Nano News Update: Breakthroughs, Newsworthy, and Honorable Mentions

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Friday, August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nano and transferring for cancer therapy
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that attaching transferrin (the fourth most common protein in the human body) with biocompatible nanoparticles can result in elimination of B-cell lymphoma cells (found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). The group used PRINT (Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates) technology to produce biocompatible nanoparticles that, along with transferrin, could target and kill a broad range of cancerous cells (B-cell lymphoma cells, lung, ovarian, liver and prostate cancer cells). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Breath test for cancer detection
Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology have developed a nanosensor that can detect lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers with one exhaled breath. The gold nanoparticles in the sensors can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the blood stream by cancer cells. The sensor was tested with 177 volunteers (96 of them were cancer patients who had not received any treatment) and its results were cross-checked with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a reliable method). Comparing the two techniques demonstrated the accuracy of the nanosensor. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and British journal of cancer.

MSN to deliver chemo drugs
Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in vivo and effectively treat tumors in mice. The team exposed mice with camptothecin-loaded MSNs that reduced and regressed the xenograft tumors. The mice experienced minimal side effects and the nanoparticles were excreted from the body after delivering the drugs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Small.

Simplified testing using nanoparticles
Arizona State University researchers have devised a method to assess patients with infectious diseases and/or unhealthy proteins. The team used a superhydrophobic surface with a small depression. In this they placed a drop of nanoparticles (or microparticles) on the patient’s fluid sample. The nanoparticles and the patient sample bonded quickly for affected samples. They also observed that the infectious agent moved to the center of the drop. They estimate the cost of this testing device (which they refer to as Integrascope) to be about $1 to $2 dollars, making it extremely affordable. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Precedings.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Multi-functional nanoparticle for imaging
A research team at the University of Washington developed a better imaging technique, eliminating noise, using multi-functional nanoparticles. The 30nm particles are made up of iron-oxide with a gold shell that does not touch the core. They produced magnetic vibrations in the nanoparticles using a pulsing magnetic field. A photoacoustic image was taken and everything except the vibrating pixels were eliminated during image processing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.

Nanoparticle suspension to aid algae growth
Researchers at Syracuse University have devised a method to enhance the growth of algae using nanoparticle suspension, which can aid in the production of biofuels. The team built a mini bioreactor by placing algae in a dish that was situated on top of another dish containing silver nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and concentration of the nanoparticles, they produced a selective blue light scattering that enhanced the metabolism (growth) of algae by 30 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature.

Nanocoating to improve heat transfer
A research team from Oregon State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has found that using nanoscale zinc oxide coating on aluminum or copper substrates improved heat transfer characteristics. The coating results in a textured surface with active boiling sites. The findings of this study could aid in devising cooling devices for advanced electronics. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.

Metal nanosheet color filter
A research group from the University of Michigan developed color filters from thin, nanoscale sheets of metal. The sheets also act as a polarizer eliminating the need for extra sheets. The sliced metal-dielectric-metal stacks act as resonators that capture and transmit light of a particular wavelength. The smallest image the researchers were able to develop was 12 microns by 9 microns. The results of this research can be applied in projection displays and used to develop bendable or extremely compact displays. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, August 18, 2010

2010-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nano “fingerprints” to tell us about nano-bio interaction
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method that can predict nanoparticle behavior in biological entities. A screening process is performed where the size and surface characteristics of the nanoparticle are studied through a series of chemical tests. After analysis, researchers can create a “fingerpint” for each interaction between the particle and a biological molecule. The findings of this research will help identify which particles are best suited for drug delivery and which are harmful to humans and the environment. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.

NanoFETs that probe inside cells
A research team of chemists and engineers at Harvard University have devised a method to use nano field effect transistors (nanoFETs) to probe inside cells. They found that coating nanoFETs with the same material as that of the cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer) allows for easy insertion of these structures into the cells. They also found that introducing two 120º kinks to the 1D nanowire creates a 60º single V-shaped, two-pronged nanoFET. The two arms can then be connected to wires to allow current flow through the nano transistor, making it a small, sensitive probing instrument. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Science.

Plastic for nanoscale patterns
Researchers at the Northwestern University developed a method called Solvent-Assisted Nanoscale Embossing (SANE) to create nanopatterns. Using flexible plastic sheets, the team was able to generate an easy and inexpensive nanopatterning method that can be used in any laboratory. This method uses a starting nanoscale master pattern and creates multiple new nanoscale masters with unique spacings and feature sizes. SANE can be used to create different programmable array densities, lessen critical feature sizes, and design reconfigurable lattice symmetries over large areas. This method can aid biologists, chemists and physicists in their research at the nano level. Applications can also be extended to solar energy, data storage and plasmonics.See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Light-Matter interaction
Physicists from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), the Walther-Meissner-Institute for Low Temperature Research of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (WMI), and Augsburg University, in collaboration with partners from Spain found a stronger than usual interaction between microwave photons and the atoms of a nano-structured circuit. Researchers replaced the previously used cavity resonator (which captures one light particle and one atom inside it) with a microwave resonator, a Josephson junction, and an aluminum nano-structured circuit, which on proper configuration behaves as a single atom. Findings of this research can be used in manufacturing quantum computers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Physics.

Nano and bio for DNA sequencing
A research team from the University of Washington has devised a method to sequence DNA at a small scale using a nanopore taken from Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A. They placed the pore in a membrane surrounded by potassium chloride solution and applied a small voltage to allow current to flow through it. Each time a nucleotide passed through the pore, a different signal was registered. The pore size was maintained such that only one nucleotide passed through it at any given time. A double stranded DNA was attached between two consecutive nucleotides, giving each nucleotide enough time in the pore for proper registration. The results of this research can help in making DNA sequencing as cheap as $1000. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Protection for degenerative eye disorders
Researchers from Tufts University found a solution to delay the onset of certain eye diseases and preserve vision. The team treated a set of mice with nanoparticles carrying a gene for GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and found that less photoreceptor cells were damaged in comparison to the control group mice. This led to better eye sight for the treatment group mice, which were tested seven days after the treatment. However, the protection lasted for less than fourteen days. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Molecular Therapy.

Chitosan nanoparticles to control tumor growth
Scientists at the University of Texas developed a nanoparticle-based system to curb the growth of new blood vessels in the tumor, thereby reducing tumor burden on mice suffering from ovarian cancer. The method works on silencing the EZH2 gene that promotes tumor growth through affecting the genes that block the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor. Making the EZH2 inactive in the tumor’s endothelial cells (through small interfering RNA packaged in chitosan nanoparticles) reactivates the vasohibin1 gene which reduces the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor and ovarian cancer in mice. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Nicotine + Ozone = harmful nanoparticles
Research conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that nicotine from secondhand smoke in combination with ozone resulted in nanosized ultrafine particles that could threaten asthma patients. The ultrafine secondary organic aerosols (produced by the transformation of organic gases in the atmosphere), less than 100 nanometers in size, can deposit harmful chemicals deep in the respiratory tract to cause oxidative stress. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.

