NASA likes it hot, develops new extreme-heatproof processors

NASA has developed a new processor which is capable of sustained use in extremely hot conditions. How hot? Only about 500 degrees... Celsius! While I immediately thought of the extreme overclocking potential, NASA has more realistic and admirable goals in mind:

NASA believes that this breakthrough, that it claims represents a 100-fold tolerance increase in what has previously been achieved, could lead to improved safety and fuel efficiency as well as reduced emissions from jet engines. The chip would also apply to other space exploration applications, for example, robotic exploration on the hostile surface environment of Venus.

Cool... um, I mean that's hot! Other potential automotive uses are being thought up as well, considering that this chip can withstand the high underhood temperatures common to the automobile.

[Source: Daily Tech via Engadget]