NEWSWORHTY
Macroscopic yarns from boron-nitride nanotubes
Researchers at the NASA’s Langley Research Center, the Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and the National Institute of Aerospace used the pressurized vapor/condenser method with a welding laser to develop boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that can be spun into macroscopic yarn. BNNTs could be applied in energy, medical, and aerospace applications. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Antibodies with Nanotubes to eliminate breast cancer
Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology along with five other partners devised a new method to search and destroy breast cancer cells using carbon nanotubes and antibodies. Antibodies are attached to nanotubes, which then seek and destroy the HER2 protein associated with tumor cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and BMC Cancer.
NanoCMOS
Scientists at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Edinburgh, Manchester, Southampton and York universities developed a project called NanoCMOS for integrated circuits. They developed simulation tools that overcome the major obstacle of statistical variability and predict the performance of nano-transistors within a circuit. The study provides benefits in semiconductor manufacturing and chip designing. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Semiconducting nanowires
Researchers from Purdue University, University of California at Los Angeles, and IBM have created semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined atomic-level layers of silicon and germanium. In order to create these layers, gold-aluminum alloy was heated and cooled in a vacuum chamber and later silicon, followed by germanium, was introduced onto it. This method provides an opportunity to create nanowire transistors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Science.
Hydrophobicity of nanoscale interfaces
Researchers at the Rensselaer University developed a method to measure the hydrophocity of nanoscale interfaces by performing molecular simulations of self assembled monolayers. They simulated hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers and observed their interaction with water molecules. They found a relation between hydrophobicity and fluctuations in density of adjoining water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Langmuir, Physical Review Letters, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano diet
Researchers at Finnish Universities created a drug delivery system using nanoporous silicon that could assist dieting processes. They created nanopores in silicon through electrochemical etching and dipped it in a drug solution, where peptides that control appetite were easily loaded into the silicon wafers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticles for arsenic removal
Researchers at Jackson State University developed an arsenic test with an ability to detect arsenic in drinking water down to 3 parts per trillion. Specific organic molecules were attached to gold nanoparticles that formed a complex with arsenic. As more and more arsenic got attached, the gold nanoparticles began to form a clump that changed color from red to blue, which was discernible to the naked eye. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Nanoparticle removal from wastewater
Scientists using the ISIS Neutron Source from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s ISIS Neutron Source, along with colleagues from King’s College London and Oxford University found a method to remove nanoparticles from waste water during primary sewage treatment. The nanoparticles when coated with surfactant (a detergent-like material) formed sludge in sewage which could be removed and disposed. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Environmental Science & Technology.
Nano “peptide forests” for self-cleaning
Researchers from Tel Aviv University created a technology where self-assembled nanotubules grown in a vacuum under high temperature can tolerate heat and resist water. These nano “peptide forests” can be used to create self-cleaning windows or solar panels and help make batteries more efficient. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Single-atom working transistor
Researchers from Helsinki University of Technology (Finland), University of New South Wales (Australia), and University of Melbourne (Australia) developed a transistor with a working region of a single phosphorous atom. The mechanism involved is the sequential tunneling of electrons, which is controlled by voltage on a nearby metal electrode that is a few tens of nanometers wide. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, November 30, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Medical Imaging
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a procedure to illuminate the interior of cells by using nanoparticles. The study revealed information about the clustering mechanism in proteins inside a type of human red blood cells that allows them to be mechanically flexible. Their findings show that quantum dots can be used in investigating dynamic cellular processes. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology.
Beneficial defects in carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that defective carbon nanotubes can be used to store energy. They developed methods to control this capacity of storing charge by bombarding carbon nanotubes with Argon or Hydrogen. They also noted that defects created in a controlled manner could ultimately avoid deterioration of electrical conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Nanovip, and Applied Physics Letters.
“Fly paper” to capture cancer cells
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have created a three-dimensional nanostructed “fly paper” that can capture cancer tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood stream. It is estimated that the 1-by-2 centimeter nanopillar silicon chip coated with an antibody protein could detect 45 to 65 percent of cancerous cells in a medium of breast cancer cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Waste heat to electricity
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to convert waste heat to useful electricity with both high efficiency and high throughput (electrical power). The existing systems of conversion demonstrate a 40 percent efficiency of the Carnot limit (energy conversion can never exceed the Carnot limit), while the new device (starting with a single quantum dot) can make this conversion with a possible efficiency of 90 percent of the limit. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Synthesizing Graphene
Extensive research is being conducted to develop two-dimensional graphene-like polymers. Their desirable electrical properties could ultimately lead to graphene replacing silicon in many semiconductors. Physicists at Empa, Switzerland along with chemists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany have synthesized a graphene-like porous polymer through a new method- “bottom-up” synthesis on metal surfaces. They allowed functionalized phenyl rings to grow into a two-dimensional structure on a silver substrate that created pores of a single-atom diameter with pore spacing of less than a nanometer. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Chemical Communications.
Nanostructure Vibrations
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Chicago have overcome the limitation many researchers have been facing to approach single-atom sensing through nano-scale vibrations. Vibrations at nanoscale can provide applications in ultrasensitive mass detection, molecular scale biological sensing, and an understanding of nanoscale mechanical losses. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Current through C60s
European scientists created minute electrical circuit between two molecules. In a controlled atmosphere two C60 molecules of 1nm in diameter were brought together and the current that passed through them was recorded. However, the conductance is a 100 times lesser than that of a single molecule. This new circuit can be used in devices to control leakage current between neighboring circuits. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Nanophotonic forces
Researchers from the University of Ghent and the IMEC demonstrated repulsive and attractive forces in photons with spatial distribution of light. The study used advanced fabrication techniques to create to parallel nanoscale waveguides separated by a distance of 220nm on a silicon-on-insulator chip. When a laser passed through these waveguides optical forces were generated; the spatial distribution indicated the type of force-attraction or repulsion. This study provides applications in areas of telecommunication and signal processing. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.
Medical Imaging
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a procedure to illuminate the interior of cells by using nanoparticles. The study revealed information about the clustering mechanism in proteins inside a type of human red blood cells that allows them to be mechanically flexible. Their findings show that quantum dots can be used in investigating dynamic cellular processes. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology.
Beneficial defects in carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that defective carbon nanotubes can be used to store energy. They developed methods to control this capacity of storing charge by bombarding carbon nanotubes with Argon or Hydrogen. They also noted that defects created in a controlled manner could ultimately avoid deterioration of electrical conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Nanovip, and Applied Physics Letters.
“Fly paper” to capture cancer cells
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have created a three-dimensional nanostructed “fly paper” that can capture cancer tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood stream. It is estimated that the 1-by-2 centimeter nanopillar silicon chip coated with an antibody protein could detect 45 to 65 percent of cancerous cells in a medium of breast cancer cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Waste heat to electricity
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to convert waste heat to useful electricity with both high efficiency and high throughput (electrical power). The existing systems of conversion demonstrate a 40 percent efficiency of the Carnot limit (energy conversion can never exceed the Carnot limit), while the new device (starting with a single quantum dot) can make this conversion with a possible efficiency of 90 percent of the limit. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Synthesizing Graphene
Extensive research is being conducted to develop two-dimensional graphene-like polymers. Their desirable electrical properties could ultimately lead to graphene replacing silicon in many semiconductors. Physicists at Empa, Switzerland along with chemists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany have synthesized a graphene-like porous polymer through a new method- “bottom-up” synthesis on metal surfaces. They allowed functionalized phenyl rings to grow into a two-dimensional structure on a silver substrate that created pores of a single-atom diameter with pore spacing of less than a nanometer. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Chemical Communications.
Nanostructure Vibrations
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Chicago have overcome the limitation many researchers have been facing to approach single-atom sensing through nano-scale vibrations. Vibrations at nanoscale can provide applications in ultrasensitive mass detection, molecular scale biological sensing, and an understanding of nanoscale mechanical losses. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Current through C60s
European scientists created minute electrical circuit between two molecules. In a controlled atmosphere two C60 molecules of 1nm in diameter were brought together and the current that passed through them was recorded. However, the conductance is a 100 times lesser than that of a single molecule. This new circuit can be used in devices to control leakage current between neighboring circuits. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Nanophotonic forces
Researchers from the University of Ghent and the IMEC demonstrated repulsive and attractive forces in photons with spatial distribution of light. The study used advanced fabrication techniques to create to parallel nanoscale waveguides separated by a distance of 220nm on a silicon-on-insulator chip. When a laser passed through these waveguides optical forces were generated; the spatial distribution indicated the type of force-attraction or repulsion. This study provides applications in areas of telecommunication and signal processing. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nanomaterials on a space shuttle
Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Florida have developed two types of nanomaterials to test their performance in space orbits. The materials will be carried by the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station where they will be mounted to the station’s outer hull in a passive experiment carrier. The first type of nanomaterial comprises of nanoscale alumina particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the second type is a conductive polymer nanocomposite. This development can lead to creating better cooling systems for spacecrafts and electronic systems. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nano-colorsorter” devices
Researchers from the Berkley lab have created “bowtie-shaped” optical nano-antennas from four lithographically patterned equilateral triangles of gold to create a cross geometry that can act as “nano-colorsorters” able to capture, filter, and steer light at nano-scale. These devices can handle/manipulate/control light in extremely small confined areas of tiny photonic circuits. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nano Letters.
Light produces nanoscale movement
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated the ability of light to move silicon structures up to 12 nanometers. They created a structure consisting of two thin, flat silicon nitride rings (30microns in diameter) fixed one above the other on a pedestal through thin spokes. The distance between the rings is 1micron and the ring waveguides are 3microns wide and 190nanometers thick. When light with a frequency of 1533.5 nm is focused on to the rings it produces a force in the rings to deform up to 12nm. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanotechnology for the spinal cord
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the 60 nm diameter spheres known as “copolymer micelles,” can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. The micelles can be used to treat damaged fibers that transmit electrical impulses (axons) to the spinal cord. They found that treatment to spinal cord damages due to compression injuries using micelles boosted the recovery process by 60 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Resilient silicon nanowires
North Carolina State University researchers have established that silicon nanowires are more resilient than their counterparts. Researchers used in-situ tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope on silicon nanowires made from the vapor-liquid-solid process to test its properties. This result can provide better insights to other researchers dealing with nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanostructed solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nano Letters.
FinFETs
Researchers are making efforts to improve transistor efficiency to create fast and compact circuits and computer chips. The reduction of gate (an essential component) length can provide this required breakthrough, but decreasing it in silicon based semiconductors results in an electric “leak.” Researchers from Purdue University have created hafnium-dioxide finFETs to overcome this difficulty. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Light at nanoscale
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are squeezing light into smaller spaces within optical fibers than was possible before. These optical fibers carry and transmit light through the inside of their pipes and as the size of the pipe is reduced, light confines itself within roughly a few hundred nanometers in area. If this area is further reduced then light begins to spread, but the researchers have pushed this limit in area by a factor of two paving the way for future creation of nano-scale sensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale behavior in catalysts
Researchers from Rice and Lehigh Universities used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and advanced optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to understand and evaluate the nanoscale behavior and nano structure of tungstated zirconia. This discovery will aid detailed catalytic analysis. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nature Chemistry.