Nanotube and enzyme combine to kill MRSA
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a nanocoating that could eliminate any methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which is responsible for antibiotic resistant infections. The coating is a combination of carbon nanotubes and a naturally occurring enzyme called lysostaphin, and is only toxic to MRSA. It does not release any chemicals into the environment during its reaction. The coated area (usually a surgical equipment or hospital walls) does not lose its effectiveness after repeated washings. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.

TAKING THE SUMMER OFF

2010-06-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have been busy traveling with my new LLC (Center for Emerging Technologies). Got a few contracts and we are doing well as a consultancy. Still working on our NIRT which is due to lapse in 2011. Most recently we submitted articles for Nanotechnology Law and Business and another to Nanotoxicology (out of UK). The first article will appear in the Summer issue and examines (critically) the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies consumer product inventory. The second is the first data from the Delphi we completed under the NIRT. My students and I are working on six more articles and we expect at least two from each of our NIRT subawards - Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Carolina. I submitted a NUE proposal for the next two years and am pending. I am also on a U19 NIH grant proposal that is pending and a P48 NIH Superfund grant as well.

While I have been approached to write another book on Nanotechnology, I haven't pull the trigger on that. I am also attempting to rewrite a piece I wrote for Nature Nanotechnology but the reviewer were all over the map with recommendations (some of which were totally off base) and given the length restrictions attempting to accommodate this recommendations is nearly impossible. So, beyond the six articles and the work on my new book on FEAR I am a bit overwhelmed.

I will be at the 4S (social science of science) Conference in Tokyo in August. I will be speaking at the Nano-dialogue meeting at the Free University of Amsterdam in September and have two papers for a NCA ARST (rhetoric of science and tech) meeting in San Francisco in November and a SRA(risk) meeting in Salt Lake in December. In addition, I am teaching a CRD 893 class in Social Media in the fall and CRD 790 Issues in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media and COM 562 Communication and Social Change in the spring. Pending grant may affect some of this.

We did manage a hire to work with PCOST (Public Communication of Science and Technology). Dr. Andrew Binder from U Wisconsin will join us as an assistant professor in communication and will be associate director of PCOST. I expect a small team of doctoral and masters students to work with me as well.

So.... we will take a few months off and re-examine the state of this blog. I would like to broaden the subject field. Let me know what you think.

Nano News Update will resume in August 2010

2010-06-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

We will be taking a break from the blog this summer because of low staffing. Regular postings will resume in August when the school year begins. Thanks for reading and we look forward to bringing you more exciting nano news this fall!

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Thursday, April 15, 2010

2010-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

The charge of nanoparticles
Research conducted by chemists and chemical engineers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst revealed that positively charged nanoparticles are better absorbed by cell membranes whereas negatively charged nanoparticles diffuse and deliver drugs deep into tissues. To study different uptake and diffusions rates, they devised a three-dimensional cylindroidal “laboratory tumor” device. To control/change polarities for nanoparticles, they invented 2-nanometer core gold nanoparticles that when coated with varying chemicals develop specific polarities. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature.

Virus to assemble nanoscale components
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology identified a type of modified virus capable of assembling nanoscale components to split water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. They found that a bacterial virus called M13 mimics a wire-like device and along with a catalyst (iridium oxide) and a biological pigment (zinc porphyrins) is capable of splitting water molecules. This finding can help in organizing nanoscale components to control electron transfer rates in artificial photosynthesis. It could, in the future, also aid in generating electricity through fuel cells or could fuel automobiles. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature.

Nanosensors for civil structures
Engineers at the North Dakota State University, the National Institute of Applied Sciences, in Tunisia, and a team from Alabama A&M University devised wireless sensors for monitoring concrete systems. The device using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) was developed to monitor temperature and moisture within concrete and another device using a long gauge nanotube was used for crack detection in feasibility studies. These devices could enable construction of “self-sensing concrete structures.” See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and International Journal of Materials and Structural Integrity.

Mechanism for strength
Researchers from China and the United States (Brown University and University of Alabama) developed a mechanism to gauge the strength of nanostructured materials. They observed that as the space between the nanotwinned boundaries (i.e., when a grain of a material is divided, boundaries appear that are flat and crystal surfaces that reflect the crystal orientations across them) decreased from 100 nm to 15 nm the strength increased whereas decreasing it further resulted in the weakening of the material. A 3D simulation was performed to observe the mechanism that determines this peak strength. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Nanoparticle vaccines
Researchers at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada developed a nanoparticle-based vaccine to cure type 1 diabetes which is caused when T-cells (a type of white blood cells) by mistake destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The nanoparticle vaccine, tested on mice, works by expanding the peptide-specific regulatory cells which restrains the immune attack on the beta cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.

Nano-bio-chip for oral cancer
Researchers at the Rice University, the University of Texas Health Science Centers at Houston and San Antonio, and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, developed a device that can detect oral cancer from lesions on the tongue or cheek with a nano-bio-chip (a semiconductor-based device that can arrest and analyze biomarkers). They compared a nano-bio-chip to a traditional sensor and found the nano device to be 97 percent "sensitive" and 93 percent specific in detecting malignant or premalignant lesions in patients. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Cancer Prevention Research.

Nanoscale friction
A research team from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University studied nanoscale frictional characteristics using four atomically thin materials (graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal-BN (h-BN), and niobium diselenide (NbSe2)). They examined each of the four types of atomic thin materials at the nanoscale and the bulk level and found that friction increased as the number of layers was reduced. This finding can be applied in future nanoelectronics. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Silver nano for the environment
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have found that using nanoclusters of silver as a catalyst in the production of propylene oxide (used to make plastics) can reduce the amount of harmful by-products. It was found that the three-atom clusters or clusters of 3.5 nm were active and selective catalysts at low temperatures. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.

Harmless carbon nanotubes
A study conducted by scientists in Ireland, Sweden and the US revealed that an enzyme called myeloperoxidase (MPO) (found in white blood cells) can break carbon nanotubes into carbon and water. This finding can reduce effects such as severe inflammation, impaired lung functions, and in some cases cancer caused due to the inability of breaking down carbon nanotubes into harmless components. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, April 05, 2010

2010-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

World’s smallest superconductor
Researchers at Ohio University created the world’s smallest superconductor comprised of only four molecules with a length of 3.5 nm and width of 0.87 nm. They placed molecules of an organic salt of (BETS)2GaCl4 (bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene) on a silicon surface and observed that superconductivity was existent among molecular chains as small as four molecules. This finding could aid the use of organic molecules in nanoelectronics. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

New way to produce nanomaterials
Researchers from the University of Maryland developed a new non-epitaxial method that uses thermodynamic processes to create nanomaterials. Some of the benefits of this method include overcoming limitations of epitaxy such as high constraints on deposition thickness, requirement of “lattice matching,” no need of clean room facilities, and no need to make materials in a vacuum. This method will help create efficient nanostructures for computer chips, photovoltaic cells, and biomarkers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Science.

