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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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.
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Saturday, May 30, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nano spending adjustment
According to Cientific, governments will be spending nearly $10 billion on nanotechnology research in 2009, but despite this huge figure government spending has begun to slow down. Spending will only grow by 9.3% from 2008-2012 compared with the 130% increase witnessed from 2004-2008. Countries are now emphasizing the importance of application-driven research in this emerging field.
See NanoTech Wire, May 1, 2009.
Portable x-ray
Researchers from the Advanced Defect-Characterization Research Group, the
Research Institute of Instrumentation Frontier of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), In cooperation with Dialight Japan Co., Ltd. and Life Technology Research Institute, Inc., has developed practical portable X-ray sources with a cold-cathode electron source using carbon nanostructures.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Diabetes alert
Chinese researchers from Nankai U in Tianjin have developed polymer nanoparticles that can release insulin in response to changes in glucose concentration, creating a potential treatment for diabetes.
See Chemistry World, May 7, 2009.
STD alert
Researchers at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCLA and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have now designed a unique method for inducing immunity to chlamydia infection. The findings could accelerate progress toward the development of a vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Their study described the use of a novel vaccine platform that utilizes an engineered nanoparticle delivery system.
See Eureka Alert, April 29, 2009 and PLoS ONE, April 30 ,2009.
NIOSH updates on workplace safety
The document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology, reiterates the agency's recommendation that employers take measures to control occupational exposure in the manufacture and industrial use of engineered nanomaterials.
See Risk and Insurance, May 4, 2009 and NIOSH
New vaccines
Liquidia Technologies presented data at the National Foundation of Infectious Disease (NFID) Annual Meeting which supports new insight into a technology that could provide more safe and effective vaccines for a wide variety of diseases. Results of the study show that the desired immune response elicited by a vaccine can be enhanced up to 10-fold when the vaccine protein is linked to nano-particles of a particular size and shape.
See Press Release, April 28 2009.
More cancer and gold
Researchers at MIT claim to have developed tiny gold particles that can home in on tumors, and then, by absorbing energy from near-infrared light and emitting it as heat, destroy tumors with minimal side effects.
See MIT News, May 4, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Aussies push for nano lableling
The Minister for Science and Medical Research for the NSW Government will push for national mandatory labeling of nano-sized particles used in workplaces and improved testing facilities to assess the safety of new nanomaterials.
See Sydney Morning News, May 5, 2009.
STAPH infections targeted
Researchers at Yeshiva U have combined their revolutionary new drug-delivery system involving biocompatible nanoparticles with a powerful antimicrobial agent to treat potentially deadly drug-resistant staph infections in mice.
See Press Release and April 30, 2009 and Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 23, 2009.
INTEL And Saudis sign agreement
Intel and King Abdul-Aziz City of Science and Technology (KACST), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a collaborative research agreement to establish CENA, a world-class Center of Excellence in Nano-manufacturing Applications.
See AMEInfo, April 27, 2009.
Using nano to combat drug resistance
Researchers at Northeastern U combine two different anticancer agents in one nanoscale construct, providing a one-two punch that can prove lethal to such resistant cells. The nanoemulsion entraps both paclitaxel and curcumin.
See NCI News, April 2009 and Molecular Pharmaceutics, March 11, 2009.
Nano and bladder regeneration
Brown U researcher are using nanotechnology is in regenerative medicine, particularly by creating nanometer pores and associated nanometer surface features to improve bladder tissue growth while inhibiting bladder calcium stone formation, which is a common disease affecting 5.2% of adults in the US with a high rate of recurrence.
See NanotechWeb, April 23, 2009.
EU student outreach
NANOYOU will design and undertake a communication and outreach program in nanotechnology (NT) aimed at European youth. The project will reach 11-18 year olds through school programs to take place in at least 20 EU Member States and Associated States. Additional programs aimed at young adults aged 19-25 will be offered in science centers.