Nanomaterials on a space shuttle
Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Florida have developed two types of nanomaterials to test their performance in space orbits. The materials will be carried by the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station where they will be mounted to the station’s outer hull in a passive experiment carrier. The first type of nanomaterial comprises of nanoscale alumina particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the second type is a conductive polymer nanocomposite. This development can lead to creating better cooling systems for spacecrafts and electronic systems. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nano-colorsorter” devices
Researchers from the Berkley lab have created “bowtie-shaped” optical nano-antennas from four lithographically patterned equilateral triangles of gold to create a cross geometry that can act as “nano-colorsorters” able to capture, filter, and steer light at nano-scale. These devices can handle/manipulate/control light in extremely small confined areas of tiny photonic circuits. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nano Letters.
Light produces nanoscale movement
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated the ability of light to move silicon structures up to 12 nanometers. They created a structure consisting of two thin, flat silicon nitride rings (30microns in diameter) fixed one above the other on a pedestal through thin spokes. The distance between the rings is 1micron and the ring waveguides are 3microns wide and 190nanometers thick. When light with a frequency of 1533.5 nm is focused on to the rings it produces a force in the rings to deform up to 12nm. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanotechnology for the spinal cord
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the 60 nm diameter spheres known as “copolymer micelles,” can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. The micelles can be used to treat damaged fibers that transmit electrical impulses (axons) to the spinal cord. They found that treatment to spinal cord damages due to compression injuries using micelles boosted the recovery process by 60 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Resilient silicon nanowires
North Carolina State University researchers have established that silicon nanowires are more resilient than their counterparts. Researchers used in-situ tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope on silicon nanowires made from the vapor-liquid-solid process to test its properties. This result can provide better insights to other researchers dealing with nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanostructed solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nano Letters.
FinFETs
Researchers are making efforts to improve transistor efficiency to create fast and compact circuits and computer chips. The reduction of gate (an essential component) length can provide this required breakthrough, but decreasing it in silicon based semiconductors results in an electric “leak.” Researchers from Purdue University have created hafnium-dioxide finFETs to overcome this difficulty. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Light at nanoscale
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are squeezing light into smaller spaces within optical fibers than was possible before. These optical fibers carry and transmit light through the inside of their pipes and as the size of the pipe is reduced, light confines itself within roughly a few hundred nanometers in area. If this area is further reduced then light begins to spread, but the researchers have pushed this limit in area by a factor of two paving the way for future creation of nano-scale sensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale behavior in catalysts
Researchers from Rice and Lehigh Universities used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and advanced optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to understand and evaluate the nanoscale behavior and nano structure of tungstated zirconia. This discovery will aid detailed catalytic analysis. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nature Chemistry.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 04, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Tumor termination with nanoformulation
Bioengineers at Duke University have devised a nano-scale system that can deliver high doses of drugs to terminate tumors effectively while decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy. The results from animal modeling prove that tumors are destroyed after a single treatment and the nano delivery vehicles collapse into harmless byproducts. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Hidden” PV cells
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures on optical fibers coated with dye-sensitizers. The optical fibers collect sunlight and pass it onto nanowires where it interacts with dye molecules to produce electricity. The three-dimensional optical fiber system is six times as efficient as planar solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie International.
The Healing Nanocage
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a tiny capsule, dubbed a “nanocage” that is photosensitive and can deliver drugs to targeted areas. The nanocage responds to light opening when the light is turned on and closing when the light is turned off thus delivering medical substances within it only when the desired. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.
Optical Frequency Comb
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States have developed an improved frequency comb that can precisely measure frequencies of a visible light. The improved comb outdoes its predecessors by providing a clearer image of different frequencies which can now be viewed from a simple optical system (a grating and a microscope). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New manufacturing method for nanowires
Danish nanophysicists have created a new method of manufacturing nanowires using Gallium Indium Arsenide and Indium Arsenide to draw on their individual benefits together. This development can help solar cells trap more sunlight than ever before and can also be used in LEDs and OLEDs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano stirring
Sandia researchers have developed a new method of mixing called vortex field mixing that combines liquids in extremely small spaces. Magnetic nanoparticles are suspended into the liquid and form chains when subjected to a particular magnetic field. These chains start to swirl which mix liquids. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.
Superhydrophobic nanocoating
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoparticle based coating that can reduce the buildup of ice on solid surfaces. The coating consists of a silicon-resin solution combined with 50 nanometers silica nanoparticles. The product was tested in real conditions on an Aluminum plate and on a commercial satellite dish. See First Science, Nanowerk, and Langmuir.
Nano magnetism
A research team in Boston developed an implantable drug delivery device that can trap medicinal substances in a membrane embedded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetic nanoparticles heat up causing the gel in the membrane to melt. This opens pores in the membrane facilitating drug delivery. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the gels re-expand and close the pores. No implanted electronics is needed for this system. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Lethal combination for cancer
Researchers from Rutgers have combined two different anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubin and siRNA) to make a lethal drug to eliminate cancer. Doxorubin is a drug that kills tumors by apoptosis (a form of cell death) and siRNA (small interfering RNA)that stops the production of Bcl-2 protein produced by malignant cells. Pores of silicon nanoparticles are filled with Doxorubin and are coated by dendrimers (spherical polymer nanoparticles) which then are allowed to tightly bind to siRNA. The combination drug proved to be 130-times more lethal in killing ovarian cancer cells in comparison to doxorubin alone. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Tumor termination with nanoformulation
Bioengineers at Duke University have devised a nano-scale system that can deliver high doses of drugs to terminate tumors effectively while decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy. The results from animal modeling prove that tumors are destroyed after a single treatment and the nano delivery vehicles collapse into harmless byproducts. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Hidden” PV cells
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures on optical fibers coated with dye-sensitizers. The optical fibers collect sunlight and pass it onto nanowires where it interacts with dye molecules to produce electricity. The three-dimensional optical fiber system is six times as efficient as planar solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie International.
The Healing Nanocage
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a tiny capsule, dubbed a “nanocage” that is photosensitive and can deliver drugs to targeted areas. The nanocage responds to light opening when the light is turned on and closing when the light is turned off thus delivering medical substances within it only when the desired. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.
Optical Frequency Comb
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States have developed an improved frequency comb that can precisely measure frequencies of a visible light. The improved comb outdoes its predecessors by providing a clearer image of different frequencies which can now be viewed from a simple optical system (a grating and a microscope). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New manufacturing method for nanowires
Danish nanophysicists have created a new method of manufacturing nanowires using Gallium Indium Arsenide and Indium Arsenide to draw on their individual benefits together. This development can help solar cells trap more sunlight than ever before and can also be used in LEDs and OLEDs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano stirring
Sandia researchers have developed a new method of mixing called vortex field mixing that combines liquids in extremely small spaces. Magnetic nanoparticles are suspended into the liquid and form chains when subjected to a particular magnetic field. These chains start to swirl which mix liquids. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.
Superhydrophobic nanocoating
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoparticle based coating that can reduce the buildup of ice on solid surfaces. The coating consists of a silicon-resin solution combined with 50 nanometers silica nanoparticles. The product was tested in real conditions on an Aluminum plate and on a commercial satellite dish. See First Science, Nanowerk, and Langmuir.
Nano magnetism
A research team in Boston developed an implantable drug delivery device that can trap medicinal substances in a membrane embedded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetic nanoparticles heat up causing the gel in the membrane to melt. This opens pores in the membrane facilitating drug delivery. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the gels re-expand and close the pores. No implanted electronics is needed for this system. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Lethal combination for cancer
Researchers from Rutgers have combined two different anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubin and siRNA) to make a lethal drug to eliminate cancer. Doxorubin is a drug that kills tumors by apoptosis (a form of cell death) and siRNA (small interfering RNA)that stops the production of Bcl-2 protein produced by malignant cells. Pores of silicon nanoparticles are filled with Doxorubin and are coated by dendrimers (spherical polymer nanoparticles) which then are allowed to tightly bind to siRNA. The combination drug proved to be 130-times more lethal in killing ovarian cancer cells in comparison to doxorubin alone. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, October 27, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nerves and Nanowires
To study the biocompatibility of nanoelectrodes researchers at Lund University injected nanowires into the brains of rats and found that microglia (the brain’s “clean-up” cells) ate away the nanowires, while a major astrocyte cells’ (who help in the healing process) response observed initially declined later on. The results prove that nanowires had no drastic or chronic affects on the brain. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, and ACS Nano.
Optical Nanoantennas
Wireless data transmission requires a dipole antenna on both the transmitter and receiver ends, and communication is most effective and efficient when the total length of the dipole antennas is about half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. KIT scientists have developed for the first time gold nanoantennas with an extremely high frequency (1 million times higher than radio frequencies) allowing fast modulation causing high data transmission rates. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanochip for massive data storage
Engineers at North Carolina State University have created a nanochip with an ability to store data equivalent to 20-high definition DVDs or 250 pages or texts. Selective doping was performed with nickel being added to magnesium oxide; groups of nickel atoms were formed no bigger than 10 square nanometers. This feature enables more data storage capacity in a chip than usual. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nanotest” to detect prostate cancer
Using a process involving the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA that attach themselves to prostat-specific antigen (PSA) in blood, researchers of Northwestern University are able to now detect low levels of PSA in post-radical prostatectomy patients. They were able to measure PSA values of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and PNAS.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Kinked” nanowires
Researchers at Harvard University have created two and three dimensional zigzag nanowires which can be useful in detecting small electrical currents in cells and tissues. The process involves the introduction of triangular “stereocenters” of 120° joints (which appear as “kinks”) into 1D nanowires. These kinked junctions enable functionality at different points on a nanowire, making it possible to develop nanoelectronics, photodetectors, or biological sensors into complex nanoscale structures. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanoscale crystal
Researchers at California Institute of technology (CalTech) have developed a method to confine both light and sound in a nanoscale crystal device called an optomechanical crystal. This confinement can lead to the production of frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, making transmission of large amounts of information possible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Mechanism for nanopillars
Scientists from CalTach have devised a mechanism to build high precision arrays of nanoscale pillars of any pattern on a polymer film. The mechanism involves photolithography and can be used to create three dimensional nano and micro-scale structures for optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Tiny battery
Researchers at Yale University and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a tiny battery with a capacity to generate electricity for ten minutes. The battery consists of two droplets, each consisting of a 200 nanoliter water based solution of potassium and chloride ions enclosed in a lipid wall. The small battery is created by varying the concentration of solution in two cells and inserting electrodes. These batteries are predicted to replace conventional solid-state energy-generating devices in the future. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Carbon nanotubes harmful to lungs
Carbon nanotubes are being used in various applications and equipments without substantial knowledge of their effects on health. A study by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhalation of carbon nanotubes affects the pleura ( an outer lining of the lungs) causing fibrosis for a short time. A single exposure of the nanotubes resulted in either scarring of the pleural surface or fibrosis in mice. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
CNTs for crop growth
Scientists in Arkansas have reported that use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for seeds could be a new avenue in “nano-agriculture”. They found that CNTs penetrated the hard outer seed coating and enhanced its sprouting while making its seedlings heavier. These positive effects of germination and growth enhancement could reap economic benefits in agriculture, horticulture, and energy sector especially for plant-based biofuels. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.
Nerves and Nanowires
To study the biocompatibility of nanoelectrodes researchers at Lund University injected nanowires into the brains of rats and found that microglia (the brain’s “clean-up” cells) ate away the nanowires, while a major astrocyte cells’ (who help in the healing process) response observed initially declined later on. The results prove that nanowires had no drastic or chronic affects on the brain. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, and ACS Nano.