Nanocrystals that heal themselves
Scientists from the Los Alamos National Laboratory created a mechanism, the “loading-unloading” effect, which will allow nanocrystalline materials that were affected during radiation to heal themselves. The loading process captures interstitials (atoms that detach themselves from the crystalline structure when radiated) and traps them in the grain boundaries of the nanocrystalline material. Then the unloading procedure delivers the trapped interstitial back into the vacancies (spaces left due to displaced atoms). These effects could lead to developing materials that are radiation-tolerant that could be used in nuclear energy applications. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Science.

Power for nanosensors
Researchers from Georgia Tech University combined two piezoelectric nanogenerators with two types of nanowires that can be used to generate power for nanosensing devices. Both ends of the nanowires were inserted into a polymer substrate and compressed in a nanogenerator enclosure. The wires generated current due to compression and as more strain was produced more current was gained. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

New nanocomposite
Researchers from the Aalto University created a light weight, strong, nacreous shell-like nanocomposite for potential use in telecommunications and aerospace applications. This material consists of alternating inorganic nanoscale platelets attached by polymers that self-assemble in a one-step process. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.

Wrinkled nanotube coating
Researchers from the North Dakota State University revealed pictures showing wrinkles in a single walled carbon nanotube coating. When nanotubes are bent their conductivity levels vary sometimes irreversibly. When extreme strain or stretching is applied to the coating, it has been observed to bend in ways that result in them losing their networks responsible for conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.

The nano pill
Engineers from the University of Florida have made a pill with a microchip and an antenna, such that doctors, friends, and family could be notified about when the patient intakes medicine. The white capsule has thin lines of antenna printed through an ink of non-toxic silver nanoparticles. When the pill is taken an external device registers it. This device then sends a notification to cell phones or laptops that have been linked to it. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Flexible Nano for chips
Researchers from De Montfort University are working on using gold nanoparticles and small molecules for flexible memory chips that could be embedded into paper or clothing. Nanoparticles charge when exposed to an electric field and have an ability to retain that charge even after removal from the field. They plan on storing information in the charged and uncharged particles. See AtoZ Nano.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Evidence from siRNA clinical trials
Researchers from the California Institute of Technology demonstrated that when injected into a patient’ s bloodstream, nanoparticles can deliver double stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and switch off a cancer gene. They also showed that nanoparticle absorption into the cancer cells is high i.e., as the number of nanoparticles injected increased, the level of absorption into the cancer cell increased as well. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

Nanofluidic device for DNA analysis
Researchers from Cornell University have pioneered a method to analyze the binding of DNAs and histones (DNA-binding proteins) at specific locations. The individual DNAs are made to pass through nanofluidic channels to reach detectors that evaluate the fluorescence of DNA and its associated proteins. They also found they could take a DNA separated from its protein and attach a fluorescent molecule to it; enabling them to locate the exact locations of DNA methylation. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Analytical Chemistry.

RFID tags and nanotubes
Rice University researchers developed RFID tags (radio frequency identification) that could replace bar codes, making it possible to scan a cart full of groceries in one pass. The ink to make these thin film transistors used in tags consists of carbon nanotubes. The tags can be printed on paper or plastic. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and the IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices.

Nano-cooperation for cancer destruction
Researchers from Burnham Institute for Medical Research at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have created a method to destroy cancer cells through a procedure involving two nanoparticles. One of them, a polymer-coated gold nanorod, was used to heat up the tumor cell it entered when exposed to the near infrared radiation. When the temperature in the cell reached 45°C, the other nanoparticle made of a thermally responsive lipid mixture, would release the drug load. The nanoparticles were found to work better together than individually. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Atomic layer deposition for nanomaterials
Researchers from the North Carolina State University used a method called atomic layer deposition to coat nanomaterials to make them biologically functionable. The coated nanoporous membranes could be used as antibacterial/antimicrobial materials and could be used in water purification devices to eliminate harmful pathogens. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and the Philosophical transactions of the royal society.

Levitation for 3D cells
Scientists from Houston's Texas Medical Center developed a method to build three dimensional cell cultures. They found a way to levitate cells allowing them to divide and grow using a “phage” combination of gold nanoparticles and viral particles. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.

Nanodiamonds and neurons
Researchers from the London Centre for Nanotechnology and UCL’s Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology found that neurons could be developed through nanodiamonds in the absence of proteins. They placed mouse hippocampel neurons in a cell culture solution containing nanodiamonds for 12 days and observed the formation of a fully built neural network with “synaptic connectivity.” This research could aid in designing bioelectric devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Biomaterials.

Nanotube map for neurons
Researchers from the Tel Aviv University developed a possible method to connect retinal nerves and electrodes that resulted in cell growth. They used carbon nanotubes and through electric current made neurons from the (rat’s) brain grow on them. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, March 8, 2010

2010-03-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Graphene nanomesh
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles developed graphene nanostructures with band gaps (graphene, otherwise, has zero band gap). They injected nanoscale holes into layers of graphene to create a band gap using a self-assembled block co-polymer thin film. Adjustments can be made to the neck width (distance between nanohole edges and cannot go below 5nm) and perodicites (the distance between the centers of two neighboring nanoholes) to vary electrical properties. The on-off ratio (the ratio between the currents when a device is switched on or switched off) can be adjusted through the neck width as well. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.

Nanocavities for non-stick
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory displayed first pictures of tiny air bubbles capable of keeping water from wetting a non-stick surface. They created trillions of nanocavities in an otherwise smooth surface and coated it with a wax-like material. When tested with water, they found this surface to be more hydrophobic than the uncoated version. The applications of this research could lead to improvements in non-stick materials used in power plants, speed boats, and surfaces resistant to germs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Carbon nanotube thermocells for conversion
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology in collaboration with researchers from the U.S., Australia, China, India and the Philippines devised a method to convert heat waste discarded by chemical plants, automobiles, and solar cell farms in to electricity using carbon nanotube thermocells. The thermocells and electrolyte-filled, textile-separated nanotube sheets are placed around pipes carrying hot waste in chemical plants. This creates a temperature difference between the pipes and carbon nanotube sheets, which produces an electrochemical potential that could be used to generate electricity. See Nanowerk and Nano Letters.

Nanocomposite-polymer deposition
Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign developed a method to deposit mixtures of nanocomposites and polymers onto a surface. The probe of an atomic force microscope is first coated with this mixture and then heated to produce flow onto the surface below. The forces in the polymer could be adjusted to ensure alignment of deposition on surfaces. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Nanoscale tip
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and IBM Research-Zürich developed a nanoscale tip that is 3,000 times more wear-resistant at the nanoscale than silicon. This carbon, hydrogen, silicon and oxygen molded nano-sized tip was seen to perform well when in sliding contact with a hard substrate (silicon dioxide). This discovery could lead to advancements in atomic imaging, probe-based data storage, nanolithography, nanometrology and nanomanufacturing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.

Nanomaterials to fight drug resistance in cancer
Researchers from Rutgers University developed nanomaterials that fight the side-effects and drug resistance problem resulting from regular chemotherapy. They designed nanomaterials capable of simultaneously targeting and destroying cancer cells and a genetic drug that would prevent drug resistance by loading the anticancer drug doxorubicin onto silver nanomaterials. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Small.