See ZSI Release, June 9, 2009
Nano spending adjustment
According to Cientific, governments will be spending nearly $10 billion on nanotechnology research in 2009, but despite this huge figure government spending has begun to slow down. Spending will only grow by 9.3% from 2008-2012 compared with the 130% increase witnessed from 2004-2008. Countries are now emphasizing the importance of application-driven research in this emerging field.
See NanoTech Wire, May 1, 2009.
Portable x-ray
Researchers from the Advanced Defect-Characterization Research Group, the
Research Institute of Instrumentation Frontier of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), In cooperation with Dialight Japan Co., Ltd. and Life Technology Research Institute, Inc., has developed practical portable X-ray sources with a cold-cathode electron source using carbon nanostructures.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Diabetes alert
Chinese researchers from Nankai U in Tianjin have developed polymer nanoparticles that can release insulin in response to changes in glucose concentration, creating a potential treatment for diabetes.
See Chemistry World, May 7, 2009.
STD alert
Researchers at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCLA and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have now designed a unique method for inducing immunity to chlamydia infection. The findings could accelerate progress toward the development of a vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Their study described the use of a novel vaccine platform that utilizes an engineered nanoparticle delivery system.
See Eureka Alert, April 29, 2009 and PLoS ONE, April 30 ,2009.
NIOSH updates on workplace safety
The document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology, reiterates the agency's recommendation that employers take measures to control occupational exposure in the manufacture and industrial use of engineered nanomaterials.
See Risk and Insurance, May 4, 2009 and NIOSH
New vaccines
Liquidia Technologies presented data at the National Foundation of Infectious Disease (NFID) Annual Meeting which supports new insight into a technology that could provide more safe and effective vaccines for a wide variety of diseases. Results of the study show that the desired immune response elicited by a vaccine can be enhanced up to 10-fold when the vaccine protein is linked to nano-particles of a particular size and shape.
See Press Release, April 28 2009.
More cancer and gold
Researchers at MIT claim to have developed tiny gold particles that can home in on tumors, and then, by absorbing energy from near-infrared light and emitting it as heat, destroy tumors with minimal side effects.
See MIT News, May 4, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Aussies push for nano lableling
The Minister for Science and Medical Research for the NSW Government will push for national mandatory labeling of nano-sized particles used in workplaces and improved testing facilities to assess the safety of new nanomaterials.
See Sydney Morning News, May 5, 2009.
STAPH infections targeted
Researchers at Yeshiva U have combined their revolutionary new drug-delivery system involving biocompatible nanoparticles with a powerful antimicrobial agent to treat potentially deadly drug-resistant staph infections in mice.
See Press Release and April 30, 2009 and Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 23, 2009.
INTEL And Saudis sign agreement
Intel and King Abdul-Aziz City of Science and Technology (KACST), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a collaborative research agreement to establish CENA, a world-class Center of Excellence in Nano-manufacturing Applications.
See AMEInfo, April 27, 2009.
Using nano to combat drug resistance
Researchers at Northeastern U combine two different anticancer agents in one nanoscale construct, providing a one-two punch that can prove lethal to such resistant cells. The nanoemulsion entraps both paclitaxel and curcumin.
See NCI News, April 2009 and Molecular Pharmaceutics, March 11, 2009.
Nano and bladder regeneration
Brown U researcher are using nanotechnology is in regenerative medicine, particularly by creating nanometer pores and associated nanometer surface features to improve bladder tissue growth while inhibiting bladder calcium stone formation, which is a common disease affecting 5.2% of adults in the US with a high rate of recurrence.
See NanotechWeb, April 23, 2009.
EU student outreach
NANOYOU will design and undertake a communication and outreach program in nanotechnology (NT) aimed at European youth. The project will reach 11-18 year olds through school programs to take place in at least 20 EU Member States and Associated States. Additional programs aimed at young adults aged 19-25 will be offered in science centers.
See ZSI Release, June 9, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, April 15, 2009
BREAKTHROUGH
Nanoscale rings
Researchers at Cal Tech and Berkeley report a direct catalytic route for making nanoscale rings with potential applications in drug delivery and organic photovoltaic devices.
