NEWSWORHTY
Macroscopic yarns from boron-nitride nanotubes
Researchers at the NASA’s Langley Research Center, the Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and the National Institute of Aerospace used the pressurized vapor/condenser method with a welding laser to develop boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that can be spun into macroscopic yarn. BNNTs could be applied in energy, medical, and aerospace applications. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Antibodies with Nanotubes to eliminate breast cancer
Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology along with five other partners devised a new method to search and destroy breast cancer cells using carbon nanotubes and antibodies. Antibodies are attached to nanotubes, which then seek and destroy the HER2 protein associated with tumor cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and BMC Cancer.
NanoCMOS
Scientists at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Edinburgh, Manchester, Southampton and York universities developed a project called NanoCMOS for integrated circuits. They developed simulation tools that overcome the major obstacle of statistical variability and predict the performance of nano-transistors within a circuit. The study provides benefits in semiconductor manufacturing and chip designing. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Semiconducting nanowires
Researchers from Purdue University, University of California at Los Angeles, and IBM have created semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined atomic-level layers of silicon and germanium. In order to create these layers, gold-aluminum alloy was heated and cooled in a vacuum chamber and later silicon, followed by germanium, was introduced onto it. This method provides an opportunity to create nanowire transistors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanowerk, and Science.
Hydrophobicity of nanoscale interfaces
Researchers at the Rensselaer University developed a method to measure the hydrophocity of nanoscale interfaces by performing molecular simulations of self assembled monolayers. They simulated hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers and observed their interaction with water molecules. They found a relation between hydrophobicity and fluctuations in density of adjoining water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Langmuir, Physical Review Letters, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano diet
Researchers at Finnish Universities created a drug delivery system using nanoporous silicon that could assist dieting processes. They created nanopores in silicon through electrochemical etching and dipped it in a drug solution, where peptides that control appetite were easily loaded into the silicon wafers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticles for arsenic removal
Researchers at Jackson State University developed an arsenic test with an ability to detect arsenic in drinking water down to 3 parts per trillion. Specific organic molecules were attached to gold nanoparticles that formed a complex with arsenic. As more and more arsenic got attached, the gold nanoparticles began to form a clump that changed color from red to blue, which was discernible to the naked eye. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Nanoparticle removal from wastewater
Scientists using the ISIS Neutron Source from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s ISIS Neutron Source, along with colleagues from King’s College London and Oxford University found a method to remove nanoparticles from waste water during primary sewage treatment. The nanoparticles when coated with surfactant (a detergent-like material) formed sludge in sewage which could be removed and disposed. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Environmental Science & Technology.
Nano “peptide forests” for self-cleaning
Researchers from Tel Aviv University created a technology where self-assembled nanotubules grown in a vacuum under high temperature can tolerate heat and resist water. These nano “peptide forests” can be used to create self-cleaning windows or solar panels and help make batteries more efficient. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Single-atom working transistor
Researchers from Helsinki University of Technology (Finland), University of New South Wales (Australia), and University of Melbourne (Australia) developed a transistor with a working region of a single phosphorous atom. The mechanism involved is the sequential tunneling of electrons, which is controlled by voltage on a nearby metal electrode that is a few tens of nanometers wide. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, November 30, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Medical Imaging
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a procedure to illuminate the interior of cells by using nanoparticles. The study revealed information about the clustering mechanism in proteins inside a type of human red blood cells that allows them to be mechanically flexible. Their findings show that quantum dots can be used in investigating dynamic cellular processes. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology.
Beneficial defects in carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that defective carbon nanotubes can be used to store energy. They developed methods to control this capacity of storing charge by bombarding carbon nanotubes with Argon or Hydrogen. They also noted that defects created in a controlled manner could ultimately avoid deterioration of electrical conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Nanovip, and Applied Physics Letters.
“Fly paper” to capture cancer cells
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have created a three-dimensional nanostructed “fly paper” that can capture cancer tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood stream. It is estimated that the 1-by-2 centimeter nanopillar silicon chip coated with an antibody protein could detect 45 to 65 percent of cancerous cells in a medium of breast cancer cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Waste heat to electricity
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to convert waste heat to useful electricity with both high efficiency and high throughput (electrical power). The existing systems of conversion demonstrate a 40 percent efficiency of the Carnot limit (energy conversion can never exceed the Carnot limit), while the new device (starting with a single quantum dot) can make this conversion with a possible efficiency of 90 percent of the limit. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Synthesizing Graphene
Extensive research is being conducted to develop two-dimensional graphene-like polymers. Their desirable electrical properties could ultimately lead to graphene replacing silicon in many semiconductors. Physicists at Empa, Switzerland along with chemists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany have synthesized a graphene-like porous polymer through a new method- “bottom-up” synthesis on metal surfaces. They allowed functionalized phenyl rings to grow into a two-dimensional structure on a silver substrate that created pores of a single-atom diameter with pore spacing of less than a nanometer. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Chemical Communications.