“Green nanomagents”
Researchers from the University of Manchester found a method to devise nanosized magnets without the use of chemicals that could be used in electronic applications. They used the natural iron-reducing bacteria and added cobalt, manganese or nickel to it. This resulted in tiny magnets containing these elements. These nanomagnets can be used in mobile phones and recording devices. See Nanowerk and Nano Letters.

“Take a Nanooze break”
The National Science Foundation (NSF) in collaboration with the Cornell University researchers has a new exhibition at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This exhibit is based on the NSF-supported children's magazine and Web site Nanooze. The display allows visitors to manipulate models of molecules, view everyday objects at the nanoscale, and interact with scientists and engineers who conduct the latest nano research. The exhibition opened on Feb. 22, 2010. See Nanowerk.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, March 1, 2010

2010-03-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Tumor targeting nanoparticles
Researchers of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have designed nanoparticles that discharge through kidneys when they do not find a target tumor cell. Unbound nanoparticles, comprised of a zinc-cadmium sulfide core surrounded by a cadmium selenide shell and a cysteine coating, pass through kidneys within four hours. So, patients could be given a dose of these nanoparticles four hours prior to their scheduled tumor removal time in order to improve tumor imaging. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

Nanonets
Chemists from Boston College developed long lasting lithium ion batteries through a small scaffold-like titanium structure of Nanonets, coated with silver nanoparticles. These Nanonets have greater surface area, conductivity, structural strength, and produce 5 to 10 times more charge/recharge rates than typical lithium ion batteries. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Diamond-based nanowire devices
A research team at Harvard University has developed diamond-based nanowire devices that overcome disadvantages of devices based on fluorescent dye molecules, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes. The diamond-based nanowire provides a connection between deeply embedded color centers in diamonds (capable of carrying information through control, capture, and storage of photons) and optical fibers and lenses. This system improves photon collection by a factor of ten to natural diamond devices that could lead to advancements in quantum sensing, and imaging fields. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.

World’s first junction-less transistor
Scientists at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork, Ireland have created the world’s first junction-less transistor. The function of a junction in a transistor is to control current flow which in this junction-free transistor, is performed by a silicon wire and a ring structure. Current flows through the silicon wire and is controlled by a ring structure that electrically squeezes it as required. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

2% efficiency of organic solar cells
German scientists at the University of Freiburg developed a technique to enhance organic solar cell efficiency (from 1% and 1.8%) to 2%. They used quantum dots of cadmium selenide and proposed possibilities of using similar techniques with different nanoparticles for other types of solar cells as well. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Smallest solar powered sensor
Researchers at the University of Michigan created a 9 cubic millimeter solar powered sensor system that is 1000 times smaller than its commercial equivalents. The processor, battery, and solar cells fit in a 2.5 by 3.5 by 1 millimeters frame. The system’s average power consumption is less than 1 nanowatt. The system could be used in biomedical implants, monitoring devices, and environmental networks to test air or water quality. See AtoZ Nano.

New recipe for carbon nanotubes
Researchers at NASA discovered a new recipe that space has to offer in making carbon nanotubes without any use of metals. They found that graphite dust particles when exposed to a combination of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases form carbon nanotubes. They observed these particles transform from smooth particles to unstructured formations to “cup-stacked carbon nanotubes.” See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, the Astrophysical Journal Letter, and NASA.

Nanotechnology for body prostheses
Research in the Basque city, Spain applied ceramic material called zirconia (Zr02), carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles of zirconia to prolong lifetime of body prostheses. A process involving carbon nanotubes and zirconia nanoparticle-coating on a zirconia matrix lead to improving the age of prostheses to almost 15o years. See Nanowerk.

Nanoparticles for bone implants
A team of researchers from the North Carolina State University developed a “smart coating” capable of enhancing bonds between implants and bones. The silver nanoparticle coating provides a crystalline surface towards the implant and an amorphous layer next to the bone. Slowly the amorphous layer begins to dissolve, releasing calcium and phosphate. This enhances bone growth. See Nanowerk and Acta Biomaterialia.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, February 15, 2010

2010-02-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nano materials to cause cancer “cell suicide”
Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago Medical Center have created microdiscs of nanomagnetic materials to destroy cancer cells. These gold plated iron-nickel microdiscs place themselves on cancer cells and begin to oscillate when an alternating magnetic field is applied to them. The energy developed from these oscillations creates apoptosis or “cell suicide.” See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.

Nano boost for hydrogen production
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz used nanotechnology to improve hydrogen production in water-splitting solar cells (cells that use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and use hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles). They tested the performance of nanostructured composite materials for photoanodes in photoelectrochemical cells. They found improvements in hydrogen production in comparison to the conventional methods of hydrogen produced through solar energy. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Nanophotocathode
Researchers at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, UK) developed a nanophotocathode capable of producing hydrogen with an efficiency of 60 percent. The system consists of a gold electrode covered in layers of Indium phosphide (InP) nanoparticles. Iron–sulfur complex, [Fe2S2(CO)6] is then introduced to this combination and is submerged in water followed by light radiation. A small current is generated and hydrogen with 60 percent efficiency is produced. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.

“e-Textile” storage
Researchers from the Stanford University have devised a conductive textile called e-Textile that is capable of energy storage. By dipping the textile in nanoparticle ink different energy storage devises could be developed. Batteries can be developed using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) ink and supercapacitors can be created through dipping the textile in ink containing conductive carbon molecules (single walled carbon nanotubes). See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Cement component simulations
Atomic simulations of cement components were performed at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). They found that colloidal nanoparticle arrangement in C-S-H gel (calcium silicate hydrate – a major component in cement) was a factor responsible for mechanical properties of cement. They concluded that close arrangement of these particles makes the gel denser which improves mechanical properties of cement. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.

Silver nanoparticles for ICDs
Research is being conducted at the University at Buffalo to develop batteries used in implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) with longer lifetimes. Current lifespan of these batteries runs from 5 to 7 years, but they are working on improving their material through making it 15000 times more conductive upon initial battery use through insitu generation of silver nanoparticles. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Tracking nanoparticles in the “wild”
Research at Rice University has lead to new developments in tracking methods of nanoparticles. Researchers found photothermal techniques useful in tracking nanoparticles not only isolated on a surface, but also in the wild, amongst other particles under the microscope. They developed a method to use gold nanorods to sense nanoparticle orientation using plasmonic properties with polarization imaging techniques. See Nanowerk and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Microscope with nano precision
A research group at the University of Tübingen developed a near-field microscope with a nanometer precision that can be used to study microscopic structures in organic semiconductors. The microscope consists of a gold tip illuminated by a high-focus laser which when placed one-three nanometers above a semiconductor surface generates an optical field. Measurements of a semiconductor made of diindenoperylene (DIP) molecules indicated that edges of these molecules were one-three molecular layers high with17nm bright stripes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, February 02, 2010

2010-02-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

NOMFETs
Researchers from CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and CEA (Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique) have devised an organic transistor called the Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field Effect Transistor (NOMFET). In this device gold nanoparticles are placed in the channel of the transistor and then coated with pentacene. This gives the system a memory element similar to the one that exists between two neurons while transmitting information. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire,Nanotechweb, Nanovip, Nanowerk,and Advanced Functional Materials.