See C&EN, April 20, 2009 and J Am Chem Soc.
Nanoparticle thin films
Researchers at MIT have used capillary condensation to functionalize inorganic nanoparticle coatings that could be used to make transparent thin films for applications like imaging devices and memory storage. The technique also bypasses the need for toxic, co-solvents during processing.
See NanotechWeb, April 24, 2009.
NEWSWORTHY
Australian trade union demand nano-registry
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for a mandatory national register of who is importing, manufacturing, supplying and selling nanomaterials.
See Sydney Morning News, April 13, 2009.
Printable electronics
Researchers from ETH Zurich report a new technique that uses flame spray synthesis in combination with a simple in-situ functionalization step to synthesize graphene coated copper nanoparticles which are air-stable and can be easily handled at ambient conditions.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Flexible batteries using viruses
Researchers at MIT use viruses to build both the positively and negatively charged ends of a battery, the cathode and anode. The virus was coaxed into binding with iron phosphate and then carbon nanotubes to create a highly conductive material. While the prototype battery is currently the size of a coin, the scientists believe it can be scaled and be used to create flexible batteries that can take the shape of their container, which is perfect for mobile or small devices.
See BBC News, April 2, 2009.
Solar cells using diatoms
Researchers at OSU and Portland State U have created a new way to make "dye-sensitized" solar cells using diatoms, in which photons bounce around like they were in a pinball machine, striking these dyes and producing electricity. This technology may be slightly more expensive than some existing approaches to make dye-sensitized solar cells, but can potentially triple the electrical output.
See Science Daily, April 9, 2009.
Solar advances using reisdue
Researcher from Northeastern U and NIST discovered, serendipitously, that a residue of a process used to build arrays of titania nanotubes-a residue that wasn't even noticed before this-plays an important role in improving the performance of the nanotubes in solar cells that produce hydrogen gas from water. By controlling the deposition of potassium on the surface of the nanotubes, engineers can achieve significant energy savings in a promising new alternate energy system.
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
Gas storage
Researchers at the Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences report using molecular dynamics to model the behavior of a lock and fill nanocapsule. The closed-cage design could offer a safe and effective way of storing gases such as methane under normal conditions.
See NanotechWeb, March 17, 2009.
Oil from algae
Researchers from Ames and Iowa State U. reportedly developed "nanofarming" technology that safely harvests oil from the algae so the pond-based "crop" can keep on producing.
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
Nano-aviation
Researchers from Canada’s FP Innovations have unveiled plans for a factory that will use nanotechnology to extract cellulose from wood and use it to form composite materials for airplanes.
See Blog Wired, April 24, 2009
LISTERIA sensor
Researchers from Purdue and IIT are reporting development of a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria.
See Nanowerk, April 22, 2009
and
Analytical Chemsitry, March 24, 2009.
Silver working group
The Silver Institute and the Silver Research Consortium announced the formation of the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group (SNWG). The SNWG is an industry effort intended to foster the collection of data on silver nanotechnology in order to advance the science and public understanding of the beneficial uses of silver nanoparticles in a wide-range of consumer and industrial products
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
EU “No data, no market"
The European Parliament's environment committee this week adopted a report by Swedish Green MEP Carl Schlyter which calls for tighter controls on nanotechnology, including the application of the 'no data, no market' principle contained in the REACH Directive. The own-initiative, non-binding report calls for products containing nanotechnology which are already on the market to be withdrawn until safety assessments can be made.
See EuroActiv, April 2, 2009.
EU finds PPPs for green revolution 2
€1.2 billion will be earmarked for R&D as part of the Factories for the Future programme; €1 billion will be dedicated to researching energy efficient buildings; and the much-vaunted Green Car Initiative is worth a total of €5 billion. The first calls for research projects linked to these PPPs are expected in July 2009, with the Commission keen to see the first projects underway in spring 2010.
See EuChemMS Brussels News Update, May 2009.