Nanostructure Vibrations
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Chicago have overcome the limitation many researchers have been facing to approach single-atom sensing through nano-scale vibrations. Vibrations at nanoscale can provide applications in ultrasensitive mass detection, molecular scale biological sensing, and an understanding of nanoscale mechanical losses. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Current through C60s
European scientists created minute electrical circuit between two molecules. In a controlled atmosphere two C60 molecules of 1nm in diameter were brought together and the current that passed through them was recorded. However, the conductance is a 100 times lesser than that of a single molecule. This new circuit can be used in devices to control leakage current between neighboring circuits. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Nanophotonic forces
Researchers from the University of Ghent and the IMEC demonstrated repulsive and attractive forces in photons with spatial distribution of light. The study used advanced fabrication techniques to create to parallel nanoscale waveguides separated by a distance of 220nm on a silicon-on-insulator chip. When a laser passed through these waveguides optical forces were generated; the spatial distribution indicated the type of force-attraction or repulsion. This study provides applications in areas of telecommunication and signal processing. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.
Medical Imaging
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a procedure to illuminate the interior of cells by using nanoparticles. The study revealed information about the clustering mechanism in proteins inside a type of human red blood cells that allows them to be mechanically flexible. Their findings show that quantum dots can be used in investigating dynamic cellular processes. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology.
Beneficial defects in carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that defective carbon nanotubes can be used to store energy. They developed methods to control this capacity of storing charge by bombarding carbon nanotubes with Argon or Hydrogen. They also noted that defects created in a controlled manner could ultimately avoid deterioration of electrical conductivity. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, Nanovip, and Applied Physics Letters.
“Fly paper” to capture cancer cells
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have created a three-dimensional nanostructed “fly paper” that can capture cancer tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood stream. It is estimated that the 1-by-2 centimeter nanopillar silicon chip coated with an antibody protein could detect 45 to 65 percent of cancerous cells in a medium of breast cancer cells. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie.
Waste heat to electricity
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to convert waste heat to useful electricity with both high efficiency and high throughput (electrical power). The existing systems of conversion demonstrate a 40 percent efficiency of the Carnot limit (energy conversion can never exceed the Carnot limit), while the new device (starting with a single quantum dot) can make this conversion with a possible efficiency of 90 percent of the limit. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Synthesizing Graphene
Extensive research is being conducted to develop two-dimensional graphene-like polymers. Their desirable electrical properties could ultimately lead to graphene replacing silicon in many semiconductors. Physicists at Empa, Switzerland along with chemists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany have synthesized a graphene-like porous polymer through a new method- “bottom-up” synthesis on metal surfaces. They allowed functionalized phenyl rings to grow into a two-dimensional structure on a silver substrate that created pores of a single-atom diameter with pore spacing of less than a nanometer. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Chemical Communications.
Nanostructure Vibrations
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Chicago have overcome the limitation many researchers have been facing to approach single-atom sensing through nano-scale vibrations. Vibrations at nanoscale can provide applications in ultrasensitive mass detection, molecular scale biological sensing, and an understanding of nanoscale mechanical losses. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Current through C60s
European scientists created minute electrical circuit between two molecules. In a controlled atmosphere two C60 molecules of 1nm in diameter were brought together and the current that passed through them was recorded. However, the conductance is a 100 times lesser than that of a single molecule. This new circuit can be used in devices to control leakage current between neighboring circuits. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Nanophotonic forces
Researchers from the University of Ghent and the IMEC demonstrated repulsive and attractive forces in photons with spatial distribution of light. The study used advanced fabrication techniques to create to parallel nanoscale waveguides separated by a distance of 220nm on a silicon-on-insulator chip. When a laser passed through these waveguides optical forces were generated; the spatial distribution indicated the type of force-attraction or repulsion. This study provides applications in areas of telecommunication and signal processing. See Nanowerk and Nature Nanotechnology.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nanomaterials on a space shuttle
Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Florida have developed two types of nanomaterials to test their performance in space orbits. The materials will be carried by the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station where they will be mounted to the station’s outer hull in a passive experiment carrier. The first type of nanomaterial comprises of nanoscale alumina particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the second type is a conductive polymer nanocomposite. This development can lead to creating better cooling systems for spacecrafts and electronic systems. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nano-colorsorter” devices
Researchers from the Berkley lab have created “bowtie-shaped” optical nano-antennas from four lithographically patterned equilateral triangles of gold to create a cross geometry that can act as “nano-colorsorters” able to capture, filter, and steer light at nano-scale. These devices can handle/manipulate/control light in extremely small confined areas of tiny photonic circuits. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nano Letters.
