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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, June 21, 2010
TAKING THE SUMMER OFF
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.
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.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Nano News Update will resume in August 2010
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!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Thursday, April 15, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, April 5, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, April 05, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 29, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, March 29, 2010
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.
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.
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