NEWSWORTHY
Nanolens for better imaging
Researchers from the Northeastern University developed a nanolens that could improve imaging technologies. The nanolens is made up of nanowires or metamaterials (materials that are manufactured and not found naturally). The nanowires are 20nm in diameter and can be aligned suitably to guide the path of light in a desired manner. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
MRI+Nanodiamond=Improved signal intensity
At Northwestern University researchers found that combining nanodiamonds with an MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agent improves the signal intensity and that in turn improves the image contrast. They used gadolinium(III)-nanodiamond complex that enhanced the relaxivity (a contrast efficacy indicator) by a factor of ten. This resulted in improvement in contrast and image resolution. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nanoburrs
Scientists from Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed nanoburrs that are particles coated with tiny proteins so that they stick onto target proteins for drug delivery. The nanoburrs act on basement membranes (lining of the arterial walls, exposed only if any injury were to occur) and could be used to treat atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanowerk.
Nanotechnology to sense cancer biomarkers
Researchers from Yale University have developed a nanosensor that can identify biomarkers for prostate and breast cancer in whole blood. The silicon nanoribbon sensor filters out the antigens specific to prostate and breast cancer from whole blood. The test takes less than 20 minutes and the readings are precise. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Superlattices
Researchers from Missouri University of Science and Technology developed superlattices (nanoscale-structures) capable of manipulating their resistances. Defect chemistry and compositional superlattices were developed from magnetite and zinc ferrite, grown on a single gold crystal, and were placed in a beaker filled with a solution. Superlattices built through the defect-chemistry method displaced efficiency in altering their resistances through variations in applied voltage. Building such superlattices could lead to improvements in computing devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Artificial DNA
German researchers developed artificial DNA while preserving its original structure. The artificial DNA has a thin nanowire inside and its nucleobases are replaced by artificial components which bind tightly to silver ions. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Chemistry.
Nano contact lens
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario created contact lens that could be used to measure glucose levels in diabetic patients. Nanoparticles used in these lenses react with the glucose molecules found in tears and change color when there is a change in the glucose content. The study is still in its developing stages. See Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.
Nanocoating to stop light from reflecting
Physicists from the University of Stuttgart developed a nanocoating that prevents light from reflecting when applied to surfaces. The metallic nanoparticles act as an “anti-reflex coating” and eliminate light reflection almost entirely. This coating can be used in integrated optics or in solar cells. See Nanowerk and Physical Review B.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Nanotechnology Risk Symposium
Professor Berube will be speaking tonight at a Nanotechnology Risk Symposium hosted by the Research Triangle Chapter of the Society for Risk Analysis. The event will be streamed live at this address. Use the following login information:
Username: sra
Password: sra011910
Speakers will start at 6:30pm est. Additional information can be found at www.rtc-sra.org.
Username: sra
Password: sra011910
Speakers will start at 6:30pm est. Additional information can be found at www.rtc-sra.org.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, January 13, 2010
NEWSWORTHY
Magnetic Ferropaper
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a magnetic “ferropaper” that can be used to make micromotors, tweezers to study cells, and miniature speakers. The process involves impregnating paper with a fluid containing mineral oil and magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide. The paper is then coated with a biocompatible plastic film. This prevents the fluid from evaporating, improves its mechanical properties, and makes it water resistant. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Paper and Carbon nanotubes to detect toxins
Engineers at the University of Michigan developed a strip of paper containing carbon nanotubes to detect toxins in drinking water. This sensor works by measuring the electrical conductivity of these nanotubes which are coated with antibodies of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). When the paper is introduced into water contaminated with MC-LR, the antibodies squeeze in between the nanotubes, altering the overall electrical conductivity of the sensor. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano “cocktail”
A group of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT and UC Santa Barbara have developed a “cocktail” of nanomaterials that can locate, adhere, and kill tumors. Gold nanorod would track and adhere to tumor cells and iron oxide nanoworms or doxorubicin-loaded liposomes would kill those tumors. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Biodegradable nanoparticles
Researchers from the John Hopkins University developed biodegradable nanoparticles that can easily penetrate through body’s mucus/sticky fluids or secretions. The biodegradable nanoparticles travelled through the mucus of cystic fibers faster than usual. This research could lead to improvements in drug delivery and could aid in treating eye, lung, gut, or female reproductive tract diseases. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“DNA Origami”
Scientists from UC San Diego have found the solution to engineer the orientation and placement of nanomaterials. By using “rationally designed synthetic DNA nanostructures” they were able to achieve control of nanomaterials at a level of 5 and 100 nanometers, which was unattainable through self-assembled structures or lithographic patterns. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanoscale Golden ratio
Researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB), Oxford University, Bristol University, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK, found the famous golden ratio to be true even at the nano-level. Cobalt niobate was the material used and magnetic field was applied perpendicularly to the aligned spin to transform the magnetic chain to the quantum critical state. Tension was built due to interactions among the spins resulting in magnetic resonance. The frequencies of the first two resonant notes were in ratio of 1.618, which is the golden ratio. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Molecular machines
University of Glasgow researchers have images of nanoparticle self-assembly that could aid in building molecular machines. Researchers at Glasgow, along with colleagues at the University of Bielefeld, Germany conducted an experiment with a flow reactor system for assembly of nanoparticles in dynamic conditions which allowed them to witness molecular self-assembly. See Nanowerk and Science.
