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2007 Physics Nobel Prize For Giant Magnetoresistance

Posted by kdawson on from the google-thanks-you-too dept.

A number of readers made sure we are aware that the 2007 Nobel Prize in physics has been awarded to Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg for simultaneously and independently discovering giant magnetoresistance. This property has allowed the explosion of disk-space growth and is cited as being one of the first nanotechnology breakthroughs. From the announcement: "Very weak magnetic changes give rise to major differences in electrical resistance in a GMR system. A system of this kind is the perfect tool for reading data from hard disks when information registered magnetically has to be converted to electric current."

8 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Due to my screenwrap... by ackthpt · · Score: 2, Funny

    I first read the title as 2007 Physics Nobel Prize For Giant and thought "cool!"

    Onward ->

    A system of this kind is the perfect tool for reading data from hard disks when information registered magnetically has to be converted to electric current."

    Just as it seems we're about to move away from purely Mechanical Memory we find ways to make it better.

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
    1. Re:Due to my screenwrap... by flyingsquid · · Score: 2, Funny

      Honestly, I don't see the practical implications. OK, great, giants can now resist Magneto. But how many mutants are also giants? I mean I guess Colossus is pretty large so maybe he would count, but basically the majority of the X-men are just as powerless against him as before.

  2. Magnetoresistance by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Personally I find Ian McKellan quite irresistible. (Sorry)

  3. Pr0n by graviplana · · Score: 3, Funny

    "I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices of nerds suddenly cried out in joy..."

    --
    "Time is nothing; timing is everything."
  4. Re:Great! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Finally a truly geeky Nobel Prize! Yeah, because usually the Nobel Prize in physics goes to some billionaire jetsetting playboys, right?
  5. oblig. by Rob+T+Firefly · · Score: 5, Funny

    Surely the prize for Magneto resistance should go to Professor Charles Xavier?

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    Slashdot Burying Stories About Slashdot Media Owned
  6. Not everybody will be amused by rrohbeck · · Score: 2, Funny

    The MPAA/RIAA must hate those guys.

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    thegodmovie.com - watch it
  7. Mobius Magnetic Drive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Hey,

    Can you say MIMHDD Mobius Inverting Magnetic Hyperdynamic Drive?