small and medium enterprise (SME) market is considered a vitally important business segment as far as South Africa’s economy goes – and now it’s becoming an engine for sustainability as well. The SME Survey 2015 is expected to confirm that there is a growing...

Job hopping still career limiting

May 19, 2015

Although the notion of loyalty to a company has changed dramatically over the past decade, 89% of hiring managers from SA’s leading companies polled in a recent survey say that perceived job-hopping will hurt a candidate’s chances of landing a position. The survey, conducted by South African search firm Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters, found that almost 90% of HR managers also say candidates would have to provide a very good explanation for repeated instances of short tenure at the companies they worked for.

SKA to change skills landscape

May 18, 2015

More than two-thirds of South Africans live in urban areas and more make the move from rural areas daily. This means South African cities must become flexible and responsive to citizen needs, while making the most of public resources. Through the intelligent...