Optical Nanoantennas
Wireless data transmission requires a dipole antenna on both the transmitter and receiver ends, and communication is most effective and efficient when the total length of the dipole antennas is about half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. KIT scientists have developed for the first time gold nanoantennas with an extremely high frequency (1 million times higher than radio frequencies) allowing fast modulation causing high data transmission rates. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanochip for massive data storage
Engineers at North Carolina State University have created a nanochip with an ability to store data equivalent to 20-high definition DVDs or 250 pages or texts. Selective doping was performed with nickel being added to magnesium oxide; groups of nickel atoms were formed no bigger than 10 square nanometers. This feature enables more data storage capacity in a chip than usual. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nanotest” to detect prostate cancer
Using a process involving the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA that attach themselves to prostat-specific antigen (PSA) in blood, researchers of Northwestern University are able to now detect low levels of PSA in post-radical prostatectomy patients. They were able to measure PSA values of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and PNAS.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Kinked” nanowires
Researchers at Harvard University have created two and three dimensional zigzag nanowires which can be useful in detecting small electrical currents in cells and tissues. The process involves the introduction of triangular “stereocenters” of 120° joints (which appear as “kinks”) into 1D nanowires. These kinked junctions enable functionality at different points on a nanowire, making it possible to develop nanoelectronics, photodetectors, or biological sensors into complex nanoscale structures. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanoscale crystal
Researchers at California Institute of technology (CalTech) have developed a method to confine both light and sound in a nanoscale crystal device called an optomechanical crystal. This confinement can lead to the production of frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, making transmission of large amounts of information possible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Mechanism for nanopillars
Scientists from CalTach have devised a mechanism to build high precision arrays of nanoscale pillars of any pattern on a polymer film. The mechanism involves photolithography and can be used to create three dimensional nano and micro-scale structures for optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Tiny battery
Researchers at Yale University and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a tiny battery with a capacity to generate electricity for ten minutes. The battery consists of two droplets, each consisting of a 200 nanoliter water based solution of potassium and chloride ions enclosed in a lipid wall. The small battery is created by varying the concentration of solution in two cells and inserting electrodes. These batteries are predicted to replace conventional solid-state energy-generating devices in the future. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Carbon nanotubes harmful to lungs
Carbon nanotubes are being used in various applications and equipments without substantial knowledge of their effects on health. A study by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhalation of carbon nanotubes affects the pleura ( an outer lining of the lungs) causing fibrosis for a short time. A single exposure of the nanotubes resulted in either scarring of the pleural surface or fibrosis in mice. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
CNTs for crop growth
Scientists in Arkansas have reported that use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for seeds could be a new avenue in “nano-agriculture”. They found that CNTs penetrated the hard outer seed coating and enhanced its sprouting while making its seedlings heavier. These positive effects of germination and growth enhancement could reap economic benefits in agriculture, horticulture, and energy sector especially for plant-based biofuels. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nanoscale cantilevers to measure “Persistent current”
Physicists at Yale University used nanoscale cantilevers to develop a new method of measuring persistent current through a metal ring. They were able to do so by measuring the variations in magnetic force that resulted from the current flow in the ring. Persistent current is sensitive and extremely weak with a low-level magnetic field that cannot be measured using a SQUID. Nanoscale cantilevers were employed successfully to measure these extremely low levels of magnetic force in aluminum rings thereby making it possible to measure persistent currents. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Gold “snowflakes”
Kansas State University engineers formed 24-carat gold “snowflake” islands on a single atom thick material called graphene. They placed graphene dioxide sheets in a gold ion solution with a growth catalyst. Gold did not evenly coat the sheet but formed islands on it. Engineers called these islands snowflake-shaped gold nanostars, or SFGNs. They are continuing work on this discovery and hope to create a graphene-gold DNA sensor. See AtoZ Nano, First Science , Nanotech Wire, and ACS Nano.
Microwave “fridge” for your nano devices
Nanoscale measurement of a material when above absolute zero (-273°C) is difficult as heat produces atomic movements within it. In order to record accurate measurements there is a need to cool the material. This is now possible for ‘micro’ or ‘nano-scale mechanical resonators’ with the new tiny microwave-powered room-temperature refrigerator developed by National Physical Laboratory scientists. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
Nano Butterfly Wings
Scientists of the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have found a way to create optically active nanostructures similar to those found in the insect world. Insects have the ability to appear metallic, multi-colored or iridescent. These properties are the result of photonic nanostructures, such as those found in the cuticles of butterfly wings. Their research team has developed a method for replicating these structures, which may be useful in a number of optically active devices (e.g.,optical diffusers in solar panels). See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.
Control of carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes’ (cylindrical carbon molecules) structure and function, or chirality, can now be controlled by mixing different metals in a catalyst. Case Western Reserve researchers found that altering the structure of the catalyst through its composition can result in an ability to control the chirality, as well as the electrical and optical properties, of the nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano-scale test tube
Melting, capillarity, and diffusion are now possible at a very small scale. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an experiment with a nano-scale test tube composed of a thin shell of carbon. A gold-tipped nanowire was inserted into the test tube and heated to observe melting. The experiment could only be observed through a high power electron microscope. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanovip.
Nanoaluminum rocket propellant
A frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum particles could provide a more environmentally friendly rocket propellant. ALICE or aluminum (Al) – ice can be used to launch rockets into orbit or for long distance space missions. The fuel can be produced on the Moon, Mars, or any other water-bearing bodies. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticle electric propulsion
NanoFET is an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion to improve the speed of a spacecraft while using less propellant than usual. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a professor from the University of Michigan to develop this electric rocket thruster. See AtoZ Nano, Nanovip, and Nanowerk.
Artificial neuromuscular junction
Neuromuscular junctions are nerve-muscle connections that help the brain control muscular movements. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can improve the performance of prosthetic hands with a possibility to restore the sense of touch. The artificial junction consists of muscle cells and a nano-sized polymer placed on a biological scaffold. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial Photosynthesis
Four chemists from the University of Rochester are developing a three module process to effectively generate hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis using carbon nanotubes. In the first module a chromophore (a complex naturally occurring molecule found in plants) is used to create free electrons from visible light. In the second module a membrane of carbon nanotubes acts as a bridge to transport these electrons to the third module, where catalytic reaction is used to extract hydrogen from water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale cantilevers to measure “Persistent current”
Physicists at Yale University used nanoscale cantilevers to develop a new method of measuring persistent current through a metal ring. They were able to do so by measuring the variations in magnetic force that resulted from the current flow in the ring. Persistent current is sensitive and extremely weak with a low-level magnetic field that cannot be measured using a SQUID. Nanoscale cantilevers were employed successfully to measure these extremely low levels of magnetic force in aluminum rings thereby making it possible to measure persistent currents. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Gold “snowflakes”
Kansas State University engineers formed 24-carat gold “snowflake” islands on a single atom thick material called graphene. They placed graphene dioxide sheets in a gold ion solution with a growth catalyst. Gold did not evenly coat the sheet but formed islands on it. Engineers called these islands snowflake-shaped gold nanostars, or SFGNs. They are continuing work on this discovery and hope to create a graphene-gold DNA sensor. See AtoZ Nano, First Science , Nanotech Wire, and ACS Nano.
Microwave “fridge” for your nano devices
Nanoscale measurement of a material when above absolute zero (-273°C) is difficult as heat produces atomic movements within it. In order to record accurate measurements there is a need to cool the material. This is now possible for ‘micro’ or ‘nano-scale mechanical resonators’ with the new tiny microwave-powered room-temperature refrigerator developed by National Physical Laboratory scientists. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
Nano Butterfly Wings
Scientists of the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have found a way to create optically active nanostructures similar to those found in the insect world. Insects have the ability to appear metallic, multi-colored or iridescent. These properties are the result of photonic nanostructures, such as those found in the cuticles of butterfly wings. Their research team has developed a method for replicating these structures, which may be useful in a number of optically active devices (e.g.,optical diffusers in solar panels). See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.
Control of carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes’ (cylindrical carbon molecules) structure and function, or chirality, can now be controlled by mixing different metals in a catalyst. Case Western Reserve researchers found that altering the structure of the catalyst through its composition can result in an ability to control the chirality, as well as the electrical and optical properties, of the nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano-scale test tube
Melting, capillarity, and diffusion are now possible at a very small scale. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an experiment with a nano-scale test tube composed of a thin shell of carbon. A gold-tipped nanowire was inserted into the test tube and heated to observe melting. The experiment could only be observed through a high power electron microscope. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanovip.
Nanoaluminum rocket propellant
A frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum particles could provide a more environmentally friendly rocket propellant. ALICE or aluminum (Al) – ice can be used to launch rockets into orbit or for long distance space missions. The fuel can be produced on the Moon, Mars, or any other water-bearing bodies. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticle electric propulsion
NanoFET is an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion to improve the speed of a spacecraft while using less propellant than usual. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a professor from the University of Michigan to develop this electric rocket thruster. See AtoZ Nano, Nanovip, and Nanowerk.
Artificial neuromuscular junction
Neuromuscular junctions are nerve-muscle connections that help the brain control muscular movements. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can improve the performance of prosthetic hands with a possibility to restore the sense of touch. The artificial junction consists of muscle cells and a nano-sized polymer placed on a biological scaffold. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial Photosynthesis
Four chemists from the University of Rochester are developing a three module process to effectively generate hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis using carbon nanotubes. In the first module a chromophore (a complex naturally occurring molecule found in plants) is used to create free electrons from visible light. In the second module a membrane of carbon nanotubes acts as a bridge to transport these electrons to the third module, where catalytic reaction is used to extract hydrogen from water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Monday, October 12, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, October 12, 2009
BREAKTHROUGH
Carbon nanotubes for detection
Stanford scientists have developed a chip consisting of carbon nanotubes that detects low levels of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and sarin in water. The plastic substrate chip is flexible, cheap, and operates efficiently under water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
NEWSWORTHY
Brain implants
Scientists at University of Michigan have observed that brain implants in rats are more efficient when coated with nanotubes made up of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The coated implants have shown an improvement of 30 percent in high-quality unit activity as compared to uncoated implants. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Journal of Advanced Materials.
Artificial pore
Biomedical researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed an artificial pore that when inserted into a lipid membrane allows single and double stranded DNA to pass through it. This modified core of a nanomotor could find applications in drug loading, gene delivery, nano sensing and DNA sequencing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanosensors to measure insulin level
Iranian researchers have developed nanosenors that can detect insulin levels for diabetic patients. To produce nanosensors, the researchers used silicon carbide nanoparticles in ethanol on glass carbon electrodes. They were left to evaporate and were stabilized on the electrode to form detectors. See Nanowerk.
Quantum dots to treat skin cancer
Researchers from the US and Canada are collaborating to develop quantum dots as photsensitizers to treat skin cancer. Photosensitizers combining with light, as in photodynamic therapy can produce oxygen species that are harmful to cancer cells. See Nanoscale and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nanotechnology for space environment
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are conducting experiments to develop shielding devices to protect microelectronics and other integrated circuits used in spacecrafts and satellites from harmful space radiations. The researchers note that an alloy of Silicon and Germanium at the nanoscale could act as a shielding agent. Investigations are on to figure ways of improving the combination so this alloy can shield most radiations. See AtoZNano.
Quantum dot directed assembly gains momentum
Directed assembly is a process of controlling quantum dots through manipulation of atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior. But lack of information regarding their atomic –scale, chemical, and structural properties was slowing this process down. But, researchers from University of Michigan have created atomic scale maps of these quantum dots to regain the lost pace of directed assembly. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.