Nano pattern transfer
Researcher at Rice University developed a method to transfer pattern of single walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) from a substrate to any surface within minutes. The nanotubes are grown and then etched with hydrogen gas and water vapor to weaken the bonds between catalyst and metal. When “stamped” the nanotubes are attached to the surface through van der waals force with no trace of catalyst. If the substrate and catalyst remain intact, then they can be used to grow more nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.

Magnetic nanoparticles for cancer
Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Ovarian Cancer Institute developed and tested magnetic nanoparticles on samples of human cancer cells. Images of brown nanoparticles being attached to violet cancer cells in the human abdominal cavity were disclosed. They claim the next step in their research will be to test the magnetic nanoparticles on live animals followed by human beings. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine.

Nanocorals to report status
Scientists from the University of California, Berkley developed nanoprobes called “nanocorals” capable of attaching themselves to cancer cells, delivering drugs, and reporting status of the local molecular environment. One side is designed to detect cancer cells whereas the other side is intended to access the surrounding chemical particles in the environment and report status back to researchers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

HONORABLE MENTION

Nanorods for faulty valves
Scientists from University of Southern California in collaboration with other researchers are developing a method to use gold nanorods to treat faulty cardiac valves that otherwise would need surgical treatment. Researchers plan on learning the positive effects these nanorods have on the affected valves by measuring the mechanical properties of the collagen-fibroblast-nanoparticle. See Nanotech Wire.

Solder magnetic nanocomposites
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with Intel Corporation developed new material called solder magnetic nanocomposites. The magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) composites heat solders and causes reflow; this in a regular oven is performed by a computer chip. The time taken to heat the solder can be controlled through manipulating the concentration and composition of the composites. See Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.

Early detection of cancer
Biofunctionalized nanoparticles, developed by the researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg, can detect cancer using a single molecule of tumor maker (substance found in blood, urine, or in body tissues that can be increased in cancer) in blood. They placed antibody-occupied nanoparticles on the sensor electrode and allowed blood to flow across it. An electrical distribution shift was picked up by the electrode every time there was a tumor maker or a relevant protein passing through it. The researchers called it the “nanoparticle fishing rod” for cancer. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Power generating rubber films
Researchers from the Princeton University developed power-generating rubber films consisting of nanoribbons capable of converting mechanical power to electrical power. They combined nanoribbons with silicone and placed them in a piezoelectric (generates electric voltage when pressure is applied on it) ceramic material. These nanoribbons generated electricity when a mechanical action such as flexing the film was performed. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010-01-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Nanotechnology Risk Symposium

2010-01-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2010-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Thursday, December 10, 2009

2009-12-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORHTY

Macroscopic yarns from boron-nitride nanotubes
Researchers at the NASA’s Langley Research Center, the Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and the National Institute of Aerospace used the pressurized vapor/condenser method with a welding laser to develop boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that can be spun into macroscopic yarn. BNNTs could be applied in energy, medical, and aerospace applications. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

Antibodies with Nanotubes to eliminate breast cancer
Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology along with five other partners devised a new method to search and destroy breast cancer cells using carbon nanotubes and antibodies. Antibodies are attached to nanotubes, which then seek and destroy the HER2 protein associated with tumor cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and BMC Cancer.

NanoCMOS
Scientists at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Edinburgh, Manchester, Southampton and York universities developed a project called NanoCMOS for integrated circuits. They developed simulation tools that overcome the major obstacle of statistical variability and predict the performance of nano-transistors within a circuit. The study provides benefits in semiconductor manufacturing and chip designing. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Semiconducting nanowires
Researchers from Purdue University, University of California at Los Angeles, and IBM have created semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined atomic-level layers of silicon and germanium. In order to create these layers, gold-aluminum alloy was heated and cooled in a vacuum chamber and later silicon, followed by germanium, was introduced onto it. This method provides an opportunity to create nanowire transistors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Science.

Hydrophobicity of nanoscale interfaces
Researchers at the Rensselaer University developed a method to measure the hydrophocity of nanoscale interfaces by performing molecular simulations of self assembled monolayers. They simulated hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers and observed their interaction with water molecules. They found a relation between hydrophobicity and fluctuations in density of adjoining water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Langmuir, Physical Review Letters, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Nano diet
Researchers at Finnish Universities created a drug delivery system using nanoporous silicon that could assist dieting processes. They created nanopores in silicon through electrochemical etching and dipped it in a drug solution, where peptides that control appetite were easily loaded into the silicon wafers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

Nanoparticles for arsenic removal
Researchers at Jackson State University developed an arsenic test with an ability to detect arsenic in drinking water down to 3 parts per trillion. Specific organic molecules were attached to gold nanoparticles that formed a complex with arsenic. As more and more arsenic got attached, the gold nanoparticles began to form a clump that changed color from red to blue, which was discernible to the naked eye. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.

Nanoparticle removal from wastewater
Scientists using the ISIS Neutron Source from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s ISIS Neutron Source, along with colleagues from King’s College London and Oxford University found a method to remove nanoparticles from waste water during primary sewage treatment. The nanoparticles when coated with surfactant (a detergent-like material) formed sludge in sewage which could be removed and disposed. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Environmental Science & Technology.

Nano “peptide forests” for self-cleaning
Researchers from Tel Aviv University created a technology where self-assembled nanotubules grown in a vacuum under high temperature can tolerate heat and resist water. These nano “peptide forests” can be used to create self-cleaning windows or solar panels and help make batteries more efficient. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

Single-atom working transistor
Researchers from Helsinki University of Technology (Finland), University of New South Wales (Australia), and University of Melbourne (Australia) developed a transistor with a working region of a single phosphorous atom. The mechanism involved is the sequential tunneling of electrons, which is controlled by voltage on a nearby metal electrode that is a few tens of nanometers wide. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, November 30, 2009

2009-11-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Medical Imaging
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a procedure to illuminate the interior of cells by using nanoparticles. The study revealed information about the clustering mechanism in proteins inside a type of human red blood cells that allows them to be mechanically flexible. Their findings show that quantum dots can be used in investigating dynamic cellular processes. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology.

Beneficial defects in carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that defective carbon nanotubes can be used to store energy. They developed methods to control this capacity of storing charge by bombarding carbon nanotubes with Argon or Hydrogen. They also noted that defects created in a controlled manner could ultimately avoid deterioration of electrical conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Nanovip, and Applied Physics Letters.

“Fly paper” to capture cancer cells
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have created a three-dimensional nanostructed “fly paper” that can capture cancer tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood stream. It is estimated that the 1-by-2 centimeter nanopillar silicon chip coated with an antibody protein could detect 45 to 65 percent of cancerous cells in a medium of breast cancer cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.