“Nanodragster”
Scientists at Texas reported the development of a “nanodragster,” an improvement in molecular machines. This vehicle has a small front end axle, wheels made from special materials for easy roll, and a longer rear axle made from buckyballs for strong surface grip. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Web, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Organic letters.
Magnetic Ferropaper
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a magnetic “ferropaper” that can be used to make micromotors, tweezers to study cells, and miniature speakers. The process involves impregnating paper with a fluid containing mineral oil and magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide. The paper is then coated with a biocompatible plastic film. This prevents the fluid from evaporating, improves its mechanical properties, and makes it water resistant. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Paper and Carbon nanotubes to detect toxins
Engineers at the University of Michigan developed a strip of paper containing carbon nanotubes to detect toxins in drinking water. This sensor works by measuring the electrical conductivity of these nanotubes which are coated with antibodies of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). When the paper is introduced into water contaminated with MC-LR, the antibodies squeeze in between the nanotubes, altering the overall electrical conductivity of the sensor. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano “cocktail”
A group of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT and UC Santa Barbara have developed a “cocktail” of nanomaterials that can locate, adhere, and kill tumors. Gold nanorod would track and adhere to tumor cells and iron oxide nanoworms or doxorubicin-loaded liposomes would kill those tumors. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Biodegradable nanoparticles
Researchers from the John Hopkins University developed biodegradable nanoparticles that can easily penetrate through body’s mucus/sticky fluids or secretions. The biodegradable nanoparticles travelled through the mucus of cystic fibers faster than usual. This research could lead to improvements in drug delivery and could aid in treating eye, lung, gut, or female reproductive tract diseases. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“DNA Origami”
Scientists from UC San Diego have found the solution to engineer the orientation and placement of nanomaterials. By using “rationally designed synthetic DNA nanostructures” they were able to achieve control of nanomaterials at a level of 5 and 100 nanometers, which was unattainable through self-assembled structures or lithographic patterns. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanoscale Golden ratio
Researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB), Oxford University, Bristol University, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK, found the famous golden ratio to be true even at the nano-level. Cobalt niobate was the material used and magnetic field was applied perpendicularly to the aligned spin to transform the magnetic chain to the quantum critical state. Tension was built due to interactions among the spins resulting in magnetic resonance. The frequencies of the first two resonant notes were in ratio of 1.618, which is the golden ratio. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Molecular machines
University of Glasgow researchers have images of nanoparticle self-assembly that could aid in building molecular machines. Researchers at Glasgow, along with colleagues at the University of Bielefeld, Germany conducted an experiment with a flow reactor system for assembly of nanoparticles in dynamic conditions which allowed them to witness molecular self-assembly. See Nanowerk and Science.
“Nanodragster”
Scientists at Texas reported the development of a “nanodragster,” an improvement in molecular machines. This vehicle has a small front end axle, wheels made from special materials for easy roll, and a longer rear axle made from buckyballs for strong surface grip. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Web, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Organic letters.
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