Controlled movement in the nanoworld
Scientists in the UK are making efforts to control directed movement of molecules of nanoparticles. They developed a surface containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections producing an energy gradient, where particles move in a directed pattern. See AtoZNano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
Nanochip for cancer detection
Early detection of the type and severity of cancer is now possible thanks to researchers from the University of Toronto. They have developed a microchip made from nanomaterials that is sensitive enough to do so within 30 minutes. See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
Carbon nanotubes for detection
Stanford scientists have developed a chip consisting of carbon nanotubes that detects low levels of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and sarin in water. The plastic substrate chip is flexible, cheap, and operates efficiently under water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
NEWSWORTHY
Brain implants
Scientists at University of Michigan have observed that brain implants in rats are more efficient when coated with nanotubes made up of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The coated implants have shown an improvement of 30 percent in high-quality unit activity as compared to uncoated implants. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Journal of Advanced Materials.
Artificial pore
Biomedical researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed an artificial pore that when inserted into a lipid membrane allows single and double stranded DNA to pass through it. This modified core of a nanomotor could find applications in drug loading, gene delivery, nano sensing and DNA sequencing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanosensors to measure insulin level
Iranian researchers have developed nanosenors that can detect insulin levels for diabetic patients. To produce nanosensors, the researchers used silicon carbide nanoparticles in ethanol on glass carbon electrodes. They were left to evaporate and were stabilized on the electrode to form detectors. See Nanowerk.
Quantum dots to treat skin cancer
Researchers from the US and Canada are collaborating to develop quantum dots as photsensitizers to treat skin cancer. Photosensitizers combining with light, as in photodynamic therapy can produce oxygen species that are harmful to cancer cells. See Nanoscale and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nanotechnology for space environment
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are conducting experiments to develop shielding devices to protect microelectronics and other integrated circuits used in spacecrafts and satellites from harmful space radiations. The researchers note that an alloy of Silicon and Germanium at the nanoscale could act as a shielding agent. Investigations are on to figure ways of improving the combination so this alloy can shield most radiations. See AtoZNano.
Quantum dot directed assembly gains momentum
Directed assembly is a process of controlling quantum dots through manipulation of atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior. But lack of information regarding their atomic –scale, chemical, and structural properties was slowing this process down. But, researchers from University of Michigan have created atomic scale maps of these quantum dots to regain the lost pace of directed assembly. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.
Controlled movement in the nanoworld
Scientists in the UK are making efforts to control directed movement of molecules of nanoparticles. They developed a surface containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections producing an energy gradient, where particles move in a directed pattern. See AtoZNano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
Nanochip for cancer detection
Early detection of the type and severity of cancer is now possible thanks to researchers from the University of Toronto. They have developed a microchip made from nanomaterials that is sensitive enough to do so within 30 minutes. See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 29, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Sugar-coated nanoparticles for Cancer therapy
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have reported that sugar coated iron oxide nanoparticles when subjected to an alternating magnetic field, can kill cancerous cells. The interaction between these particles generates heat, which in turn destroys cancer cells. The side effects that come along with chemotherapy and radiation can be overcome through such methods. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Fabric for detection
Cornell researchers have discovered that uniform application of nanoparticles on to a fabric can alter its properties in ways beneficial to many fields. The altered fabric can be used in detecting explosives, dangerous chemicals, in law enforcement, and in medical fields. The fabric is oil and water resistant as well. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Nanomaterial kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers from Münster University and CeNTech (Center for NanoTechnology) have for the first time discovered nanomaterial that can destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These nanoparticles stick on to the bacteria, mark them, and kill them. A green colorant can be attached to these particles, that glows under a fluorescence microscope allowing the bacteria to become visible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Twinkling nanostars
Scientists at Purdue University have created magnetically responsive nanostars making biomedical imaging better. When exposed to a rotating magnetic field these nanostars spin expelling light in a pulsating or “twinkling” manner. By making the image brighter and reducing background noise, these nanostars help generate better quality bio-images. See AtoZ Nano, Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Fate of nanoparticles in human cells
Scientists have recently been able to understand the fate of nanoparticles that enter human cells. It was found that the outer layer of biomimetic nanoparticles consisting of important proteins is degraded by the time they reach human cells. They claim the culprit is an enzyme named cathepsin L. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanowerk.
DNA-Graphene nanostructure
Biomedical researchers have conducted an experiment involving single and double stranded DNA with graphene nanostructures. The DNA, both single and double stranded, were provided with a fluorescent molecule to evaluate their interaction with graphene. It was found that the light on the single stranded DNA dimmed and that on the double stranded DNA darkened slightly when rested on graphene. When a complementary DNA was introduced to the already existing single stranded DNA-grpahene interaction, the light glowed again. This ability of the DNA to turn its light on and off when near graphene could help make biosensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Carbon nanotubes springs for battery storage
MIT scientists claim that carbon nanotube springs are capable of storing as much energy as a lithium battery. They reported that carbon nanotube springs have the potential to store a thousand times more energy than regular steel springs. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Paper batteries
Scientists are trying to create batteries that involve no metal parts. By applying nanocaotings of polypyrrole (a conductive polymer, which was earlier discarded for commercial battery use) on to cellulose fibers, they hope to develop an efficient battery with suitable charging and discharging rates. One of the characteristics of the coated cellulose fiber is the high internal porosity, enabling it to be molded like paper. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles to terminate brain cancer cells
Scientists suggest that using titanium dioxide with antibodies can help cure brain tumors. Titanium dioxide attached to an antibody identifies cancer cells and attaches itself to them. Being photoreactive, titanium dioxide when exposed to visible light helps activate mitochondria in cancer cells in turn triggering death in cancer cells. See Nanowerk.
Sugar-coated nanoparticles for Cancer therapy
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have reported that sugar coated iron oxide nanoparticles when subjected to an alternating magnetic field, can kill cancerous cells. The interaction between these particles generates heat, which in turn destroys cancer cells. The side effects that come along with chemotherapy and radiation can be overcome through such methods. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Fabric for detection
Cornell researchers have discovered that uniform application of nanoparticles on to a fabric can alter its properties in ways beneficial to many fields. The altered fabric can be used in detecting explosives, dangerous chemicals, in law enforcement, and in medical fields. The fabric is oil and water resistant as well. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Nanomaterial kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers from Münster University and CeNTech (Center for NanoTechnology) have for the first time discovered nanomaterial that can destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These nanoparticles stick on to the bacteria, mark them, and kill them. A green colorant can be attached to these particles, that glows under a fluorescence microscope allowing the bacteria to become visible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Twinkling nanostars
Scientists at Purdue University have created magnetically responsive nanostars making biomedical imaging better. When exposed to a rotating magnetic field these nanostars spin expelling light in a pulsating or “twinkling” manner. By making the image brighter and reducing background noise, these nanostars help generate better quality bio-images. See AtoZ Nano, Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Fate of nanoparticles in human cells
Scientists have recently been able to understand the fate of nanoparticles that enter human cells. It was found that the outer layer of biomimetic nanoparticles consisting of important proteins is degraded by the time they reach human cells. They claim the culprit is an enzyme named cathepsin L. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanowerk.
DNA-Graphene nanostructure
Biomedical researchers have conducted an experiment involving single and double stranded DNA with graphene nanostructures. The DNA, both single and double stranded, were provided with a fluorescent molecule to evaluate their interaction with graphene. It was found that the light on the single stranded DNA dimmed and that on the double stranded DNA darkened slightly when rested on graphene. When a complementary DNA was introduced to the already existing single stranded DNA-grpahene interaction, the light glowed again. This ability of the DNA to turn its light on and off when near graphene could help make biosensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Carbon nanotubes springs for battery storage
MIT scientists claim that carbon nanotube springs are capable of storing as much energy as a lithium battery. They reported that carbon nanotube springs have the potential to store a thousand times more energy than regular steel springs. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Paper batteries
Scientists are trying to create batteries that involve no metal parts. By applying nanocaotings of polypyrrole (a conductive polymer, which was earlier discarded for commercial battery use) on to cellulose fibers, they hope to develop an efficient battery with suitable charging and discharging rates. One of the characteristics of the coated cellulose fiber is the high internal porosity, enabling it to be molded like paper. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles to terminate brain cancer cells
Scientists suggest that using titanium dioxide with antibodies can help cure brain tumors. Titanium dioxide attached to an antibody identifies cancer cells and attaches itself to them. Being photoreactive, titanium dioxide when exposed to visible light helps activate mitochondria in cancer cells in turn triggering death in cancer cells. See Nanowerk.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 22, 2009
BREAKTHROUGH
New adjuvant using nanotechnology
Scientists at Oregon State University are hopeful that the new nanoparticle based “adjuvant” could improve future vaccines. Adjuvants are substances which help improve the immune response when used in combination with a vaccine. Due to concerns of safety and toxicity, only Aluminum Hydroxide ( Alum) has been approved for human use in the United States. The new adjuvant is based on nanoparticles prepared with nanoparticulate lecithin, a common food product. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
NEWSWORTHY
Anticancer nanomedicine
Researchers from "Horia Hulubei" National Institute of R&D for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, in Bucharest, Romania have found that tiny particles of albumin, a protein found in blood, can be used to carry radioactive isotopes to the site of cancerous tumors in the body and so avoid many of the side-effects of conventional radiotherapy. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial nose to sniff out toxins
Kenneth Suslick and his team at Univeristy of Illinois have developed an artificial nose, a sensor that could be useful in detecting high exposures to toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). The device is designed to be simple, fast and inexpensive. It is a digital multidimensional extension of litmus paper, having a six by six array of nanoporous pigments whose colors change depending on their chemical environment. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Drug delivery with an on-off membrane
U.S researchers have developed a new type of membrane that can be made reversible at the flick of the switch. One of the applications of this membrane is in anesthetics, where controlled drug delivery is important. The researchers embedded nanoscale poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) – based gels in an ethyl cellulose membrane so that clumps of the particles spanned the width of the membrane and magnetic nanoparticles within the membrane matrix. See Nanowerk.
Nanoemulsion lotion
Scientists at the University of Michigan have shown that treating second-degree burns with a nanoemulsion lotion sharply curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation, that otherwise could jeopardize recovery. The nanoemulsion is made of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into droplets less than 400 nanometers in diameter. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Carbon nanotubes may be the answer to efficient solar cells
Replacing silicon with carbon nanotubes, Cornell researchers have created basic elements of solar cells that could lead to more efficient conversion of light to electricity. Researchers have fabricated a simple solar cell called a photodiode, formed from an individual carbon nanotube. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.
Hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of Nickel Phosphide
Researchers at North Carolina State University have learned how to create hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of nickel phosphide, which could prove useful in developing solar cells and in catalysts for removing sulphur from fuels. Their work will now serve as a guide for other researchers to controllably create nanoparticles with these characteristics. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
“Nanostructure films”
Chemical engineers at Oregon State University have invented a new technology to deposit “nanostructure films” on various surfaces. They are using extraordinary small films at the nanostructure level to improve the performance of eye glasses, and ultimately solar energy devices. This technology is hoped to reduce waste materials, lessen production costs, and improve functionality. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Longstanding challenge in nanotechnology is now overcome
Researchers have found ways to fold DNA into nanoscale structures that have multiple branching points. They also describe procedures to form nanostructures of various different sizes using the method of “DNA origami.” This study has potential applications in nanoelectronic devices. See AtoZ Nano.