Waste heat to electricity
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to convert waste heat to useful electricity with both high efficiency and high throughput (electrical power). The existing systems of conversion demonstrate a 40 percent efficiency of the Carnot limit (energy conversion can never exceed the Carnot limit), while the new device (starting with a single quantum dot) can make this conversion with a possible efficiency of 90 percent of the limit. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Synthesizing Graphene
Extensive research is being conducted to develop two-dimensional graphene-like polymers. Their desirable electrical properties could ultimately lead to graphene replacing silicon in many semiconductors. Physicists at Empa, Switzerland along with chemists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany have synthesized a graphene-like porous polymer through a new method- “bottom-up” synthesis on metal surfaces. They allowed functionalized phenyl rings to grow into a two-dimensional structure on a silver substrate that created pores of a single-atom diameter with pore spacing of less than a nanometer. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Chemical Communications.

Nanostructure Vibrations
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Chicago have overcome the limitation many researchers have been facing to approach single-atom sensing through nano-scale vibrations. Vibrations at nanoscale can provide applications in ultrasensitive mass detection, molecular scale biological sensing, and an understanding of nanoscale mechanical losses. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.

Current through C60s
European scientists created minute electrical circuit between two molecules. In a controlled atmosphere two C60 molecules of 1nm in diameter were brought together and the current that passed through them was recorded. However, the conductance is a 100 times lesser than that of a single molecule. This new circuit can be used in devices to control leakage current between neighboring circuits. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.

Nanophotonic forces
Researchers from the University of Ghent and the IMEC demonstrated repulsive and attractive forces in photons with spatial distribution of light. The study used advanced fabrication techniques to create to parallel nanoscale waveguides separated by a distance of 220nm on a silicon-on-insulator chip. When a laser passed through these waveguides optical forces were generated; the spatial distribution indicated the type of force-attraction or repulsion. This study provides applications in areas of telecommunication and signal processing. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 18, 2009

2009-11-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nanomaterials on a space shuttle
Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Florida have developed two types of nanomaterials to test their performance in space orbits. The materials will be carried by the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station where they will be mounted to the station’s outer hull in a passive experiment carrier. The first type of nanomaterial comprises of nanoscale alumina particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the second type is a conductive polymer nanocomposite. This development can lead to creating better cooling systems for spacecrafts and electronic systems. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

“Nano-colorsorter” devices
Researchers from the Berkley lab have created “bowtie-shaped” optical nano-antennas from four lithographically patterned equilateral triangles of gold to create a cross geometry that can act as “nano-colorsorters” able to capture, filter, and steer light at nano-scale. These devices can handle/manipulate/control light in extremely small confined areas of tiny photonic circuits. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nano Letters.

Light produces nanoscale movement
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated the ability of light to move silicon structures up to 12 nanometers. They created a structure consisting of two thin, flat silicon nitride rings (30microns in diameter) fixed one above the other on a pedestal through thin spokes. The distance between the rings is 1micron and the ring waveguides are 3microns wide and 190nanometers thick. When light with a frequency of 1533.5 nm is focused on to the rings it produces a force in the rings to deform up to 12nm. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

Nanotechnology for the spinal cord
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the 60 nm diameter spheres known as “copolymer micelles,” can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. The micelles can be used to treat damaged fibers that transmit electrical impulses (axons) to the spinal cord. They found that treatment to spinal cord damages due to compression injuries using micelles boosted the recovery process by 60 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Resilient silicon nanowires
North Carolina State University researchers have established that silicon nanowires are more resilient than their counterparts. Researchers used in-situ tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope on silicon nanowires made from the vapor-liquid-solid process to test its properties. This result can provide better insights to other researchers dealing with nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanostructed solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nano Letters.

FinFETs
Researchers are making efforts to improve transistor efficiency to create fast and compact circuits and computer chips. The reduction of gate (an essential component) length can provide this required breakthrough, but decreasing it in silicon based semiconductors results in an electric “leak.” Researchers from Purdue University have created hafnium-dioxide finFETs to overcome this difficulty. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.

Light at nanoscale
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are squeezing light into smaller spaces within optical fibers than was possible before. These optical fibers carry and transmit light through the inside of their pipes and as the size of the pipe is reduced, light confines itself within roughly a few hundred nanometers in area. If this area is further reduced then light begins to spread, but the researchers have pushed this limit in area by a factor of two paving the way for future creation of nano-scale sensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

Nanoscale behavior in catalysts
Researchers from Rice and Lehigh Universities used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and advanced optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to understand and evaluate the nanoscale behavior and nano structure of tungstated zirconia. This discovery will aid detailed catalytic analysis. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nature Chemistry.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 04, 2009

2009-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

NEWSWORTHY

Tumor termination with nanoformulation
Bioengineers at Duke University have devised a nano-scale system that can deliver high doses of drugs to terminate tumors effectively while decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy. The results from animal modeling prove that tumors are destroyed after a single treatment and the nano delivery vehicles collapse into harmless byproducts. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

“Hidden” PV cells
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures on optical fibers coated with dye-sensitizers. The optical fibers collect sunlight and pass it onto nanowires where it interacts with dye molecules to produce electricity. The three-dimensional optical fiber system is six times as efficient as planar solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie International.

The Healing Nanocage
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a tiny capsule, dubbed a “nanocage” that is photosensitive and can deliver drugs to targeted areas. The nanocage responds to light opening when the light is turned on and closing when the light is turned off thus delivering medical substances within it only when the desired. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.

Optical Frequency Comb
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States have developed an improved frequency comb that can precisely measure frequencies of a visible light. The improved comb outdoes its predecessors by providing a clearer image of different frequencies which can now be viewed from a simple optical system (a grating and a microscope). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

New manufacturing method for nanowires
Danish nanophysicists have created a new method of manufacturing nanowires using Gallium Indium Arsenide and Indium Arsenide to draw on their individual benefits together. This development can help solar cells trap more sunlight than ever before and can also be used in LEDs and OLEDs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Nano stirring
Sandia researchers have developed a new method of mixing called vortex field mixing that combines liquids in extremely small spaces. Magnetic nanoparticles are suspended into the liquid and form chains when subjected to a particular magnetic field. These chains start to swirl which mix liquids. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.

Superhydrophobic nanocoating
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoparticle based coating that can reduce the buildup of ice on solid surfaces. The coating consists of a silicon-resin solution combined with 50 nanometers silica nanoparticles. The product was tested in real conditions on an Aluminum plate and on a commercial satellite dish. See First Science, Nanowerk, and Langmuir.

Nano magnetism
A research team in Boston developed an implantable drug delivery device that can trap medicinal substances in a membrane embedded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetic nanoparticles heat up causing the gel in the membrane to melt. This opens pores in the membrane facilitating drug delivery. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the gels re-expand and close the pores. No implanted electronics is needed for this system. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.

