Nanotechnology

On Shaping the Discourse on Nanotech

Follow an interesting dialog between Christine Peterson of Foresight and Jim Moore on Nanodot. CP encountered a nanotechnology primer while attending a recent Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition conference which recommended that “ETC Group has called for a moratorium on nanotech research and new commercial products until such time as laboratory protocols and regulatory regimes are in place that take into account the special characteristics of these materials, and until they are shown to be safe.  In the meantime, all food, feed and beverage products, sunscreens and cosmetics that incorporate manufactured nanoparticles should be removed from shelves.” CP objected that the recommendation was much too broad since the use of nanotechnology was undefined. JM suggested a more interactive approach, citing safety using an example that nanoscale product MSDSs should be specific for the product, especially if it is nanoscale. I further suggest disclosure of information, out of concern for safety, even when the product is not consumable but perhaps insulated using a novel technology, such as Nansulate Translucent from Industrial Nanotech Inc., a  product which protects water from evaporating from a 277F hotplate! The Nansulate Translucent MSDS should be understood by workers as well.

THONGS Aganist Nanotechnology?

What would induce citizens of the public health group THONG to join together on a Saturday at Eddie Bauer in Chicago? Nanotechnology! Members of the group were protesting the nano-fibers contained in the in new NanoTex clothing line. Ironically, THONG members are probably the least likely folks to be affected by the clothing line, since they are a bare all public-interest group that uses nudity to educate. At Howard Lovy's NanoBot, protestor Kiki Walters said “We’re out here naked so people can SEE THE PROBLEM, nanotech is such a radical and unpredictable new technology, like biotech, that it takes something highly visible, like a naked body, to get people to focus on the need to stop corporations from using humans as guinea pigs for new, untested, and unstable new technologies!” You can see more of Kiki at NanoBot. A column by Kevin Maney at USA Today also covers this event. In all fairness, EB does have a policy committed to enhancing life in the communities where they do business. Through funding and employee volunteerism EB supports caring for the environment and the protection of human rights. NanoTex seems to be growing however, as venture capital continues to increase.

New Book on Investment Strategies in Nanotechnology

We hear that Darrell Brookstein, owner of boutique investment firms, has written a new book for potential nanotechnology investors. He began to focus on nanotech investing in 2001 and in early 2002, he and National Academy of Sciences member, and bio-nanoscientist, Erkki Ruoslahti, MD, PhD began collaboration to found The Nanotech Company. In his recent book, Nanotech Fortunes, he attempts to explain nanotech investing to a multidisciplinary audience including investors, scientists, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Stephen B. Maebius, of Foley & Lardner said, "This is the first book to combine professional investment strategies from a seasoned pro with a thorough understanding of the technological risk factors involved in nanotechnology. It is a must-read for anyone considering investments in nanotechnology." Judge for yourself, and let us know what you think. Click here to listen to an audio interview with the author by the WallStreetReporter.

Nanobiotechnologist Creates Self-Assembling Nano-Electronics Exhibiting Complex Geometric Behavior

Mutidisciplinary scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process for mixing polymers which results in self-assembly into nanoscale patterns that can turn corners and display other complex geometries. Reported in the journal Science, chemical and biological engineer Paul Nealey describes how previous research demonstrated a lithographc technique for creating patterns in the chemistry of polymeric materials used as templates for nanomanufacturing. In their previous report, Nealey deposited a film of block copolymers on a chemically patterned surface such that the molecules arranged themselves to replicate the underlying pattern without imperfections. Now he goes further. Although the previous technique works well for creating templates that are neatly ordered in periodic arrays, one of the challenges of nanofabrication is integrating these self-assembling materials, which naturally form periodic structures, into existing manufacturing strategies. View his report.

EU Supports Nano Working Group on Active Biomimetic Systems

A newly formed European research group composed of scientists from the Max Planck Institute and eight other scientific institutions across Europe received 2 Million Euro from the European Union for research on "Active Biomimetic Systems". These systems involve biomolecular nanomachines, including growing filaments and stepping motors. The group, which is led by Prof. Reinhard Lipowsky, will conduct primary research on the molecular mechanism underlying this force generation and will explore new possibilities for the integration of these molecular machines into nano- and microsystems. More information (German).

Upcoming Nanotechnology Meetings June 2005

International Conference on Communication and Cooperation, June 1-3
European Congress & Exhibition NanoTrends, June 6-8
NASA Tech Briefs 2005 Conference June 7-8
Nanoscale Solutions for Research and Industry UK, June 7
China International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology, June 9 - 11
NanoForum Canada '05, June 15-17
X-rays and Neutrons: Essential Tools for Nanoscience Research, June 16-18
Nanotec Forum, Xpo & Conference in Stockholm, June 20-June 22
Nano4Food 2005, June 20-21
EPA Public Meeting on Nanoscale Materials, June 23
Nanotechnology in BioDiagnostics and Analytics, June 29-30

Piva Reports Findings on Alterations to Single-molecule Conductivity by a Charged Surface Atom

Paul G. Piva and colleagues report that although electrical transport through molecules has been much investigated and research has shown that single-molecule electronic effects have been observed, transport is sensitive to structural variations on the atomic scale. Understanding how the structural features affect such properties is of importance. His group has demonstrated that the electrostatic field emanating from a fixed point charge regulates the conductivity of nearby substrate-bound molecules. These results show that molecular conduction is shifted by altering the charge state of a silicon surface atom, or by varying the spatial relationship between the molecule and that charged center. Read their article, appearing in Nature, here.

Nanonews and Activities through May

Nanonews! including the President's Advisory Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Report on the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the UK citizen's NanoJury, a Science journal article on an American Chemical Society report on nanofibers seeding blood vessels, Nanotechnology Law and Business Journal's article on nano weapons of mass destruction, and Rutgers University Professor Stephen Danforth on student involvement in nanotechnology and the future. Also highlights from the Chemical and Engineering News cover story on nanotechnology investing. To listen click here. Subscribe here.