New adjuvant using nanotechnology
Scientists at Oregon State University are hopeful that the new nanoparticle based “adjuvant” could improve future vaccines. Adjuvants are substances which help improve the immune response when used in combination with a vaccine. Due to concerns of safety and toxicity, only Aluminum Hydroxide ( Alum) has been approved for human use in the United States. The new adjuvant is based on nanoparticles prepared with nanoparticulate lecithin, a common food product. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
NEWSWORTHY
Anticancer nanomedicine
Researchers from "Horia Hulubei" National Institute of R&D for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, in Bucharest, Romania have found that tiny particles of albumin, a protein found in blood, can be used to carry radioactive isotopes to the site of cancerous tumors in the body and so avoid many of the side-effects of conventional radiotherapy. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial nose to sniff out toxins
Kenneth Suslick and his team at Univeristy of Illinois have developed an artificial nose, a sensor that could be useful in detecting high exposures to toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). The device is designed to be simple, fast and inexpensive. It is a digital multidimensional extension of litmus paper, having a six by six array of nanoporous pigments whose colors change depending on their chemical environment. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Drug delivery with an on-off membrane
U.S researchers have developed a new type of membrane that can be made reversible at the flick of the switch. One of the applications of this membrane is in anesthetics, where controlled drug delivery is important. The researchers embedded nanoscale poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) – based gels in an ethyl cellulose membrane so that clumps of the particles spanned the width of the membrane and magnetic nanoparticles within the membrane matrix. See Nanowerk.
Nanoemulsion lotion
Scientists at the University of Michigan have shown that treating second-degree burns with a nanoemulsion lotion sharply curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation, that otherwise could jeopardize recovery. The nanoemulsion is made of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into droplets less than 400 nanometers in diameter. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Carbon nanotubes may be the answer to efficient solar cells
Replacing silicon with carbon nanotubes, Cornell researchers have created basic elements of solar cells that could lead to more efficient conversion of light to electricity. Researchers have fabricated a simple solar cell called a photodiode, formed from an individual carbon nanotube. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.
Hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of Nickel Phosphide
Researchers at North Carolina State University have learned how to create hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of nickel phosphide, which could prove useful in developing solar cells and in catalysts for removing sulphur from fuels. Their work will now serve as a guide for other researchers to controllably create nanoparticles with these characteristics. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
“Nanostructure films”
Chemical engineers at Oregon State University have invented a new technology to deposit “nanostructure films” on various surfaces. They are using extraordinary small films at the nanostructure level to improve the performance of eye glasses, and ultimately solar energy devices. This technology is hoped to reduce waste materials, lessen production costs, and improve functionality. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Longstanding challenge in nanotechnology is now overcome
Researchers have found ways to fold DNA into nanoscale structures that have multiple branching points. They also describe procedures to form nanostructures of various different sizes using the method of “DNA origami.” This study has potential applications in nanoelectronic devices. See AtoZ Nano.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 15, 2009
BREAKTHROUGHS
Three-Dimensional DNA crystalline structures
Recently released in Nature, scientists from New York University have created the first three-dimensional DNA crystalline structures. Prior to this breakthrough, DNA crystalline structures were confined to two dimensions— having axes on one plane. These three-dimensional DNA crystals have potential ramifications for medical drug delivery and nanoelectronics.
See Nanovip.
World's fastest nitride-based transistors
Researchers from ETH Zurich have improved the switching speed of nitride-based transistors. The transistors function at a high level of heat and produce high voltages, up to 108GHz. These transistors may have a large impact on future electronics.
See Nanowerk.
NEWSWORTHY
Nanomedicine gets a boost from nanodiamonds
Researchers at Northwestern University are pioneering the use of nanodiamonds for targeted drug delivery. Using the nanodiamonds in coordination with PEI800 (polyethyleneimine-800) the research team reports a 70 times greater drug delivery efficiency than over PEI800 alone.
See Nanowerk.
Tree power
Forthcoming in Transactions on Nanotechnology, researchers at the University of Washington have successfully powered nano-sized circuits (roughly 130 nanometers) from nothing more than the voltage created by a tree. While there is little thought of using tree power as a resource, there is some interest in creating sensors to monitor forest fires.
See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
Bacteria detection using CNTs
Researchers at the Rovira I Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain, are pioneering methods for bacteria detection using single-walled carbon nanotubes and synthetic DNA. When coming into contact with Salmonella typhi (the cause of typhoid fever), the DNA and CNT release an electric signal that can be instantaneously picked up by a biosensor. This process may help to greatly improve the identification and measurement of harmful microorganisms.
See Nanowerk.
Delivery of drugs into cancer cells
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a unique and efficient method to deliver drugs to cancer cells. They used cancer cells from mice and introduced gold nanoshells with a peptide lipid coating that encapsulated the drug. Then they introduced a non-harmful infrared laser onto the cells. See A to Z Nano.
Nanoparticles to treat brain cancer cells
Scientists in Illinois are making progress towards achieving nanoparticles that will “seek and destroy” the brain cancer cells, without damaging the nearby healthy cells. The solution involves chemically linked titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the antibody that seeks and attaches to these cells. When cancerous cells were exposed to “nano biohybrids,”80 percent of these cells were killed by nanoparticles.
See A to Z Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Research on x-ray nano CT-scan
Ge Wang and his colleagues have been working on developing an X-ray nano CT-scan, which promises to reduce the radiation dose currently existing. This nano CT-scan will be able to provide images at the subcellular level revealing deeply imbedded details.
See Nanowerk.
Green algae nanostructure for an environmentally friendly battery
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that the distinctive cellulose in green algae, having a unique nanostructure can serve as an effective coating substrate in environmentally friendly batteries. This creates possible productions of environmentally friendly, cost-effective, lightweight energy storage systems.
See Nanowerk and A to Z Nano.
Nanoelectronics and biology combine to make better electronics
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers have combined biological components with electronic circuits. This could enhance biosensing and diagnostic tools, advance neural prosthetics, and might even increase the efficiency of future computers. The devise uses lipid coated nanowires to build prototype bionanoelectronic devices.
See Nanotech Wire.
Graphite's potential as mass data storage medium is getting closer to reality
Researchers at Rice University have brought graphite’s potential as a mass storage devise closer to reality, creating a potential for reprogrammable gate arrays that could revolutionize integrated circuit design. Standard lithographic methods have been used to deposit 10 nm stripes of amorphous graphite onto silicon. This can help develop dense and stable non-volatile memories for all kinds of digital devices. See A to Z Nano.
Three-Dimensional DNA crystalline structures
Recently released in Nature, scientists from New York University have created the first three-dimensional DNA crystalline structures. Prior to this breakthrough, DNA crystalline structures were confined to two dimensions— having axes on one plane. These three-dimensional DNA crystals have potential ramifications for medical drug delivery and nanoelectronics.
See Nanovip.
World's fastest nitride-based transistors
Researchers from ETH Zurich have improved the switching speed of nitride-based transistors. The transistors function at a high level of heat and produce high voltages, up to 108GHz. These transistors may have a large impact on future electronics.
See Nanowerk.
NEWSWORTHY
Nanomedicine gets a boost from nanodiamonds
Researchers at Northwestern University are pioneering the use of nanodiamonds for targeted drug delivery. Using the nanodiamonds in coordination with PEI800 (polyethyleneimine-800) the research team reports a 70 times greater drug delivery efficiency than over PEI800 alone.
See Nanowerk.
Tree power
Forthcoming in Transactions on Nanotechnology, researchers at the University of Washington have successfully powered nano-sized circuits (roughly 130 nanometers) from nothing more than the voltage created by a tree. While there is little thought of using tree power as a resource, there is some interest in creating sensors to monitor forest fires.
See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
Bacteria detection using CNTs
Researchers at the Rovira I Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain, are pioneering methods for bacteria detection using single-walled carbon nanotubes and synthetic DNA. When coming into contact with Salmonella typhi (the cause of typhoid fever), the DNA and CNT release an electric signal that can be instantaneously picked up by a biosensor. This process may help to greatly improve the identification and measurement of harmful microorganisms.
See Nanowerk.
Delivery of drugs into cancer cells
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a unique and efficient method to deliver drugs to cancer cells. They used cancer cells from mice and introduced gold nanoshells with a peptide lipid coating that encapsulated the drug. Then they introduced a non-harmful infrared laser onto the cells. See A to Z Nano.
Nanoparticles to treat brain cancer cells
Scientists in Illinois are making progress towards achieving nanoparticles that will “seek and destroy” the brain cancer cells, without damaging the nearby healthy cells. The solution involves chemically linked titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the antibody that seeks and attaches to these cells. When cancerous cells were exposed to “nano biohybrids,”80 percent of these cells were killed by nanoparticles.
See A to Z Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Research on x-ray nano CT-scan
Ge Wang and his colleagues have been working on developing an X-ray nano CT-scan, which promises to reduce the radiation dose currently existing. This nano CT-scan will be able to provide images at the subcellular level revealing deeply imbedded details.
See Nanowerk.
Green algae nanostructure for an environmentally friendly battery
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that the distinctive cellulose in green algae, having a unique nanostructure can serve as an effective coating substrate in environmentally friendly batteries. This creates possible productions of environmentally friendly, cost-effective, lightweight energy storage systems.
See Nanowerk and A to Z Nano.
Nanoelectronics and biology combine to make better electronics
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers have combined biological components with electronic circuits. This could enhance biosensing and diagnostic tools, advance neural prosthetics, and might even increase the efficiency of future computers. The devise uses lipid coated nanowires to build prototype bionanoelectronic devices.
See Nanotech Wire.
Graphite's potential as mass data storage medium is getting closer to reality
Researchers at Rice University have brought graphite’s potential as a mass storage devise closer to reality, creating a potential for reprogrammable gate arrays that could revolutionize integrated circuit design. Standard lithographic methods have been used to deposit 10 nm stripes of amorphous graphite onto silicon. This can help develop dense and stable non-volatile memories for all kinds of digital devices. See A to Z Nano.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Thursday, September 03, 2009
BREAKTHROUGHS
First pictures of a single molecule released
A single molecule of Pentacene, having 22 carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms, is an organic molecule used in solar cells. Scientists at IBM (Zurich) have used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to record a picture of this molecule. The picture revealed the space between carbon rings to be 0.14 nanometers, almost one million times smaller than the diameter of a grain of sand. This result could have a huge impact on the field of nanotechnology.
See MailOnline
Study: Drug delivery targets tissues
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have made news with their potential new drug delivery system. This mechanism can help deliver the nanoparticles into the tissue; this used to be an issue earlier, as these particles would only circulate in blood. This could prove beneficial for patients with tumors.
See Nanowerk and NanotechWire
NEWSWORTHY
China controversy
A recent study in the European Respiratory Journal details the deaths of 2 Chinese women—apparently from exposure to nanoparticles (although whether the workers took adequate safety measures is questionable). In all 7 women from the same facility were diagnosed with severe lung damage and tissue samples of the 2 victims were demonstrated to have ~30nm particles.
See See 20 20 Science, Rueters, The London News Net, Discover Magazine, NanoVIP and A to Z nano
Radioactive atoms inside fullerenes
Hollow carbon fullerenes (C80) can now be inserted with atoms of various metals. Fullerene nanoparticles could prove beneficial in identifying and selectively targeting brain tumor cells, with fewer side effects.
