Tuesday - 14 October 2008

This Issue

News

Germanium nanowire technology could revolutionise transistors

Consortium aims to develop brushless magnetic drives for construction and commercial vehicles

Hand-held device to help check animals for signs of foot and mouth infection

Robotic camera holder hopes to make keyhole surgery safer and easier

Ultra-thin foils containing optical links may help monitor patients’ heart rates and check aircraft for stress

Microbubble treatment is claimed to deliver anti-cancer drugs only where they are needed

Biosensor uses technology that could detect tumours and MS more efficiently

Features

Dutch connection: As the threat of blackouts looms, a project to link the UK and Dutch national grids could point the way to greater energy security

Frontline views: A survey of engineers commissioned by The Engineer reveals how the UK profession judges its readiness to face the future

Interview: Diamond synchrotron boss Prof Trevor Rayment on ‘Big Physics’ and the real world

Design Engineering

Coast guard: UK collaboration develops system designed to gather and wirelessly transmit coastal erosion data from beneath the sea

Thirst in space: As the UK provides ISS crew with clean-water tank linings, NASA develops a liquid waste recovery system

Real road test: Volvo invests in a wind-generating chamber that simulates on-road airflow around and under a car’s body

Managing Technology: Sourcing parts for old systems can be a headache, but don’t be tempted by inexpensive replacements, warns Robin Kyte

Two-page special: TCT 2008 preview

Regulars

Viewpoint: Formula One’s hi-tech future will call for a new generation of engineering drivers, says Tony Purnell

Letters

Insight: Automatic braking technology fitted to Volvo SUV promises to avoid low-speed collisions. Berenice Baker reports

Careers

Jobs: 12 pages of new opportunities

Publication date: 13 October 2008

The Magazine