Russia investing in Canadian nano
According to Canwest News Service, a state-owned Russian venture capital fund is poised to pump millions of dollars into Canada's fledgling nanotechnology industry. The fund is RUSNANO and is one of the largest technology capital funds on the planet.
See Nanowerk, April 13, 2009.
Clinical study announced
NanoBio Corp. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the Phase 1 clinical study of NB-1008, a seasonal influenza vaccine administered via a nasal dropper.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Cancer and gold nanorods
Researcher at U Missouri announced a systematic investigation on the design and development of targeted gold nanorods. A recent result of this work has been the design of a novel peptide-based nanovector for carrying drug payloads to cancer sites.
See Nanowerk, April 15, 2009 and Nano Letters, April 7, 2009
Melanoma research using gold nanospheres
UC Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and the Houston MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported using hollow gold nanospheres to enhance the cell-killing effects of photothermal ablation. The researchers equipped the nanospheres with a protein fragment that targets melanoma cells while avoiding healthy skin cells. When exposed to near-infrared light, which penetrates deeply through the skin, the nanospheres heat up and destroy the cancer cells.
See NanotechWeb. April 24, 2009.
Breast cancer biomarkers
Researchers at Duke U have demonstrated multiplexed detection of breast cancer biomarkers using structures dubbed "molecular sentinel" (MS) nanoprobes.
See NanotechWeb, May 19, 2009.and Nanotechnology. February 11, 2009.
Orthopedics and dentistry drug delivery
Titanium dioxide nanotubes might be incorporated into orthopaedic or dental implants to deliver drugs in a local area over a period of several weeks. So say researchers at the universities of California, San Francisco, and Pennsylvania State who have shown that the nanotubes can release albumin, a large protein molecule, as well as sirolimus and paclitaxel, common small molecule drugs.
See NanotechWeb, April 3, 2009.
Nanogenerators
Researchers at Georgia Tech and U Wisconsin-Madison announced an advance in nanogenerators. Nanoscale generators can turn ambient mechanical energy--vibrations, fluid flow, and even biological movement—into a power source. Now researchers have combined a nanogenerator with a solar cell to create an integrated mechanical- and solar-energy-harvesting device.
See Technology Review, April 9, 2009.
NCSU battery research
Researchers from North Carolina State University are using an industrially viable electrospinning technique and subsequent carbonization processes to fabricate porous carbon nanofibres (PCNFs). These prepared PCNFs can provide fast lithium charge/discharge kinetics.
See NanotechWeb, April 24, 2009 and Nanotechnology.
Chemical sensors
Imperial College researchers announced developments in metallic nanostructure sensing involving a device that could be tailored to detect different chemicals by decorating the nanostructure surface with specific 'molecular traps' that bind the chosen target molecules. Once bound, the target molecules would change the colors that the device absorbs and scatters, alerting the sensor to their presence.
See Science Daily, April 13, 2009.
No more painful injections
The end of deep, painful vaccine injections is in sight. One of the first widespread applications of nanotechnology in medicine could be a painless, needle-free vaccine "nanopatch" being developed by Australian scientists.
See Sydney Morning News, April 23, 2009
Indian nano degree
Maitreyi College, Delhi University, will be offering a full-time postgraduate diploma in nanotechnology from this academic year.
See The Times of India, April 6, 2009.
Nanoscale rings
Researchers at Cal Tech and Berkeley report a direct catalytic route for making nanoscale rings with potential applications in drug delivery and organic photovoltaic devices.
See C&EN, April 20, 2009 and J Am Chem Soc.
Nanoparticle thin films
Researchers at MIT have used capillary condensation to functionalize inorganic nanoparticle coatings that could be used to make transparent thin films for applications like imaging devices and memory storage. The technique also bypasses the need for toxic, co-solvents during processing.
See NanotechWeb, April 24, 2009.
NEWSWORTHY
Australian trade union demand nano-registry
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for a mandatory national register of who is importing, manufacturing, supplying and selling nanomaterials.