See Nanowerk
CNTs + Gold= tumor cell detection
Biomedical researchers at the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock have developed carbon nanotubes with gold to detect tumor. Carbon nanotubes coated with gold show better radiation, less toxicity and high laser absorption. Researchers found the use of these golden nanotubes in detecting cancerous cells in the lymphatic system, responsible for metastasis.
See A to Z nano
Predicting material failure
Research for improving the durability and reliability of electronic devices, is making advancement. Estimating potential cracks’ location and nature in the integrated materials can help achieve this- The Peridynamic theory (a simulation tool). Applications of such methods proves beneficial to electronic devices, hopefully to even aircrafts are bridges.
See A to Z nano
DNA coated nanotubes help kill tumors
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have successfully treated mice with prostate cancer. The procedure used multi-walled carbon nanotubes to treat prostate cancer tumors in mice, leaving only a small burn on the skin which healed within days.
See Nanotechwire
Link between nanoparticles and Alzheimer's?
Research is on at the University of Ulster on neuronanotoxicology. Scientists have been trying to find a link between manmade nanoparticles, like in sunscreen and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Following the discovery that nanoparticles could possibly have an effect on neurodegenerative diseases, investigations are being made to find out if there is a relation between these manmade particles to neuro-toxicology.
See A to Z nano and Nanowerk
Improving water desalinization
Researchers at The Australian National University are pioneering new methods of removing salt from seawater using boron nitride nanotubes. The hollow nanotubes can reject 100% of salt from seawater and produce potable water four times faster than conventional methods.
See Nanowerk and Small (Journal)
HONORABLE MENTION
New methods for microchip production
Microchips require crystal to be aligned perfectly and efforts to develop multi layer of crystals onto one chip. Doing so will help achieve a three dimensional integrated circuit, which could produce more power per unit surface area.
See A to Z nano
SELF-ERASING IMAGES
Researchers embed silver and gold particles on an organic gel, which they laminate. By exposing them to UV radiation, pictures of red (if they contain gold) and yellow (if they contain silver) can be seen. When these films are irradiated, the color changes in specific areas.
See A to Z nano
Nanofense protective masks
Researchers have started working on producing disposable protective face masks. The technology combines any type of nanoparticle (known) that can destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins with one or more hydrophobic or hydrophilic filters. Methods being considered are to coat, impregnate or use pellets of nanoparticles to the filter media.
See Nanotech Wire
Investigating Mercury
This research was supported by the federally funded Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT), based at Duke, and the ACS’s Petroleum Research fund. Organic matter and sediments help microbes convert mercury into a highly dangerous form for all living organisms. When organic materials and compounds containing suphur (sulphides) come in contact, they form mercury nanoparticles which might lead to methylation.
See Nanotech Wire
Aid in molecular war against disease
Research on the nanoscale movements of ribosomes has been captured; taking in amino acids and genetic instructions they can produce proteins. To observe the nanoscale movements, x-ray crystallography was used and the picture was 21 nm wide.
See Nanotech Wire
The new NIST sandwitch
Organic matter sandwitched between metal and silicon, has resulted in creating switches made from individual molecules, resulting in miniaturizing of the electronic world. Applications are not restricted to chip design but also extend to biosensors.
See Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk
NIH funds nanotherapeutics INC. $30.9 to fight bioterrorism
Affilated with the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has contracted Nanotherapeutics Inc. for 5 years of funding to produce an inhalable version of the antiviral drug cidofovir in order to combat the possibility of use of smallpox (Variola major) in bioterrorism attacks.
See the press release and Nanotech Wire
LOWER COST, PRINTABLE SOLAR CELLS
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have provided proof-of-concept in the production of lower-cost solar cells. The solar cells are to feature nanoparticle “inks” that can be painted onto surfaces to take in sunlight. While no actual product has been developed for public use, the researchers believe that this advancement could lessen costs of photovoltaic devices to one-tenth of current prices.
See Nanowerk
Titanium dioxide to cure brain cancer?
Inorganic titanium dioxide with biological matter could prove to be a possible cure for brain cancer. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago's Brain Tumor Center are conducting experiments in this area of concern. This could be an answer to involving nanoparticles in the area of medicine.
See Nanotech Wire
First pictures of a single molecule released
A single molecule of Pentacene, having 22 carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms, is an organic molecule used in solar cells. Scientists at IBM (Zurich) have used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to record a picture of this molecule. The picture revealed the space between carbon rings to be 0.14 nanometers, almost one million times smaller than the diameter of a grain of sand. This result could have a huge impact on the field of nanotechnology.
See MailOnline
Study: Drug delivery targets tissues
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have made news with their potential new drug delivery system. This mechanism can help deliver the nanoparticles into the tissue; this used to be an issue earlier, as these particles would only circulate in blood. This could prove beneficial for patients with tumors.
See Nanowerk and NanotechWire
NEWSWORTHY
China controversy
A recent study in the European Respiratory Journal details the deaths of 2 Chinese women—apparently from exposure to nanoparticles (although whether the workers took adequate safety measures is questionable). In all 7 women from the same facility were diagnosed with severe lung damage and tissue samples of the 2 victims were demonstrated to have ~30nm particles.
See See 20 20 Science, Rueters, The London News Net, Discover Magazine, NanoVIP and A to Z nano
Radioactive atoms inside fullerenes
Hollow carbon fullerenes (C80) can now be inserted with atoms of various metals. Fullerene nanoparticles could prove beneficial in identifying and selectively targeting brain tumor cells, with fewer side effects.
See Nanowerk
CNTs + Gold= tumor cell detection
Biomedical researchers at the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock have developed carbon nanotubes with gold to detect tumor. Carbon nanotubes coated with gold show better radiation, less toxicity and high laser absorption. Researchers found the use of these golden nanotubes in detecting cancerous cells in the lymphatic system, responsible for metastasis.
See A to Z nano
Predicting material failure
Research for improving the durability and reliability of electronic devices, is making advancement. Estimating potential cracks’ location and nature in the integrated materials can help achieve this- The Peridynamic theory (a simulation tool). Applications of such methods proves beneficial to electronic devices, hopefully to even aircrafts are bridges.
See A to Z nano
DNA coated nanotubes help kill tumors
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have successfully treated mice with prostate cancer. The procedure used multi-walled carbon nanotubes to treat prostate cancer tumors in mice, leaving only a small burn on the skin which healed within days.
See Nanotechwire
Link between nanoparticles and Alzheimer's?
Research is on at the University of Ulster on neuronanotoxicology. Scientists have been trying to find a link between manmade nanoparticles, like in sunscreen and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Following the discovery that nanoparticles could possibly have an effect on neurodegenerative diseases, investigations are being made to find out if there is a relation between these manmade particles to neuro-toxicology.
See A to Z nano and Nanowerk
Improving water desalinization
Researchers at The Australian National University are pioneering new methods of removing salt from seawater using boron nitride nanotubes. The hollow nanotubes can reject 100% of salt from seawater and produce potable water four times faster than conventional methods.
See Nanowerk and Small (Journal)
HONORABLE MENTION
New methods for microchip production
Microchips require crystal to be aligned perfectly and efforts to develop multi layer of crystals onto one chip. Doing so will help achieve a three dimensional integrated circuit, which could produce more power per unit surface area.
See A to Z nano
SELF-ERASING IMAGES
Researchers embed silver and gold particles on an organic gel, which they laminate. By exposing them to UV radiation, pictures of red (if they contain gold) and yellow (if they contain silver) can be seen. When these films are irradiated, the color changes in specific areas.
See A to Z nano
Nanofense protective masks
Researchers have started working on producing disposable protective face masks. The technology combines any type of nanoparticle (known) that can destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins with one or more hydrophobic or hydrophilic filters. Methods being considered are to coat, impregnate or use pellets of nanoparticles to the filter media.
See Nanotech Wire
Investigating Mercury
This research was supported by the federally funded Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT), based at Duke, and the ACS’s Petroleum Research fund. Organic matter and sediments help microbes convert mercury into a highly dangerous form for all living organisms. When organic materials and compounds containing suphur (sulphides) come in contact, they form mercury nanoparticles which might lead to methylation.
See Nanotech Wire
Aid in molecular war against disease
Research on the nanoscale movements of ribosomes has been captured; taking in amino acids and genetic instructions they can produce proteins. To observe the nanoscale movements, x-ray crystallography was used and the picture was 21 nm wide.
See Nanotech Wire
The new NIST sandwitch
Organic matter sandwitched between metal and silicon, has resulted in creating switches made from individual molecules, resulting in miniaturizing of the electronic world. Applications are not restricted to chip design but also extend to biosensors.
See Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk
NIH funds nanotherapeutics INC. $30.9 to fight bioterrorism
Affilated with the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has contracted Nanotherapeutics Inc. for 5 years of funding to produce an inhalable version of the antiviral drug cidofovir in order to combat the possibility of use of smallpox (Variola major) in bioterrorism attacks.
See the press release and Nanotech Wire
LOWER COST, PRINTABLE SOLAR CELLS
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have provided proof-of-concept in the production of lower-cost solar cells. The solar cells are to feature nanoparticle “inks” that can be painted onto surfaces to take in sunlight. While no actual product has been developed for public use, the researchers believe that this advancement could lessen costs of photovoltaic devices to one-tenth of current prices.
See Nanowerk
Titanium dioxide to cure brain cancer?
Inorganic titanium dioxide with biological matter could prove to be a possible cure for brain cancer. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago's Brain Tumor Center are conducting experiments in this area of concern. This could be an answer to involving nanoparticles in the area of medicine.
See Nanotech Wire
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, July 1, 2009
BREAKTHROUGH
U of Georgia researchers have developed a successful way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a first step in developing biological fuel cells that could power pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs.
See EurekaAlert, June 19, 2009 and Chemical Science, June 5, 2009.
NEWSWORTHY
Early detection of blindness
Researchers from the U Kentucky claim to be able to detect abnormal blood vessels in the living eyes of mice by attaching anti-CCR3 antibodies to tiny semiconductor nanocrystals called "quantum dots" and injecting these into the mice. Early detection may improve treatment regimens.
See Nanowerk, June 15, 2009 and Nature, June 14, 2009.
Drug delivery
Cornell and Shenzhen U researchers claim to have developed a technique that could one day be used to deliver vaccines, drugs or genetic material to treat cancer and blood and immunological disorders. The research involved nanocapsules containing a small-interfering RNA.
See Cornell Chronicle, June 25, 2009 and Gene Therapy Online, June 25, 2009.
Reach having classification issues
Confusion over classification of nanomaterials under the Reach chemicals legislation has led to two groups of companies using different criteria to submit data on carbon nanotubes to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Currently there is so much uncertainty about dealing with nanomaterials under the Reach regulations (which came into force in 2008) that different groups of companies are forming separate data-gathering bodies, called substance information exchange forums (SIEFs), to deal with carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
See Chemistry World, June 16, 2009.
EPA issues nano rule
U.S. EPA issued a final rule for carbon nanotubes under the Toxic Substances and Control Act, subjecting them to a "new-use" regulation that gives the agency greater authority. Makers of certain carbon nanotubes, as well as those of 21 other chemicals, now must notify EPA at least 90 days before starting manufacturing. The rule takes effect Aug. 24.
See EENewsNet, June 24, 2009.