Light produces nanoscale movement
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated the ability of light to move silicon structures up to 12 nanometers. They created a structure consisting of two thin, flat silicon nitride rings (30microns in diameter) fixed one above the other on a pedestal through thin spokes. The distance between the rings is 1micron and the ring waveguides are 3microns wide and 190nanometers thick. When light with a frequency of 1533.5 nm is focused on to the rings it produces a force in the rings to deform up to 12nm. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanotechnology for the spinal cord
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the 60 nm diameter spheres known as “copolymer micelles,” can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. The micelles can be used to treat damaged fibers that transmit electrical impulses (axons) to the spinal cord. They found that treatment to spinal cord damages due to compression injuries using micelles boosted the recovery process by 60 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Resilient silicon nanowires
North Carolina State University researchers have established that silicon nanowires are more resilient than their counterparts. Researchers used in-situ tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope on silicon nanowires made from the vapor-liquid-solid process to test its properties. This result can provide better insights to other researchers dealing with nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanostructed solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nano Letters.
FinFETs
Researchers are making efforts to improve transistor efficiency to create fast and compact circuits and computer chips. The reduction of gate (an essential component) length can provide this required breakthrough, but decreasing it in silicon based semiconductors results in an electric “leak.” Researchers from Purdue University have created hafnium-dioxide finFETs to overcome this difficulty. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Light at nanoscale
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are squeezing light into smaller spaces within optical fibers than was possible before. These optical fibers carry and transmit light through the inside of their pipes and as the size of the pipe is reduced, light confines itself within roughly a few hundred nanometers in area. If this area is further reduced then light begins to spread, but the researchers have pushed this limit in area by a factor of two paving the way for future creation of nano-scale sensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale behavior in catalysts
Researchers from Rice and Lehigh Universities used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and advanced optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to understand and evaluate the nanoscale behavior and nano structure of tungstated zirconia. This discovery will aid detailed catalytic analysis. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nature Chemistry.
Nanomaterials on a space shuttle
Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Florida have developed two types of nanomaterials to test their performance in space orbits. The materials will be carried by the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station where they will be mounted to the station’s outer hull in a passive experiment carrier. The first type of nanomaterial comprises of nanoscale alumina particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the second type is a conductive polymer nanocomposite. This development can lead to creating better cooling systems for spacecrafts and electronic systems. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nano-colorsorter” devices
Researchers from the Berkley lab have created “bowtie-shaped” optical nano-antennas from four lithographically patterned equilateral triangles of gold to create a cross geometry that can act as “nano-colorsorters” able to capture, filter, and steer light at nano-scale. These devices can handle/manipulate/control light in extremely small confined areas of tiny photonic circuits. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nano Letters.
Light produces nanoscale movement
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated the ability of light to move silicon structures up to 12 nanometers. They created a structure consisting of two thin, flat silicon nitride rings (30microns in diameter) fixed one above the other on a pedestal through thin spokes. The distance between the rings is 1micron and the ring waveguides are 3microns wide and 190nanometers thick. When light with a frequency of 1533.5 nm is focused on to the rings it produces a force in the rings to deform up to 12nm. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanotechnology for the spinal cord
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered that the 60 nm diameter spheres known as “copolymer micelles,” can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. The micelles can be used to treat damaged fibers that transmit electrical impulses (axons) to the spinal cord. They found that treatment to spinal cord damages due to compression injuries using micelles boosted the recovery process by 60 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nature Nano.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Resilient silicon nanowires
North Carolina State University researchers have established that silicon nanowires are more resilient than their counterparts. Researchers used in-situ tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope on silicon nanowires made from the vapor-liquid-solid process to test its properties. This result can provide better insights to other researchers dealing with nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanostructed solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nano Letters.
FinFETs
Researchers are making efforts to improve transistor efficiency to create fast and compact circuits and computer chips. The reduction of gate (an essential component) length can provide this required breakthrough, but decreasing it in silicon based semiconductors results in an electric “leak.” Researchers from Purdue University have created hafnium-dioxide finFETs to overcome this difficulty. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Light at nanoscale
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are squeezing light into smaller spaces within optical fibers than was possible before. These optical fibers carry and transmit light through the inside of their pipes and as the size of the pipe is reduced, light confines itself within roughly a few hundred nanometers in area. If this area is further reduced then light begins to spread, but the researchers have pushed this limit in area by a factor of two paving the way for future creation of nano-scale sensors. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale behavior in catalysts
Researchers from Rice and Lehigh Universities used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and advanced optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to understand and evaluate the nanoscale behavior and nano structure of tungstated zirconia. This discovery will aid detailed catalytic analysis. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nature Chemistry.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, November 04, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Tumor termination with nanoformulation
Bioengineers at Duke University have devised a nano-scale system that can deliver high doses of drugs to terminate tumors effectively while decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy. The results from animal modeling prove that tumors are destroyed after a single treatment and the nano delivery vehicles collapse into harmless byproducts. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Hidden” PV cells
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures on optical fibers coated with dye-sensitizers. The optical fibers collect sunlight and pass it onto nanowires where it interacts with dye molecules to produce electricity. The three-dimensional optical fiber system is six times as efficient as planar solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie International.
