Nanotechnology

Nanologue: Europe-wide dialogue on benefits, risks and social, ethical and legal implications of nanotechnology

Nanologue is a new European Commissioned-funded project led by the Wuppertal Institute. The project aims to facilitate an international dialogue on the social, ethical and legal benefits and potential impacts of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Using an existing NT web-platform, media-workshops, publicity materials and conference attendances will support a broad outreach and further substantiate dialogue. According to a Wuppertal press release, the study will be based on a dialogue and a dissemination process but the output from Nanologue will be used to enhance Europe’s ability to compete in this vital industry. In fact, the project will be used as a vehicle to “facilitate the translation of civil society’s ethical, legal and social requirements on NT research into a real competitive advantage for the European industry.” Press Release.

Nanotechnology on the Frontline: Interview with Professor N. Seeman, Creator of the Nano Biped & Nano Translation Device

A framework discussion with Dr. Nadrian Seeman, Founding President of the International Society for Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Professor of Chemistry at New York University, about the potential of the nanotechnology revolution. He discusses his work with the fundamental unit of life, DNA, and the use of DNA to create various model nanotechnology devices. A recent article published in Science magazine.  Listen and/or subscribe to the NANO podcast.

USPTO Digest Designed Specifically for Nanotechnology

The USPTO’s has created a digest specifically for nanotechnology in furtherance of its efforts to improve the ability to search and examine nanotechnology-related patents. Digest Class 977/Dig.1, entitled Nanotechnology represents the first step in a multi-phase nanotechnology classification project and will facilitate the searching of prior art, provide a subcategorized collection of issued U.S. patents and published pre-grant patent applications relating to nanotechnology across the technology centers, and assist in the development of an expanded, more comprehensive, nanotechnology cross-reference art collection classification schedule. View the press release.

Canadian Report on Nanotechnology in Developing Countries and the UN Millennium Development Goals

Researchers at the University of Toronto and the Canadian Program on Genomics & Global Health have released a report concluding that developing countries are already harnessing nanotechnology. They have also identified and ranked the ten applications of nanotechnology most likely to benefit developing countries and demonstrate how these applications can contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They further propose a way for the international community to accelerate the use of these top nanotechnologies by less industrialized countries. The full report is here.

First Podcast

The first podcast is now available. The aboutNPB podcast is an audio introduction to the the nanotech podcast blog. The file may be listened to here and you may subscribe to the podcast here.

Report Available Discussing the Impact of Nanotechnology on Society

New technologies have always been of great interest to philosophers, sociologists, ethicists and psychologists, among others. The University of South Carolina report the results of a study of the societal implications of nanotechnology conducted through its Philosophical and Social Dimensions of Nanoscale Research program. The complete report can be found here.

Promoting Microfabrication: Nanotech startups save millions?

Article by Jeff Meisner in Bizjournal discussing nanotechnology economic developments in Washington. Read it here.

EPA Awards to Study Effects of Nanotechnology

The EPA has awarded grants to 12 universities to further investigate the potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials. See the notice here.