Nano term added value or not
A researcher at the National Institute for Consumer Research in Norway claims companies may be less inclined to highlight nanomaterials in their products. While his sample is small, he searched a website run by a major international cosmetics company, using keywords like 'nanotechnology' and 'nano', to estimate how many products contain nanotechnology. His search turned up 29 products in 2007, but when he repeated the same exercise recently, there were zero hits. This, he said, suggests that companies may now view 'nano' as a negative label rather than an added value. Another interpretation could be these products were never marketed or their composition changed to reflect any negative association OR companies have decided to simply move on, add nano-ingredients, and fail to inform consumers. Interesting theses.
See EurActiv, June 15, 2009
Making silver non-cytotoxic
Researchers at the U of Trieste described the development of a novel non-cytotoxic nanocomposite hydrogel material based on natural polysaccharides and silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications.
See Nanowerk, June 29, 2009 and Biomacromolecules, April 30, 2009.
Nano-Aluminum and agglomeration
San Diego researchers found that the aluminum particles quickly clustered and stuck together. They also found that the surface charge of the particles affected their movement through soil.
See Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2009
CNTS could hurt plants
U Lancester researchers have shown that carbon nanotubes can pierce plant root cells, providing a rapid route for other pollutants to infiltrate the cellular structure of plants.
See Chemistry World, June 10, 2009
Breast cancer diagnosis
Washington U research claim photoacoustic imaging with a carbon single-walled nanotube (SWNT) contrast agent could provide a non-invasive alternative to sentinel lymph-node biopsy.
See NanotechWeb, June 16, 2009 and Physics in Medicine and Biology, 2009.
Nano and lung cancer (IN VITRO)
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing reported several types of PAMAMs (ployamidoamine dendrimers) killed human lung cells in the lab.
See Nanowerk, June 11, 2009 and Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, June 11, 2009.
Another nano-asbestos claim (sort of)
The Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) outlines disturbing parallels between asbestos and nanotechnology in order to illustrate the eight needed steps that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) should take to improve disclosures made to investors.
See Nanowerk, June 15, 2009.
Nanoparticle uptake in marine ecosystems
Researchers at the U of South Carolina observed that clams and biofilms accumulating the most nanoparticles by mass. This could be a serious problem if the same thing happened in the natural environment because biofilms are used as food sources for several different kinds of detritivores, some of which are prey for larger arthropods and small fish.
See NanoTechWeb, June 24, 2009 and Nature Nanotechnology, June 21, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTION
New social science data
Researchers from the U Wisconsin found that the public tends to focus on the benefits — rather than potential environmental and health risks — when making decisions about nanotechnology regulation, whereas scientists mainly focus on potential risks and economic values.
See Press Release, June 19, 2009 and the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, June 19, 2009.
Likely nano-scam in Africa
An alleged nano product marketed in Uganda looks like a piece of glass and costs between Shs 500,000- 1,000,000. The glass claims to make sick people get nutrients from its use. One pours water and drinks. It is also claimed that carrying it in one’s pocket makes them healthier.
See Sunday Monitor, June 28, 2009
New magazine
India has published a new monthly magazine in nanotechnology called NANO DIGEST. If anyone has a PDF version, let me know or send it along.
See IndiaPRWire, June 15, 2009
Star trek transporters????
Stanford researchers pass nanoparticles through rock. With video (at least for now).
See ABC, June 28, 2009.
Pakisthan and nanoscience
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) will spend US$196.7 million — 30 per cent more than last year — on scientific projects and scholarships in public-sector universities. Much of this money will be used to upgrade science libraries and laboratories and establish centers of excellence for nanotechnology, endocrinology, virology and bioinformatics.
See Science and Development Network, June 29, 2009.
More solar
A team of researchers from U Florida and Savannah River National Laboratory are studying how nanostructured coatings mimic structures found in nature that increase the usefulness of solar energy.
See Nanowerk, June 25, 2009.
War in sleeping sickness
Researchers at the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) in Nairobi and counterparts from the EU are using nanoscience principles to develop more effective ways of diagnosing and treating trypanosomiasis disease in humans, which is also known as nagana in livestock. Experts have said they may develop a more effective kit for detecting sleeping sickness and medication against the condition in the next three years.
See Daily Nation, July 1, 2009.
Russia and Japan connection
RUSNANO and the Japanese Ministery of Economy, Trade and Industry, have agreed to establish a workgroup for cooperation in the field of nanotechnology. The decision was made at a meeting during a visit to Japan by a delegation of RUSNANO. The initiative for the agreement was issued by the Japanese.
See RUSNANO, June 17, 2009.
EU and Malaysia connection
The European Union has called on Malaysian Research and Technological Development (RTD) institutions to fully utilize the EU New Framework Programme 7, aimed at boosting innovation and research capacity. This would build on the five projects already underway. Climate change including technology transfer, carbon capture and storage, bio fuels and renewable energy, nanotechnology and ICT were highlighted as priority areas for EU-Malaysia cooperation.
See Bernama, June 10, 2009.
Another roadmap - Philippines
The Philippines revealed a 10-year strategy to create a commercially viable industry using nanotechnology.
See Inquirer.net, June 17, 2009.
Hong Kong and nano-industry
Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Fund established in 1999 with an allocation of 5 billion HK dollars (645.79 million U.S. dollars has supported about 1,400 projects with a total investment of about 4 billion HK dollars (516.63 million U.S. dollars), biotech and nanotech account for more than 12 percent of the funding. Projects that have been supported include those in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, green nanotech, nanotech for textile and apparel applications, and nanotech for medical and healthcare applications.
See Xinhuanet, June 22, 2009.
BAYER building nanotube plant in Germany
Bayer MaterialScience has begun construction of a new facility for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Chempark Leverkusen, Germany. The new plant will have a capacity of 200 tons/year. The company will invest about 22 million euros in the planning, development and construction of the plant.
See Nanoforum, June 10, 2009.
Nano and surfboards
Entropy Surfboards and Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) have teamed up to deliver a new line of custom-made surfboards that incorporate carbon nanotubes from BMS.
See Nanoforum, May 22, 2009.
Nanocrystalline cellulose and the forestry industry
Nanocrystalline cellulose, or NCC for short, has yet to make an impact on the marketplace, but in a few years companies could find commercial uses in goods as diverse as lipstick to SUVs because of properties such as strength and toughness, biodegradability and ability to “tune” colors without dye.
See Edmonton Journal, June 24, 2009.
U of Georgia researchers have developed a successful way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a first step in developing biological fuel cells that could power pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs.
See EurekaAlert, June 19, 2009 and Chemical Science, June 5, 2009.
NEWSWORTHY
Early detection of blindness
Researchers from the U Kentucky claim to be able to detect abnormal blood vessels in the living eyes of mice by attaching anti-CCR3 antibodies to tiny semiconductor nanocrystals called "quantum dots" and injecting these into the mice. Early detection may improve treatment regimens.
See Nanowerk, June 15, 2009 and Nature, June 14, 2009.
Drug delivery
Cornell and Shenzhen U researchers claim to have developed a technique that could one day be used to deliver vaccines, drugs or genetic material to treat cancer and blood and immunological disorders. The research involved nanocapsules containing a small-interfering RNA.
See Cornell Chronicle, June 25, 2009 and Gene Therapy Online, June 25, 2009.
Reach having classification issues
Confusion over classification of nanomaterials under the Reach chemicals legislation has led to two groups of companies using different criteria to submit data on carbon nanotubes to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Currently there is so much uncertainty about dealing with nanomaterials under the Reach regulations (which came into force in 2008) that different groups of companies are forming separate data-gathering bodies, called substance information exchange forums (SIEFs), to deal with carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
See Chemistry World, June 16, 2009.
EPA issues nano rule
U.S. EPA issued a final rule for carbon nanotubes under the Toxic Substances and Control Act, subjecting them to a "new-use" regulation that gives the agency greater authority. Makers of certain carbon nanotubes, as well as those of 21 other chemicals, now must notify EPA at least 90 days before starting manufacturing. The rule takes effect Aug. 24.
See EENewsNet, June 24, 2009.
Nano term added value or not
A researcher at the National Institute for Consumer Research in Norway claims companies may be less inclined to highlight nanomaterials in their products. While his sample is small, he searched a website run by a major international cosmetics company, using keywords like 'nanotechnology' and 'nano', to estimate how many products contain nanotechnology. His search turned up 29 products in 2007, but when he repeated the same exercise recently, there were zero hits. This, he said, suggests that companies may now view 'nano' as a negative label rather than an added value. Another interpretation could be these products were never marketed or their composition changed to reflect any negative association OR companies have decided to simply move on, add nano-ingredients, and fail to inform consumers. Interesting theses.
See EurActiv, June 15, 2009
Making silver non-cytotoxic
Researchers at the U of Trieste described the development of a novel non-cytotoxic nanocomposite hydrogel material based on natural polysaccharides and silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications.
See Nanowerk, June 29, 2009 and Biomacromolecules, April 30, 2009.
Nano-Aluminum and agglomeration
San Diego researchers found that the aluminum particles quickly clustered and stuck together. They also found that the surface charge of the particles affected their movement through soil.
See Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2009
CNTS could hurt plants
U Lancester researchers have shown that carbon nanotubes can pierce plant root cells, providing a rapid route for other pollutants to infiltrate the cellular structure of plants.
See Chemistry World, June 10, 2009
Breast cancer diagnosis
Washington U research claim photoacoustic imaging with a carbon single-walled nanotube (SWNT) contrast agent could provide a non-invasive alternative to sentinel lymph-node biopsy.
See NanotechWeb, June 16, 2009 and Physics in Medicine and Biology, 2009.
Nano and lung cancer (IN VITRO)
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing reported several types of PAMAMs (ployamidoamine dendrimers) killed human lung cells in the lab.
See Nanowerk, June 11, 2009 and Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, June 11, 2009.
Another nano-asbestos claim (sort of)
The Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) outlines disturbing parallels between asbestos and nanotechnology in order to illustrate the eight needed steps that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) should take to improve disclosures made to investors.
See Nanowerk, June 15, 2009.
Nanoparticle uptake in marine ecosystems
Researchers at the U of South Carolina observed that clams and biofilms accumulating the most nanoparticles by mass. This could be a serious problem if the same thing happened in the natural environment because biofilms are used as food sources for several different kinds of detritivores, some of which are prey for larger arthropods and small fish.
See NanoTechWeb, June 24, 2009 and Nature Nanotechnology, June 21, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTION
New social science data
Researchers from the U Wisconsin found that the public tends to focus on the benefits — rather than potential environmental and health risks — when making decisions about nanotechnology regulation, whereas scientists mainly focus on potential risks and economic values.
See Press Release, June 19, 2009 and the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, June 19, 2009.
Likely nano-scam in Africa
An alleged nano product marketed in Uganda looks like a piece of glass and costs between Shs 500,000- 1,000,000. The glass claims to make sick people get nutrients from its use. One pours water and drinks. It is also claimed that carrying it in one’s pocket makes them healthier.
See Sunday Monitor, June 28, 2009
New magazine
India has published a new monthly magazine in nanotechnology called NANO DIGEST. If anyone has a PDF version, let me know or send it along.
See IndiaPRWire, June 15, 2009
Star trek transporters????
Stanford researchers pass nanoparticles through rock. With video (at least for now).
See ABC, June 28, 2009.
Pakisthan and nanoscience
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) will spend US$196.7 million — 30 per cent more than last year — on scientific projects and scholarships in public-sector universities. Much of this money will be used to upgrade science libraries and laboratories and establish centers of excellence for nanotechnology, endocrinology, virology and bioinformatics.
See Science and Development Network, June 29, 2009.