See Sydney Morning News, April 13, 2009.
Printable electronics
Researchers from ETH Zurich report a new technique that uses flame spray synthesis in combination with a simple in-situ functionalization step to synthesize graphene coated copper nanoparticles which are air-stable and can be easily handled at ambient conditions.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Flexible batteries using viruses
Researchers at MIT use viruses to build both the positively and negatively charged ends of a battery, the cathode and anode. The virus was coaxed into binding with iron phosphate and then carbon nanotubes to create a highly conductive material. While the prototype battery is currently the size of a coin, the scientists believe it can be scaled and be used to create flexible batteries that can take the shape of their container, which is perfect for mobile or small devices.
See BBC News, April 2, 2009.
Solar cells using diatoms
Researchers at OSU and Portland State U have created a new way to make "dye-sensitized" solar cells using diatoms, in which photons bounce around like they were in a pinball machine, striking these dyes and producing electricity. This technology may be slightly more expensive than some existing approaches to make dye-sensitized solar cells, but can potentially triple the electrical output.
See Science Daily, April 9, 2009.
Solar advances using reisdue
Researcher from Northeastern U and NIST discovered, serendipitously, that a residue of a process used to build arrays of titania nanotubes-a residue that wasn't even noticed before this-plays an important role in improving the performance of the nanotubes in solar cells that produce hydrogen gas from water. By controlling the deposition of potassium on the surface of the nanotubes, engineers can achieve significant energy savings in a promising new alternate energy system.
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
Gas storage
Researchers at the Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences report using molecular dynamics to model the behavior of a lock and fill nanocapsule. The closed-cage design could offer a safe and effective way of storing gases such as methane under normal conditions.
See NanotechWeb, March 17, 2009.
Oil from algae
Researchers from Ames and Iowa State U. reportedly developed "nanofarming" technology that safely harvests oil from the algae so the pond-based "crop" can keep on producing.
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
Nano-aviation
Researchers from Canada’s FP Innovations have unveiled plans for a factory that will use nanotechnology to extract cellulose from wood and use it to form composite materials for airplanes.
See Blog Wired, April 24, 2009
LISTERIA sensor
Researchers from Purdue and IIT are reporting development of a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria.
See Nanowerk, April 22, 2009
and
Analytical Chemsitry, March 24, 2009.
Silver working group
The Silver Institute and the Silver Research Consortium announced the formation of the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group (SNWG). The SNWG is an industry effort intended to foster the collection of data on silver nanotechnology in order to advance the science and public understanding of the beneficial uses of silver nanoparticles in a wide-range of consumer and industrial products
See AtoZ Nano, April 24, 2009.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
EU “No data, no market"
The European Parliament's environment committee this week adopted a report by Swedish Green MEP Carl Schlyter which calls for tighter controls on nanotechnology, including the application of the 'no data, no market' principle contained in the REACH Directive. The own-initiative, non-binding report calls for products containing nanotechnology which are already on the market to be withdrawn until safety assessments can be made.
See EuroActiv, April 2, 2009.
EU finds PPPs for green revolution 2
€1.2 billion will be earmarked for R&D as part of the Factories for the Future programme; €1 billion will be dedicated to researching energy efficient buildings; and the much-vaunted Green Car Initiative is worth a total of €5 billion. The first calls for research projects linked to these PPPs are expected in July 2009, with the Commission keen to see the first projects underway in spring 2010.
See EuChemMS Brussels News Update, May 2009.
Russia investing in Canadian nano
According to Canwest News Service, a state-owned Russian venture capital fund is poised to pump millions of dollars into Canada's fledgling nanotechnology industry. The fund is RUSNANO and is one of the largest technology capital funds on the planet.
See Nanowerk, April 13, 2009.
Clinical study announced
NanoBio Corp. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the Phase 1 clinical study of NB-1008, a seasonal influenza vaccine administered via a nasal dropper.
See Nanowerk, April 24, 2009.