The Healing Nanocage
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a tiny capsule, dubbed a “nanocage” that is photosensitive and can deliver drugs to targeted areas. The nanocage responds to light opening when the light is turned on and closing when the light is turned off thus delivering medical substances within it only when the desired. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.
Optical Frequency Comb
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States have developed an improved frequency comb that can precisely measure frequencies of a visible light. The improved comb outdoes its predecessors by providing a clearer image of different frequencies which can now be viewed from a simple optical system (a grating and a microscope). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New manufacturing method for nanowires
Danish nanophysicists have created a new method of manufacturing nanowires using Gallium Indium Arsenide and Indium Arsenide to draw on their individual benefits together. This development can help solar cells trap more sunlight than ever before and can also be used in LEDs and OLEDs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano stirring
Sandia researchers have developed a new method of mixing called vortex field mixing that combines liquids in extremely small spaces. Magnetic nanoparticles are suspended into the liquid and form chains when subjected to a particular magnetic field. These chains start to swirl which mix liquids. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.
Superhydrophobic nanocoating
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoparticle based coating that can reduce the buildup of ice on solid surfaces. The coating consists of a silicon-resin solution combined with 50 nanometers silica nanoparticles. The product was tested in real conditions on an Aluminum plate and on a commercial satellite dish. See First Science, Nanowerk, and Langmuir.
Nano magnetism
A research team in Boston developed an implantable drug delivery device that can trap medicinal substances in a membrane embedded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetic nanoparticles heat up causing the gel in the membrane to melt. This opens pores in the membrane facilitating drug delivery. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the gels re-expand and close the pores. No implanted electronics is needed for this system. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Lethal combination for cancer
Researchers from Rutgers have combined two different anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubin and siRNA) to make a lethal drug to eliminate cancer. Doxorubin is a drug that kills tumors by apoptosis (a form of cell death) and siRNA (small interfering RNA)that stops the production of Bcl-2 protein produced by malignant cells. Pores of silicon nanoparticles are filled with Doxorubin and are coated by dendrimers (spherical polymer nanoparticles) which then are allowed to tightly bind to siRNA. The combination drug proved to be 130-times more lethal in killing ovarian cancer cells in comparison to doxorubin alone. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Tumor termination with nanoformulation
Bioengineers at Duke University have devised a nano-scale system that can deliver high doses of drugs to terminate tumors effectively while decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy. The results from animal modeling prove that tumors are destroyed after a single treatment and the nano delivery vehicles collapse into harmless byproducts. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Hidden” PV cells
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures on optical fibers coated with dye-sensitizers. The optical fibers collect sunlight and pass it onto nanowires where it interacts with dye molecules to produce electricity. The three-dimensional optical fiber system is six times as efficient as planar solar cells. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Angewandte Chemie International.
The Healing Nanocage
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a tiny capsule, dubbed a “nanocage” that is photosensitive and can deliver drugs to targeted areas. The nanocage responds to light opening when the light is turned on and closing when the light is turned off thus delivering medical substances within it only when the desired. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Materials.
Optical Frequency Comb
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States have developed an improved frequency comb that can precisely measure frequencies of a visible light. The improved comb outdoes its predecessors by providing a clearer image of different frequencies which can now be viewed from a simple optical system (a grating and a microscope). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New manufacturing method for nanowires
Danish nanophysicists have created a new method of manufacturing nanowires using Gallium Indium Arsenide and Indium Arsenide to draw on their individual benefits together. This development can help solar cells trap more sunlight than ever before and can also be used in LEDs and OLEDs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Nano stirring
Sandia researchers have developed a new method of mixing called vortex field mixing that combines liquids in extremely small spaces. Magnetic nanoparticles are suspended into the liquid and form chains when subjected to a particular magnetic field. These chains start to swirl which mix liquids. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, and Nanotech Wire.
Superhydrophobic nanocoating
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoparticle based coating that can reduce the buildup of ice on solid surfaces. The coating consists of a silicon-resin solution combined with 50 nanometers silica nanoparticles. The product was tested in real conditions on an Aluminum plate and on a commercial satellite dish. See First Science, Nanowerk, and Langmuir.