Lethal combination for cancer
Researchers from Rutgers have combined two different anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubin and siRNA) to make a lethal drug to eliminate cancer. Doxorubin is a drug that kills tumors by apoptosis (a form of cell death) and siRNA (small interfering RNA)that stops the production of Bcl-2 protein produced by malignant cells. Pores of silicon nanoparticles are filled with Doxorubin and are coated by dendrimers (spherical polymer nanoparticles) which then are allowed to tightly bind to siRNA. The combination drug proved to be 130-times more lethal in killing ovarian cancer cells in comparison to doxorubin alone. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

2009-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nerves and Nanowires
To study the biocompatibility of nanoelectrodes researchers at Lund University injected nanowires into the brains of rats and found that microglia (the brain’s “clean-up” cells) ate away the nanowires, while a major astrocyte cells’ (who help in the healing process) response observed initially declined later on. The results prove that nanowires had no drastic or chronic affects on the brain. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, and ACS Nano.

Optical Nanoantennas
Wireless data transmission requires a dipole antenna on both the transmitter and receiver ends, and communication is most effective and efficient when the total length of the dipole antennas is about half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. KIT scientists have developed for the first time gold nanoantennas with an extremely high frequency (1 million times higher than radio frequencies) allowing fast modulation causing high data transmission rates. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

Nanochip for massive data storage
Engineers at North Carolina State University have created a nanochip with an ability to store data equivalent to 20-high definition DVDs or 250 pages or texts. Selective doping was performed with nickel being added to magnesium oxide; groups of nickel atoms were formed no bigger than 10 square nanometers. This feature enables more data storage capacity in a chip than usual. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

“Nanotest” to detect prostate cancer
Using a process involving the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA that attach themselves to prostat-specific antigen (PSA) in blood, researchers of Northwestern University are able to now detect low levels of PSA in post-radical prostatectomy patients. They were able to measure PSA values of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and PNAS.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“Kinked” nanowires
Researchers at Harvard University have created two and three dimensional zigzag nanowires which can be useful in detecting small electrical currents in cells and tissues. The process involves the introduction of triangular “stereocenters” of 120° joints (which appear as “kinks”) into 1D nanowires. These kinked junctions enable functionality at different points on a nanowire, making it possible to develop nanoelectronics, photodetectors, or biological sensors into complex nanoscale structures. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.

Nanoscale crystal
Researchers at California Institute of technology (CalTech) have developed a method to confine both light and sound in a nanoscale crystal device called an optomechanical crystal. This confinement can lead to the production of frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, making transmission of large amounts of information possible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Mechanism for nanopillars
Scientists from CalTach have devised a mechanism to build high precision arrays of nanoscale pillars of any pattern on a polymer film. The mechanism involves photolithography and can be used to create three dimensional nano and micro-scale structures for optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.

Tiny battery
Researchers at Yale University and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a tiny battery with a capacity to generate electricity for ten minutes. The battery consists of two droplets, each consisting of a 200 nanoliter water based solution of potassium and chloride ions enclosed in a lipid wall. The small battery is created by varying the concentration of solution in two cells and inserting electrodes. These batteries are predicted to replace conventional solid-state energy-generating devices in the future. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.

Carbon nanotubes harmful to lungs
Carbon nanotubes are being used in various applications and equipments without substantial knowledge of their effects on health. A study by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhalation of carbon nanotubes affects the pleura ( an outer lining of the lungs) causing fibrosis for a short time. A single exposure of the nanotubes resulted in either scarring of the pleural surface or fibrosis in mice. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

CNTs for crop growth
Scientists in Arkansas have reported that use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for seeds could be a new avenue in “nano-agriculture”. They found that CNTs penetrated the hard outer seed coating and enhanced its sprouting while making its seedlings heavier. These positive effects of germination and growth enhancement could reap economic benefits in agriculture, horticulture, and energy sector especially for plant-based biofuels. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, October 21, 2009

2009-10-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nanoscale cantilevers to measure “Persistent current”
Physicists at Yale University used nanoscale cantilevers to develop a new method of measuring persistent current through a metal ring. They were able to do so by measuring the variations in magnetic force that resulted from the current flow in the ring. Persistent current is sensitive and extremely weak with a low-level magnetic field that cannot be measured using a SQUID. Nanoscale cantilevers were employed successfully to measure these extremely low levels of magnetic force in aluminum rings thereby making it possible to measure persistent currents. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.

Gold “snowflakes”
Kansas State University engineers formed 24-carat gold “snowflake” islands on a single atom thick material called graphene. They placed graphene dioxide sheets in a gold ion solution with a growth catalyst. Gold did not evenly coat the sheet but formed islands on it. Engineers called these islands snowflake-shaped gold nanostars, or SFGNs. They are continuing work on this discovery and hope to create a graphene-gold DNA sensor. See AtoZ Nano, First Science , Nanotech Wire, and ACS Nano.

Microwave “fridge” for your nano devices
Nanoscale measurement of a material when above absolute zero (-273°C) is difficult as heat produces atomic movements within it. In order to record accurate measurements there is a need to cool the material. This is now possible for ‘micro’ or ‘nano-scale mechanical resonators’ with the new tiny microwave-powered room-temperature refrigerator developed by National Physical Laboratory scientists. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.

Nano Butterfly Wings
Scientists of the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have found a way to create optically active nanostructures similar to those found in the insect world. Insects have the ability to appear metallic, multi-colored or iridescent. These properties are the result of photonic nanostructures, such as those found in the cuticles of butterfly wings. Their research team has developed a method for replicating these structures, which may be useful in a number of optically active devices (e.g.,optical diffusers in solar panels). See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.

Control of carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes’ (cylindrical carbon molecules) structure and function, or chirality, can now be controlled by mixing different metals in a catalyst. Case Western Reserve researchers found that altering the structure of the catalyst through its composition can result in an ability to control the chirality, as well as the electrical and optical properties, of the nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Nano-scale test tube
Melting, capillarity, and diffusion are now possible at a very small scale. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an experiment with a nano-scale test tube composed of a thin shell of carbon. A gold-tipped nanowire was inserted into the test tube and heated to observe melting. The experiment could only be observed through a high power electron microscope. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanovip.

Nanoaluminum rocket propellant
A frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum particles could provide a more environmentally friendly rocket propellant. ALICE or aluminum (Al) – ice can be used to launch rockets into orbit or for long distance space missions. The fuel can be produced on the Moon, Mars, or any other water-bearing bodies. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

Nanoparticle electric propulsion
NanoFET is an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion to improve the speed of a spacecraft while using less propellant than usual. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a professor from the University of Michigan to develop this electric rocket thruster. See AtoZ Nano, Nanovip, and Nanowerk.

Artificial neuromuscular junction
Neuromuscular junctions are nerve-muscle connections that help the brain control muscular movements. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can improve the performance of prosthetic hands with a possibility to restore the sense of touch. The artificial junction consists of muscle cells and a nano-sized polymer placed on a biological scaffold. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Artificial Photosynthesis
Four chemists from the University of Rochester are developing a three module process to effectively generate hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis using carbon nanotubes. In the first module a chromophore (a complex naturally occurring molecule found in plants) is used to create free electrons from visible light. In the second module a membrane of carbon nanotubes acts as a bridge to transport these electrons to the third module, where catalytic reaction is used to extract hydrogen from water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, October 12, 2009

2009-10-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

BREAKTHROUGH

Carbon nanotubes for detection
Stanford scientists have developed a chip consisting of carbon nanotubes that detects low levels of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and sarin in water. The plastic substrate chip is flexible, cheap, and operates efficiently under water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.