Cancer and gold nanorods
Researcher at U Missouri announced a systematic investigation on the design and development of targeted gold nanorods. A recent result of this work has been the design of a novel peptide-based nanovector for carrying drug payloads to cancer sites.
See Nanowerk, April 15, 2009 and Nano Letters, April 7, 2009
Melanoma research using gold nanospheres
UC Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and the Houston MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported using hollow gold nanospheres to enhance the cell-killing effects of photothermal ablation. The researchers equipped the nanospheres with a protein fragment that targets melanoma cells while avoiding healthy skin cells. When exposed to near-infrared light, which penetrates deeply through the skin, the nanospheres heat up and destroy the cancer cells.
See NanotechWeb. April 24, 2009.
Breast cancer biomarkers
Researchers at Duke U have demonstrated multiplexed detection of breast cancer biomarkers using structures dubbed "molecular sentinel" (MS) nanoprobes.
See NanotechWeb, May 19, 2009.and Nanotechnology. February 11, 2009.
Orthopedics and dentistry drug delivery
Titanium dioxide nanotubes might be incorporated into orthopaedic or dental implants to deliver drugs in a local area over a period of several weeks. So say researchers at the universities of California, San Francisco, and Pennsylvania State who have shown that the nanotubes can release albumin, a large protein molecule, as well as sirolimus and paclitaxel, common small molecule drugs.
See NanotechWeb, April 3, 2009.
Nanogenerators
Researchers at Georgia Tech and U Wisconsin-Madison announced an advance in nanogenerators. Nanoscale generators can turn ambient mechanical energy--vibrations, fluid flow, and even biological movement—into a power source. Now researchers have combined a nanogenerator with a solar cell to create an integrated mechanical- and solar-energy-harvesting device.
See Technology Review, April 9, 2009.
NCSU battery research
Researchers from North Carolina State University are using an industrially viable electrospinning technique and subsequent carbonization processes to fabricate porous carbon nanofibres (PCNFs). These prepared PCNFs can provide fast lithium charge/discharge kinetics.
See NanotechWeb, April 24, 2009 and Nanotechnology.
Chemical sensors
Imperial College researchers announced developments in metallic nanostructure sensing involving a device that could be tailored to detect different chemicals by decorating the nanostructure surface with specific 'molecular traps' that bind the chosen target molecules. Once bound, the target molecules would change the colors that the device absorbs and scatters, alerting the sensor to their presence.
See Science Daily, April 13, 2009.
No more painful injections
The end of deep, painful vaccine injections is in sight. One of the first widespread applications of nanotechnology in medicine could be a painless, needle-free vaccine "nanopatch" being developed by Australian scientists.
See Sydney Morning News, April 23, 2009
Indian nano degree
Maitreyi College, Delhi University, will be offering a full-time postgraduate diploma in nanotechnology from this academic year.
See The Times of India, April 6, 2009.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Toxicity testing quandary
U. Minnesota and U. British Columbia researchers reported if all existing nanomaterials were to be tested for toxicity, it would cost U.S. industries between $249 million and $1.18 billion, but the testing could take as long as 53 years at current levels of investment. Does this mean we need a bigger investment in toxicity testing or find new ways to test nanomaterials or both? (See ES&T DOI 10.1021/es802388s) See ACS Publications.
New way to test for inhalation
Scientists at the University of Bern and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich designed a sealed glove box system where nanoparticles are simultaneously made in aerosol form and then deposited onto lung tissue cells. See RSC.
Green nanomaterials
Researchers are creating green nanomaterials, with an eye toward their hazards as well as cleanup potentials and pitfalls. (See ES&T, 43:5, 2009, 1247-1249) See ACS Publications.
Cancer gene therapy
Cancer Research UK scientists have for the first time developed a treatment that transports 'tumor busting' genes selectively to cancer cells (mice study). See Cancer Research UK .
More cancer gene therapy
U London School of Pharmacy reports a way to switch off cancer-causing genes and trigger cell death. It is based on nanotubes used to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) directly into the tumor mass, which it is hoped will have a significant impact in the battle against lung cancer. See Pharmacy Europe.