Nano magnetism
A research team in Boston developed an implantable drug delivery device that can trap medicinal substances in a membrane embedded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetic nanoparticles heat up causing the gel in the membrane to melt. This opens pores in the membrane facilitating drug delivery. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the gels re-expand and close the pores. No implanted electronics is needed for this system. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Lethal combination for cancer
Researchers from Rutgers have combined two different anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubin and siRNA) to make a lethal drug to eliminate cancer. Doxorubin is a drug that kills tumors by apoptosis (a form of cell death) and siRNA (small interfering RNA)that stops the production of Bcl-2 protein produced by malignant cells. Pores of silicon nanoparticles are filled with Doxorubin and are coated by dendrimers (spherical polymer nanoparticles) which then are allowed to tightly bind to siRNA. The combination drug proved to be 130-times more lethal in killing ovarian cancer cells in comparison to doxorubin alone. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, October 27, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nerves and Nanowires
To study the biocompatibility of nanoelectrodes researchers at Lund University injected nanowires into the brains of rats and found that microglia (the brain’s “clean-up” cells) ate away the nanowires, while a major astrocyte cells’ (who help in the healing process) response observed initially declined later on. The results prove that nanowires had no drastic or chronic affects on the brain. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, and ACS Nano.
Optical Nanoantennas
Wireless data transmission requires a dipole antenna on both the transmitter and receiver ends, and communication is most effective and efficient when the total length of the dipole antennas is about half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. KIT scientists have developed for the first time gold nanoantennas with an extremely high frequency (1 million times higher than radio frequencies) allowing fast modulation causing high data transmission rates. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanochip for massive data storage
Engineers at North Carolina State University have created a nanochip with an ability to store data equivalent to 20-high definition DVDs or 250 pages or texts. Selective doping was performed with nickel being added to magnesium oxide; groups of nickel atoms were formed no bigger than 10 square nanometers. This feature enables more data storage capacity in a chip than usual. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nanotest” to detect prostate cancer
Using a process involving the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA that attach themselves to prostat-specific antigen (PSA) in blood, researchers of Northwestern University are able to now detect low levels of PSA in post-radical prostatectomy patients. They were able to measure PSA values of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and PNAS.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Kinked” nanowires
Researchers at Harvard University have created two and three dimensional zigzag nanowires which can be useful in detecting small electrical currents in cells and tissues. The process involves the introduction of triangular “stereocenters” of 120° joints (which appear as “kinks”) into 1D nanowires. These kinked junctions enable functionality at different points on a nanowire, making it possible to develop nanoelectronics, photodetectors, or biological sensors into complex nanoscale structures. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanoscale crystal
Researchers at California Institute of technology (CalTech) have developed a method to confine both light and sound in a nanoscale crystal device called an optomechanical crystal. This confinement can lead to the production of frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, making transmission of large amounts of information possible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Mechanism for nanopillars
Scientists from CalTach have devised a mechanism to build high precision arrays of nanoscale pillars of any pattern on a polymer film. The mechanism involves photolithography and can be used to create three dimensional nano and micro-scale structures for optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Tiny battery
Researchers at Yale University and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a tiny battery with a capacity to generate electricity for ten minutes. The battery consists of two droplets, each consisting of a 200 nanoliter water based solution of potassium and chloride ions enclosed in a lipid wall. The small battery is created by varying the concentration of solution in two cells and inserting electrodes. These batteries are predicted to replace conventional solid-state energy-generating devices in the future. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Carbon nanotubes harmful to lungs
Carbon nanotubes are being used in various applications and equipments without substantial knowledge of their effects on health. A study by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhalation of carbon nanotubes affects the pleura ( an outer lining of the lungs) causing fibrosis for a short time. A single exposure of the nanotubes resulted in either scarring of the pleural surface or fibrosis in mice. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
CNTs for crop growth
Scientists in Arkansas have reported that use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for seeds could be a new avenue in “nano-agriculture”. They found that CNTs penetrated the hard outer seed coating and enhanced its sprouting while making its seedlings heavier. These positive effects of germination and growth enhancement could reap economic benefits in agriculture, horticulture, and energy sector especially for plant-based biofuels. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.
Nerves and Nanowires
To study the biocompatibility of nanoelectrodes researchers at Lund University injected nanowires into the brains of rats and found that microglia (the brain’s “clean-up” cells) ate away the nanowires, while a major astrocyte cells’ (who help in the healing process) response observed initially declined later on. The results prove that nanowires had no drastic or chronic affects on the brain. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, and ACS Nano.