More solar
A team of researchers from U Florida and Savannah River National Laboratory are studying how nanostructured coatings mimic structures found in nature that increase the usefulness of solar energy.
See Nanowerk, June 25, 2009.
War in sleeping sickness
Researchers at the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) in Nairobi and counterparts from the EU are using nanoscience principles to develop more effective ways of diagnosing and treating trypanosomiasis disease in humans, which is also known as nagana in livestock. Experts have said they may develop a more effective kit for detecting sleeping sickness and medication against the condition in the next three years.
See Daily Nation, July 1, 2009.
Russia and Japan connection
RUSNANO and the Japanese Ministery of Economy, Trade and Industry, have agreed to establish a workgroup for cooperation in the field of nanotechnology. The decision was made at a meeting during a visit to Japan by a delegation of RUSNANO. The initiative for the agreement was issued by the Japanese.
See RUSNANO, June 17, 2009.
EU and Malaysia connection
The European Union has called on Malaysian Research and Technological Development (RTD) institutions to fully utilize the EU New Framework Programme 7, aimed at boosting innovation and research capacity. This would build on the five projects already underway. Climate change including technology transfer, carbon capture and storage, bio fuels and renewable energy, nanotechnology and ICT were highlighted as priority areas for EU-Malaysia cooperation.
See Bernama, June 10, 2009.
Another roadmap - Philippines
The Philippines revealed a 10-year strategy to create a commercially viable industry using nanotechnology.
See Inquirer.net, June 17, 2009.
Hong Kong and nano-industry
Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Fund established in 1999 with an allocation of 5 billion HK dollars (645.79 million U.S. dollars has supported about 1,400 projects with a total investment of about 4 billion HK dollars (516.63 million U.S. dollars), biotech and nanotech account for more than 12 percent of the funding. Projects that have been supported include those in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, green nanotech, nanotech for textile and apparel applications, and nanotech for medical and healthcare applications.
See Xinhuanet, June 22, 2009.
BAYER building nanotube plant in Germany
Bayer MaterialScience has begun construction of a new facility for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Chempark Leverkusen, Germany. The new plant will have a capacity of 200 tons/year. The company will invest about 22 million euros in the planning, development and construction of the plant.
See Nanoforum, June 10, 2009.
Nano and surfboards
Entropy Surfboards and Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) have teamed up to deliver a new line of custom-made surfboards that incorporate carbon nanotubes from BMS.
See Nanoforum, May 22, 2009.
Nanocrystalline cellulose and the forestry industry
Nanocrystalline cellulose, or NCC for short, has yet to make an impact on the marketplace, but in a few years companies could find commercial uses in goods as diverse as lipstick to SUVs because of properties such as strength and toughness, biodegradability and ability to “tune” colors without dye.
See Edmonton Journal, June 24, 2009.
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, May 25, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Cancer cells: detect, track, and kill
Researchers at the U of Arkansas demonstrated that it is possible not only to monitor and detect nanomaterials moving through the circulation, but also to detect single cancer cells tagged with carbon nanotubes. This study was in vivo and in real time and helped explain how these nanoparticles travel through a living system.
See Biooptics World, May 22, 2009.
Smelling lung cancer
Researchers in Haifa and another team at U. Bari have experimented with the use of nanotechnology sensors to detect the presence of cancer by "smelling" air molecules in the breath of patients with and chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).
See Associated Content, May 25, 2009.
Drug absorption advance
U South Australia researchers are reporting a potential solution to a problem that limits the human body’s ability to absorb and use medications for heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, cancer and other conditions. It is a “nano-hybrid microcapsule” that enables the stomach to absorb more of these so-called “poorly soluble” medicines
See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and Molecular Pharmaceutics, June 1, 2009.
Nanorust test in Mexico
Researchers at Rice U Rice University researchers announced that the first field tests of "nanorust," the university's revolutionary, low-cost technology for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato.
See Eureka Alert, May 27, 2009
More efficient fuel cell catalyst
Researchers at Washington U have developed a technique for a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is efficient, robust and two-to-five times more effective than commercial catalysts.
See Press Release, May 14, 2009
Mercury sensor
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology researchers have used a breakthrough nanotechnology to create a pioneering sensor that can precisely measure one of the world’s most poisonous substances, mercury.
See Press Release, May 27, 2009 and Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, 2009
Zinc oxide and brain damage in mice
Researchers from Shanghai U reported zinc oxide nanoparticles can damage or kill stem cells in the brains of mice. Their findings may suggest that further precautions should be taken to protect people working with nanomaterials.
See NatureAsia, May 11, 2009 and Nanotechnology, 2009.
Implantable device for continuous cancer monitoring
Researchers at MIT have designed implants using magnetic nanoparticles that could be implanted at the time of biopsy, could also be tailored to monitor chemotherapy agents, allowing doctors to determine whether cancer drugs are reaching the tumors. They can also be designed to measure pH (acidity) or oxygen levels, which reveal tumor metabolism and how it is responding to therapy.
See MIT News, May 12, 2009 and Biosensors and Bioelectronics, April 15, 2009.
HONORARY MENTION
Arab proposal to discuss nanotechnology
The proposal for establishing an Arab Council on Nanotechnology (ACON) was
presented by Al-Quds University’s Mukhles Sowwan while discussing about
‘Nanotechnology and molecular manufacturing: manufacturing: Towards balanced plans for responsible worldwide use.’
See Meridian Institute, May 20, 2009.
UN forum to address nanotechnology
A UN global chemicals forum on safe and sustainable chemicals management agreed to address four emerging policy issues in the sector: nanotech, e-waste, chemicals in everyday products and lead in paint
See EuroActiv, May 29, 2009.
IOM launches ENPRA
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.
See IOM World, May 2009.
Aspirin substitute
Researchers from Banaras Hindu U are reporting discovery of a potential new alternative to aspirin, ReoPro, and other anti-platelet agents used widely to prevent blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.
See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and ACS Nano, June 23, 2009
Aerosol antibiotics
Researchers at Washington U demonstrated the effectiveness of antibiotics
by allowing the medicine to be put into an aerosol form in mice.
See Forbes, May 15, 2009.
Modelling to predict contamination
Researcher at Duke U with colleagues at UCLA found a way to estimate the quantity of titanium oxides in the environment by combining science and engineering knowledge with business and economic modeling.
See Press Release, May 20, 2009.
Patent landscape report
The UK Intellectual Property Office has compiled a nanotechnology patent landscape for the UK.
See Nanowerk, May 12, 2009 and GlobalWatch Online.
GATES Award
Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Cape Town (CSIR), won a grant from the Gates Foundation for a proposal to use cutting-edge “nanotechnology” to save the lives of tuberculosis patients who forget to take their pills.
See The Times, May 24, 2009.
Cuba and South Africa agreement
South Africa and Cuba have agreed to work together in the field of technology. the focus would be on biotechnology, climate change, renewable energy technologies and nanotechnology.
See News 24, May 19, 2009.
Bulgaria and IBM agreement
Bulgaria and IBM signed an agreement for a $35billion research center to develop nanotechnologies as part of Bulgaria's drive to boost competitiveness.
See The Guardian, May 22, 2009.
Cancer cells: detect, track, and kill
Researchers at the U of Arkansas demonstrated that it is possible not only to monitor and detect nanomaterials moving through the circulation, but also to detect single cancer cells tagged with carbon nanotubes. This study was in vivo and in real time and helped explain how these nanoparticles travel through a living system.
See Biooptics World, May 22, 2009.
Smelling lung cancer
Researchers in Haifa and another team at U. Bari have experimented with the use of nanotechnology sensors to detect the presence of cancer by "smelling" air molecules in the breath of patients with and chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).
See Associated Content, May 25, 2009.
Drug absorption advance
U South Australia researchers are reporting a potential solution to a problem that limits the human body’s ability to absorb and use medications for heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, cancer and other conditions. It is a “nano-hybrid microcapsule” that enables the stomach to absorb more of these so-called “poorly soluble” medicines
See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and Molecular Pharmaceutics, June 1, 2009.
Nanorust test in Mexico
Researchers at Rice U Rice University researchers announced that the first field tests of "nanorust," the university's revolutionary, low-cost technology for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato.
See Eureka Alert, May 27, 2009
More efficient fuel cell catalyst
Researchers at Washington U have developed a technique for a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is efficient, robust and two-to-five times more effective than commercial catalysts.
See Press Release, May 14, 2009
Mercury sensor
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology researchers have used a breakthrough nanotechnology to create a pioneering sensor that can precisely measure one of the world’s most poisonous substances, mercury.
See Press Release, May 27, 2009 and Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, 2009
Zinc oxide and brain damage in mice
Researchers from Shanghai U reported zinc oxide nanoparticles can damage or kill stem cells in the brains of mice. Their findings may suggest that further precautions should be taken to protect people working with nanomaterials.
See NatureAsia, May 11, 2009 and Nanotechnology, 2009.
Implantable device for continuous cancer monitoring
Researchers at MIT have designed implants using magnetic nanoparticles that could be implanted at the time of biopsy, could also be tailored to monitor chemotherapy agents, allowing doctors to determine whether cancer drugs are reaching the tumors. They can also be designed to measure pH (acidity) or oxygen levels, which reveal tumor metabolism and how it is responding to therapy.
See MIT News, May 12, 2009 and Biosensors and Bioelectronics, April 15, 2009.
HONORARY MENTION
Arab proposal to discuss nanotechnology
The proposal for establishing an Arab Council on Nanotechnology (ACON) was
presented by Al-Quds University’s Mukhles Sowwan while discussing about
‘Nanotechnology and molecular manufacturing: manufacturing: Towards balanced plans for responsible worldwide use.’
See Meridian Institute, May 20, 2009.
UN forum to address nanotechnology
A UN global chemicals forum on safe and sustainable chemicals management agreed to address four emerging policy issues in the sector: nanotech, e-waste, chemicals in everyday products and lead in paint
See EuroActiv, May 29, 2009.
IOM launches ENPRA
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.
See IOM World, May 2009.
Aspirin substitute
Researchers from Banaras Hindu U are reporting discovery of a potential new alternative to aspirin, ReoPro, and other anti-platelet agents used widely to prevent blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.
See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and ACS Nano, June 23, 2009
Aerosol antibiotics
Researchers at Washington U demonstrated the effectiveness of antibiotics
by allowing the medicine to be put into an aerosol form in mice.
See Forbes, May 15, 2009.
Modelling to predict contamination
Researcher at Duke U with colleagues at UCLA found a way to estimate the quantity of titanium oxides in the environment by combining science and engineering knowledge with business and economic modeling.
See Press Release, May 20, 2009.
Patent landscape report
The UK Intellectual Property Office has compiled a nanotechnology patent landscape for the UK.
See Nanowerk, May 12, 2009 and GlobalWatch Online.
GATES Award
Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Cape Town (CSIR), won a grant from the Gates Foundation for a proposal to use cutting-edge “nanotechnology” to save the lives of tuberculosis patients who forget to take their pills.
See The Times, May 24, 2009.
Cuba and South Africa agreement
South Africa and Cuba have agreed to work together in the field of technology. the focus would be on biotechnology, climate change, renewable energy technologies and nanotechnology.
See News 24, May 19, 2009.
Bulgaria and IBM agreement
Bulgaria and IBM signed an agreement for a $35billion research center to develop nanotechnologies as part of Bulgaria's drive to boost competitiveness.
See The Guardian, May 22, 2009.
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