Pesticide applications
Cornell U researchers how found a way to apply pesticides by encapsulating them in biodegradable nanofibers, which keeps then intact until needed and minimizes loss to drift or being washed away from the plants they are intended to protect. See Cornell Chronicle.
GATES foundation and NSF
The Gates Foundation money will be used to bring in researchers from around the world, particularly developing countries. The new program is called BREAD, Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development. NSF Program Director Deborah Delmer said it will cast a wide net for new ideas and approaches to common problems like poor soil quality, crops that spoil during storage and plant strains that wilt in today's heat — and may fare even worse as climate change raises the planet's temperature. See The Seattle Times.
FDA – Texas consortium announced
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the creation of a nanotechnology initiative in collaboration with the eight Texas academic institutions that make up the Houston-based Alliance for NanoHealth. (These include Rice U, the U of Texas, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.) See Technology Review.
EU cosmetics regulations in the horizon
Parliament approved an update of EU legislation on cosmetics when it votes on a first-reading agreement thrashed out between EP and Council representatives. The basic aim of the new regulation is to remove legal uncertainties and inconsistencies, while increasing the safety of cosmetics. Parliament's amendments add further improvements, especially regarding the claims companies make for their products and the safety of nanomaterials used in cosmetics. See European Parliament.
Sunscreens allegations
U Toledo researchers found nano-titanium dioxide used in personal care products reduced biological roles of bacteria after less than an hour of exposure. Utah State U and U Utah researchers found beneficial soil bacteria cannot tolerate silver, copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Both presented at ACS meeting in Salt Lake City. See Environmental Health News.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paper for electronic devices
Kyoto University researchers made transparent paper from nanosized cellulose fibers (renewable) as alternative to glass and polymers in electronic devices. Findings were presented at the Salt Lake ACS meeting. See C & EN.
EU nanofood concern
In a legislative report dealing with an update of the EU rules on novel foods, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to interdict the placing on the market of food derived from cloned animals and their descendants. MEPs also want food being produced by nanotechnology processes to undergo a specific risk assessment before being approved for use and be labeled. See European Parliament.
Saudis new nano company
Saudis open the Saudi Nanotechnology Company. According to chairman Prince Bader Bin Saud said the firm would provide the Kingdom with a means of keeping pace with worldwide developments in nanotechnology, rather than it having to rely on foreign research. See Arabian Business.
HYPE alert
Check the Mental Floss website, for How to Destroy Civilization with Nanotechnology" directed by Ransom Riggs. WIRED Science reports: Several teams of social scientists are hard at work, trying to answer that question, and movies like this could turn their world upside down. Nice rhetoric but hardly. See Wired Science.
Tunneling nanotubes
Glowing infectious proteins called prions move through a network of mouse brain cells linked by tunneling nanotubes. Experiments are revealing that the tiny threads ferry both beneficial and harmful cargo between cells. See Science News.
China's nano-speakers
Tsinghua U. used a slim film of see-through plastic to transform almost any surface into an auditorium. It is made from nanocarbon tubes which, when heated, make the air around them vibrate, producing the sound. See Guardian.co.uk.
Nanolub
NanoLub has produced a nanotechnology-based (tungsten disulfide)lubricant which can enhance compression efficiency and a reduction of over 5% in fuel consumption of the vehicles. See A to Z Nano.
U. Minnesota and U. British Columbia researchers reported if all existing nanomaterials were to be tested for toxicity, it would cost U.S. industries between $249 million and $1.18 billion, but the testing could take as long as 53 years at current levels of investment. Does this mean we need a bigger investment in toxicity testing or find new ways to test nanomaterials or both? (See ES&T DOI 10.1021/es802388s) See ACS Publications.
New way to test for inhalation
Scientists at the University of Bern and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich designed a sealed glove box system where nanoparticles are simultaneously made in aerosol form and then deposited onto lung tissue cells. See RSC.