Optical Nanoantennas
Wireless data transmission requires a dipole antenna on both the transmitter and receiver ends, and communication is most effective and efficient when the total length of the dipole antennas is about half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. KIT scientists have developed for the first time gold nanoantennas with an extremely high frequency (1 million times higher than radio frequencies) allowing fast modulation causing high data transmission rates. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanochip for massive data storage
Engineers at North Carolina State University have created a nanochip with an ability to store data equivalent to 20-high definition DVDs or 250 pages or texts. Selective doping was performed with nickel being added to magnesium oxide; groups of nickel atoms were formed no bigger than 10 square nanometers. This feature enables more data storage capacity in a chip than usual. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
“Nanotest” to detect prostate cancer
Using a process involving the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA that attach themselves to prostat-specific antigen (PSA) in blood, researchers of Northwestern University are able to now detect low levels of PSA in post-radical prostatectomy patients. They were able to measure PSA values of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and PNAS.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Kinked” nanowires
Researchers at Harvard University have created two and three dimensional zigzag nanowires which can be useful in detecting small electrical currents in cells and tissues. The process involves the introduction of triangular “stereocenters” of 120° joints (which appear as “kinks”) into 1D nanowires. These kinked junctions enable functionality at different points on a nanowire, making it possible to develop nanoelectronics, photodetectors, or biological sensors into complex nanoscale structures. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nano.
Nanoscale crystal
Researchers at California Institute of technology (CalTech) have developed a method to confine both light and sound in a nanoscale crystal device called an optomechanical crystal. This confinement can lead to the production of frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, making transmission of large amounts of information possible. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Mechanism for nanopillars
Scientists from CalTach have devised a mechanism to build high precision arrays of nanoscale pillars of any pattern on a polymer film. The mechanism involves photolithography and can be used to create three dimensional nano and micro-scale structures for optical, photonic, and biofluidic devices. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Physical Review Letters.
Tiny battery
Researchers at Yale University and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a tiny battery with a capacity to generate electricity for ten minutes. The battery consists of two droplets, each consisting of a 200 nanoliter water based solution of potassium and chloride ions enclosed in a lipid wall. The small battery is created by varying the concentration of solution in two cells and inserting electrodes. These batteries are predicted to replace conventional solid-state energy-generating devices in the future. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Advanced Materials.
Carbon nanotubes harmful to lungs
Carbon nanotubes are being used in various applications and equipments without substantial knowledge of their effects on health. A study by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhalation of carbon nanotubes affects the pleura ( an outer lining of the lungs) causing fibrosis for a short time. A single exposure of the nanotubes resulted in either scarring of the pleural surface or fibrosis in mice. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
CNTs for crop growth
Scientists in Arkansas have reported that use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for seeds could be a new avenue in “nano-agriculture”. They found that CNTs penetrated the hard outer seed coating and enhanced its sprouting while making its seedlings heavier. These positive effects of germination and growth enhancement could reap economic benefits in agriculture, horticulture, and energy sector especially for plant-based biofuels. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NEWSWORTHY
Nanoscale cantilevers to measure “Persistent current”
Physicists at Yale University used nanoscale cantilevers to develop a new method of measuring persistent current through a metal ring. They were able to do so by measuring the variations in magnetic force that resulted from the current flow in the ring. Persistent current is sensitive and extremely weak with a low-level magnetic field that cannot be measured using a SQUID. Nanoscale cantilevers were employed successfully to measure these extremely low levels of magnetic force in aluminum rings thereby making it possible to measure persistent currents. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Gold “snowflakes”
Kansas State University engineers formed 24-carat gold “snowflake” islands on a single atom thick material called graphene. They placed graphene dioxide sheets in a gold ion solution with a growth catalyst. Gold did not evenly coat the sheet but formed islands on it. Engineers called these islands snowflake-shaped gold nanostars, or SFGNs. They are continuing work on this discovery and hope to create a graphene-gold DNA sensor. See AtoZ Nano, First Science , Nanotech Wire, and ACS Nano.
Microwave “fridge” for your nano devices
Nanoscale measurement of a material when above absolute zero (-273°C) is difficult as heat produces atomic movements within it. In order to record accurate measurements there is a need to cool the material. This is now possible for ‘micro’ or ‘nano-scale mechanical resonators’ with the new tiny microwave-powered room-temperature refrigerator developed by National Physical Laboratory scientists. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
Nano Butterfly Wings
Scientists of the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have found a way to create optically active nanostructures similar to those found in the insect world. Insects have the ability to appear metallic, multi-colored or iridescent. These properties are the result of photonic nanostructures, such as those found in the cuticles of butterfly wings. Their research team has developed a method for replicating these structures, which may be useful in a number of optically active devices (e.g.,optical diffusers in solar panels). See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.
Control of carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes’ (cylindrical carbon molecules) structure and function, or chirality, can now be controlled by mixing different metals in a catalyst. Case Western Reserve researchers found that altering the structure of the catalyst through its composition can result in an ability to control the chirality, as well as the electrical and optical properties, of the nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano-scale test tube
Melting, capillarity, and diffusion are now possible at a very small scale. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an experiment with a nano-scale test tube composed of a thin shell of carbon. A gold-tipped nanowire was inserted into the test tube and heated to observe melting. The experiment could only be observed through a high power electron microscope. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanovip.