NEWSWORTHY

Brain implants
Scientists at University of Michigan have observed that brain implants in rats are more efficient when coated with nanotubes made up of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The coated implants have shown an improvement of 30 percent in high-quality unit activity as compared to uncoated implants. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Journal of Advanced Materials.

Artificial pore
Biomedical researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed an artificial pore that when inserted into a lipid membrane allows single and double stranded DNA to pass through it. This modified core of a nanomotor could find applications in drug loading, gene delivery, nano sensing and DNA sequencing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.

Nanosensors to measure insulin level
Iranian researchers have developed nanosenors that can detect insulin levels for diabetic patients. To produce nanosensors, the researchers used silicon carbide nanoparticles in ethanol on glass carbon electrodes. They were left to evaporate and were stabilized on the electrode to form detectors. See Nanowerk.

Quantum dots to treat skin cancer
Researchers from the US and Canada are collaborating to develop quantum dots as photsensitizers to treat skin cancer. Photosensitizers combining with light, as in photodynamic therapy can produce oxygen species that are harmful to cancer cells. See Nanoscale and Nanowerk.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Nanotechnology for space environment
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are conducting experiments to develop shielding devices to protect microelectronics and other integrated circuits used in spacecrafts and satellites from harmful space radiations. The researchers note that an alloy of Silicon and Germanium at the nanoscale could act as a shielding agent. Investigations are on to figure ways of improving the combination so this alloy can shield most radiations. See AtoZNano.

Quantum dot directed assembly gains momentum
Directed assembly is a process of controlling quantum dots through manipulation of atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior. But lack of information regarding their atomic –scale, chemical, and structural properties was slowing this process down. But, researchers from University of Michigan have created atomic scale maps of these quantum dots to regain the lost pace of directed assembly. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.

Controlled movement in the nanoworld
Scientists in the UK are making efforts to control directed movement of molecules of nanoparticles. They developed a surface containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections producing an energy gradient, where particles move in a directed pattern. See AtoZNano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.

Nanochip for cancer detection
Early detection of the type and severity of cancer is now possible thanks to researchers from the University of Toronto. They have developed a microchip made from nanomaterials that is sensitive enough to do so within 30 minutes. See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, September 15, 2009

2009-09-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Thursday, September 03, 2009

2009-09-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

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

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

2009-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, May 25, 2009

2009-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Saturday, May 30, 2009

2009-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, April 15, 2009

2009-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

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.

SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, March 31, 2009

2009-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Separating the Hype and the Buzz-- Tuesday, March 17, 2009

2009-08-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

NEWSWORTHY

Nano biofuels
QuantumSphere, Inc. today announced that it was awarded a research grant from the California Energy Commission to develop a process using nanocatalysts to convert biomass into biofuels. See Nanowerk.

EFSA Nanofood report
The European Food Safety Authority has concluded its assessment of the potential risks of nanotechnologies for food and feed, stating that a cautious, case-by-case approach is needed as many uncertainties remain over its safe use. See FoodNavigator.

Japanese guidelines
The Japanese Ministry of the Environment released guidelines on March 10, 2009, with the intent of reducing the risk of environmental harm from nanomaterials. See Merid.

Russia takes action on nanosafety
The Russian agency for Health and Consumer Rights and the Russian Corporation for Nanotechnologies signed an agreement to provide mutual systematic, scientific and technical support in validation and confirmation of nanoproducts safety, implementation of nanotechnologies and creation of nanotechnological production. See A to Z Nano.

Emission based energy
Very interesting piece on turning emissions of Co2 into using carbon nanotubes. U. Messina team describes the process in length. See European Commission.

Nano methane
A Penn State team wants to use captures CO2 to produce methane. The process involves used arrays of nitrogen-doped titania nanotubes. See A to Z nano.

Nano solar
Researchers at Canada's National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) and the University of Alberta have engineered an approach that is leading to improved performance of plastic solar cells (hybrid organic solar cells). See A to Z nano.

Nano-ethanol
A Iowa State University researchers are working to produce clean, renewable energy by developing a new, low-emissions burner and a new catalyst for ethanol production using carbon based nanoparticles. See Nanowerk.

Impact of toxicity testing
Interesting article on the costs of toxicity testing for regulation. “for the United States that costs for testing existing nanoparticles ranges from $249 million for optimistic assumptions about nanoparticle hazards (i.e., they are primarily safe and mainly require simpler screening assays) to $1.18 billion for a more comprehensive precautionary approach”. See Environmental Science & Technology.

FDA initiative in nanomedicine
The 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. The FDA's announcement describes the initiative's goal as "to help speed development of safe and effective medical products.” This is something worth watching. See Technology Review.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Africa - Japan effort
South Africa and Japan discussing cooperation on biosciences, energy, climate change, space science, astronomy and nanotechnology. See All Africa.

OECD vision paper
The Business and Industry Advisory Committee's Expert Group on Nanotechnology recently issued a "vision paper" with the above title, with the goal of identifying "strategic priorities from the perspective of the OECD Business Community. See the Responsible Development of Nanotechnology report.

Life cycle study
Ohio State researchers completed a study on the life cycle energetic implications of carbon nanofiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite materials. See Environmental Science & Technology.

Nano rainmaking
Researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) at UCL have discovered a novel one dimensional ice chain structure built from pentagons that may prove to be a step toward the development of new materials which can be used to seed clouds and cause rain. See Nanowerk.

Nano aids treatment?
Hungary’s Power of the Dream Ventures, Inc. announced its DermaVir Patch, a nanomedicine grounded treatment for HIV/AIDS. "Proof of concept" for the immunological and antiviral activities of Genetic Immunity's product was demonstrated in infected macaques, some of them with advanced stages of AIDS. See CNN.

Plant uptake
Clemson team reporting on research studying the uptake of nanoparticles by rice plants. See Nanowerk.

Nano-plumbing
Duke U. engineers demonstrate carbon buckyballs may be able to keep the nation's water pipes clear in the same way clot-busting drugs prevent arteries from clogging up. See Physorg.com.

Airplane safety
MIT team argues nanocarbon tubes stitched together to produce aerospace materials could make airplane skins and other products some 10 times stronger at a nominal increase in cost. See Nanotech Now.

Green nano
Interesting ES&T article on the promises of green nanotechnology.

Regulation dissertation
Hansen’s dissertation (from DTU) is available for download. I have been watching Steffan’s work for some time now. He is a bright young mind in the nano SEIN field.

Biomass to produce carbontube
Japanese team developed a new method for producing ultra-lightweight hollow carbon fine particles from lignin. See Nanowerk.

Nano News Update is Launched!

2009-08-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

This blog will frequently assess and report news concerning breakthroughs and honorable mentions concerning all things "nano". Check back frequently as we will be continuously updating the page.