Green nanomaterials
Researchers are creating green nanomaterials, with an eye toward their hazards as well as cleanup potentials and pitfalls. (See ES&T, 43:5, 2009, 1247-1249) See ACS Publications.
Cancer gene therapy
Cancer Research UK scientists have for the first time developed a treatment that transports 'tumor busting' genes selectively to cancer cells (mice study). See Cancer Research UK .
More cancer gene therapy
U London School of Pharmacy reports a way to switch off cancer-causing genes and trigger cell death. It is based on nanotubes used to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) directly into the tumor mass, which it is hoped will have a significant impact in the battle against lung cancer. See Pharmacy Europe.
Pesticide applications
Cornell U researchers how found a way to apply pesticides by encapsulating them in biodegradable nanofibers, which keeps then intact until needed and minimizes loss to drift or being washed away from the plants they are intended to protect. See Cornell Chronicle.
GATES foundation and NSF
The Gates Foundation money will be used to bring in researchers from around the world, particularly developing countries. The new program is called BREAD, Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development. NSF Program Director Deborah Delmer said it will cast a wide net for new ideas and approaches to common problems like poor soil quality, crops that spoil during storage and plant strains that wilt in today's heat — and may fare even worse as climate change raises the planet's temperature. See The Seattle Times.
FDA – Texas consortium announced
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the creation of a nanotechnology initiative in collaboration with the eight Texas academic institutions that make up the Houston-based Alliance for NanoHealth. (These include Rice U, the U of Texas, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.) See Technology Review.
EU cosmetics regulations in the horizon
Parliament approved an update of EU legislation on cosmetics when it votes on a first-reading agreement thrashed out between EP and Council representatives. The basic aim of the new regulation is to remove legal uncertainties and inconsistencies, while increasing the safety of cosmetics. Parliament's amendments add further improvements, especially regarding the claims companies make for their products and the safety of nanomaterials used in cosmetics. See European Parliament.
Sunscreens allegations
U Toledo researchers found nano-titanium dioxide used in personal care products reduced biological roles of bacteria after less than an hour of exposure. Utah State U and U Utah researchers found beneficial soil bacteria cannot tolerate silver, copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Both presented at ACS meeting in Salt Lake City. See Environmental Health News.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paper for electronic devices
Kyoto University researchers made transparent paper from nanosized cellulose fibers (renewable) as alternative to glass and polymers in electronic devices. Findings were presented at the Salt Lake ACS meeting. See C & EN.
EU nanofood concern
In a legislative report dealing with an update of the EU rules on novel foods, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to interdict the placing on the market of food derived from cloned animals and their descendants. MEPs also want food being produced by nanotechnology processes to undergo a specific risk assessment before being approved for use and be labeled. See European Parliament.
Saudis new nano company
Saudis open the Saudi Nanotechnology Company. According to chairman Prince Bader Bin Saud said the firm would provide the Kingdom with a means of keeping pace with worldwide developments in nanotechnology, rather than it having to rely on foreign research. See Arabian Business.
HYPE alert
Check the Mental Floss website, for How to Destroy Civilization with Nanotechnology" directed by Ransom Riggs. WIRED Science reports: Several teams of social scientists are hard at work, trying to answer that question, and movies like this could turn their world upside down. Nice rhetoric but hardly. See Wired Science.
Tunneling nanotubes
Glowing infectious proteins called prions move through a network of mouse brain cells linked by tunneling nanotubes. Experiments are revealing that the tiny threads ferry both beneficial and harmful cargo between cells. See Science News.
China's nano-speakers
Tsinghua U. used a slim film of see-through plastic to transform almost any surface into an auditorium. It is made from nanocarbon tubes which, when heated, make the air around them vibrate, producing the sound. See Guardian.co.uk.
Nanolub
NanoLub has produced a nanotechnology-based (tungsten disulfide)lubricant which can enhance compression efficiency and a reduction of over 5% in fuel consumption of the vehicles. See A to Z Nano.
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