Nanoaluminum rocket propellant
A frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum particles could provide a more environmentally friendly rocket propellant. ALICE or aluminum (Al) – ice can be used to launch rockets into orbit or for long distance space missions. The fuel can be produced on the Moon, Mars, or any other water-bearing bodies. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticle electric propulsion
NanoFET is an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion to improve the speed of a spacecraft while using less propellant than usual. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a professor from the University of Michigan to develop this electric rocket thruster. See AtoZ Nano, Nanovip, and Nanowerk.
Artificial neuromuscular junction
Neuromuscular junctions are nerve-muscle connections that help the brain control muscular movements. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can improve the performance of prosthetic hands with a possibility to restore the sense of touch. The artificial junction consists of muscle cells and a nano-sized polymer placed on a biological scaffold. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial Photosynthesis
Four chemists from the University of Rochester are developing a three module process to effectively generate hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis using carbon nanotubes. In the first module a chromophore (a complex naturally occurring molecule found in plants) is used to create free electrons from visible light. In the second module a membrane of carbon nanotubes acts as a bridge to transport these electrons to the third module, where catalytic reaction is used to extract hydrogen from water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoscale cantilevers to measure “Persistent current”
Physicists at Yale University used nanoscale cantilevers to develop a new method of measuring persistent current through a metal ring. They were able to do so by measuring the variations in magnetic force that resulted from the current flow in the ring. Persistent current is sensitive and extremely weak with a low-level magnetic field that cannot be measured using a SQUID. Nanoscale cantilevers were employed successfully to measure these extremely low levels of magnetic force in aluminum rings thereby making it possible to measure persistent currents. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Science.
Gold “snowflakes”
Kansas State University engineers formed 24-carat gold “snowflake” islands on a single atom thick material called graphene. They placed graphene dioxide sheets in a gold ion solution with a growth catalyst. Gold did not evenly coat the sheet but formed islands on it. Engineers called these islands snowflake-shaped gold nanostars, or SFGNs. They are continuing work on this discovery and hope to create a graphene-gold DNA sensor. See AtoZ Nano, First Science , Nanotech Wire, and ACS Nano.
Microwave “fridge” for your nano devices
Nanoscale measurement of a material when above absolute zero (-273°C) is difficult as heat produces atomic movements within it. In order to record accurate measurements there is a need to cool the material. This is now possible for ‘micro’ or ‘nano-scale mechanical resonators’ with the new tiny microwave-powered room-temperature refrigerator developed by National Physical Laboratory scientists. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Applied Physics Letters.
Nano Butterfly Wings
Scientists of the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have found a way to create optically active nanostructures similar to those found in the insect world. Insects have the ability to appear metallic, multi-colored or iridescent. These properties are the result of photonic nanostructures, such as those found in the cuticles of butterfly wings. Their research team has developed a method for replicating these structures, which may be useful in a number of optically active devices (e.g.,optical diffusers in solar panels). See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.
Control of carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes’ (cylindrical carbon molecules) structure and function, or chirality, can now be controlled by mixing different metals in a catalyst. Case Western Reserve researchers found that altering the structure of the catalyst through its composition can result in an ability to control the chirality, as well as the electrical and optical properties, of the nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano and Nanotech Wire.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nano-scale test tube
Melting, capillarity, and diffusion are now possible at a very small scale. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an experiment with a nano-scale test tube composed of a thin shell of carbon. A gold-tipped nanowire was inserted into the test tube and heated to observe melting. The experiment could only be observed through a high power electron microscope. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanovip.
Nanoaluminum rocket propellant
A frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum particles could provide a more environmentally friendly rocket propellant. ALICE or aluminum (Al) – ice can be used to launch rockets into orbit or for long distance space missions. The fuel can be produced on the Moon, Mars, or any other water-bearing bodies. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Nanoparticle electric propulsion
NanoFET is an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion to improve the speed of a spacecraft while using less propellant than usual. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a professor from the University of Michigan to develop this electric rocket thruster. See AtoZ Nano, Nanovip, and Nanowerk.
Artificial neuromuscular junction
Neuromuscular junctions are nerve-muscle connections that help the brain control muscular movements. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can improve the performance of prosthetic hands with a possibility to restore the sense of touch. The artificial junction consists of muscle cells and a nano-sized polymer placed on a biological scaffold. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Artificial Photosynthesis
Four chemists from the University of Rochester are developing a three module process to effectively generate hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis using carbon nanotubes. In the first module a chromophore (a complex naturally occurring molecule found in plants) is used to create free electrons from visible light. In the second module a membrane of carbon nanotubes acts as a bridge to transport these electrons to the third module, where catalytic reaction is used to extract hydrogen from water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.
Monday, October 12, 2009
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Monday, October 12, 2009
BREAKTHROUGH
Carbon nanotubes for detection
Stanford scientists have developed a chip consisting of carbon nanotubes that detects low levels of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and sarin in water. The plastic substrate chip is flexible, cheap, and operates efficiently under water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
NEWSWORTHY
Brain implants
Scientists at University of Michigan have observed that brain implants in rats are more efficient when coated with nanotubes made up of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The coated implants have shown an improvement of 30 percent in high-quality unit activity as compared to uncoated implants. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Journal of Advanced Materials.
Artificial pore
Biomedical researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed an artificial pore that when inserted into a lipid membrane allows single and double stranded DNA to pass through it. This modified core of a nanomotor could find applications in drug loading, gene delivery, nano sensing and DNA sequencing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanosensors to measure insulin level
Iranian researchers have developed nanosenors that can detect insulin levels for diabetic patients. To produce nanosensors, the researchers used silicon carbide nanoparticles in ethanol on glass carbon electrodes. They were left to evaporate and were stabilized on the electrode to form detectors. See Nanowerk.
Quantum dots to treat skin cancer
Researchers from the US and Canada are collaborating to develop quantum dots as photsensitizers to treat skin cancer. Photosensitizers combining with light, as in photodynamic therapy can produce oxygen species that are harmful to cancer cells. See Nanoscale and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nanotechnology for space environment
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are conducting experiments to develop shielding devices to protect microelectronics and other integrated circuits used in spacecrafts and satellites from harmful space radiations. The researchers note that an alloy of Silicon and Germanium at the nanoscale could act as a shielding agent. Investigations are on to figure ways of improving the combination so this alloy can shield most radiations. See AtoZNano.
Quantum dot directed assembly gains momentum
Directed assembly is a process of controlling quantum dots through manipulation of atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior. But lack of information regarding their atomic –scale, chemical, and structural properties was slowing this process down. But, researchers from University of Michigan have created atomic scale maps of these quantum dots to regain the lost pace of directed assembly. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.
Controlled movement in the nanoworld
Scientists in the UK are making efforts to control directed movement of molecules of nanoparticles. They developed a surface containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections producing an energy gradient, where particles move in a directed pattern. See AtoZNano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
Nanochip for cancer detection
Early detection of the type and severity of cancer is now possible thanks to researchers from the University of Toronto. They have developed a microchip made from nanomaterials that is sensitive enough to do so within 30 minutes. See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
Carbon nanotubes for detection
Stanford scientists have developed a chip consisting of carbon nanotubes that detects low levels of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and sarin in water. The plastic substrate chip is flexible, cheap, and operates efficiently under water. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
NEWSWORTHY
Brain implants
Scientists at University of Michigan have observed that brain implants in rats are more efficient when coated with nanotubes made up of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The coated implants have shown an improvement of 30 percent in high-quality unit activity as compared to uncoated implants. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Journal of Advanced Materials.
Artificial pore
Biomedical researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed an artificial pore that when inserted into a lipid membrane allows single and double stranded DNA to pass through it. This modified core of a nanomotor could find applications in drug loading, gene delivery, nano sensing and DNA sequencing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
Nanosensors to measure insulin level
Iranian researchers have developed nanosenors that can detect insulin levels for diabetic patients. To produce nanosensors, the researchers used silicon carbide nanoparticles in ethanol on glass carbon electrodes. They were left to evaporate and were stabilized on the electrode to form detectors. See Nanowerk.
Quantum dots to treat skin cancer
Researchers from the US and Canada are collaborating to develop quantum dots as photsensitizers to treat skin cancer. Photosensitizers combining with light, as in photodynamic therapy can produce oxygen species that are harmful to cancer cells. See Nanoscale and Nanowerk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Nanotechnology for space environment
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are conducting experiments to develop shielding devices to protect microelectronics and other integrated circuits used in spacecrafts and satellites from harmful space radiations. The researchers note that an alloy of Silicon and Germanium at the nanoscale could act as a shielding agent. Investigations are on to figure ways of improving the combination so this alloy can shield most radiations. See AtoZNano.
Quantum dot directed assembly gains momentum
Directed assembly is a process of controlling quantum dots through manipulation of atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior. But lack of information regarding their atomic –scale, chemical, and structural properties was slowing this process down. But, researchers from University of Michigan have created atomic scale maps of these quantum dots to regain the lost pace of directed assembly. See AtoZNano and Nanowerk.
Controlled movement in the nanoworld
Scientists in the UK are making efforts to control directed movement of molecules of nanoparticles. They developed a surface containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections producing an energy gradient, where particles move in a directed pattern. See AtoZNano, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
Nanochip for cancer detection
Early detection of the type and severity of cancer is now possible thanks to researchers from the University of Toronto. They have developed a microchip made from nanomaterials that is sensitive enough to do so within 30 minutes. See Nanowerk and Nanotech Wire.
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