Thursday, January 21, 2010

10minus9 - Nanoscience and Nanotech

10minus9 is "a blog about nanoscience and nanotech"

Nanophobia: Skin Deep - Experts Question Early Use of Nanotechnology in Products - NYTimes.com

Skin Deep - Experts Question Early Use of Nanotechnology in Products - NYTimes.com:
by Natasha Singer at NYTimes.com
"[S]ome doctors, scientists and consumer advocates are concerned that many industries are adopting nanotechnology ahead of studies that would establish whether regular ingestion, inhalation or dermal penetration of these particles constitute a health or environmental hazard. Personal care products are simply the lowest hanging fruit."

Entrepreneurial Edge - Universities Join With Small Firms to Develop Nanotechnology - NYTimes.com

Entrepreneurial Edge - Universities Join With Small Firms to Develop Nanotechnology - NYTimes.com

After the Transistor, a Leap Into the Microcosm - NYTimes.com

After the Transistor, a Leap Into the Microcosm - NYTimes.com
by John Markoff at NYTimes.com
"Nanowires are just one example, although one of the most promising, of a transformation now taking place in the material sciences as researchers push to create the next generation of switching devices smaller, faster and more powerful than today’s transistors."

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Study Nanomaterials and their Risks

Nanomaterials Under Study by the E.P.A. - NYTimes.com
by Cornelia Dean, NY Times
"The Environmental Protection Agencydetailed its plans on Tuesday for research into the possible health and environmental risks of nanomaterials, tiny substances that are finding growing use in products like sunscreens and industrial adhesives."

No Nano? Public Uninformed about Nanotechnology

Outreach Going Wrong? :The Scientist [2010-01-01]
by Elizabeth A. Corley and Dietram A. Scheufele
"When we talk nano to the public, we are leaving behind key audiences.

Scholars, policy-makers, and outreach specialists in the nanotechnology community may be struggling with toxicological data and regulatory frameworks, but they seem to be able to agree on one thing: The public is unaware of the new technology and uninformed about the science behind it."

Scientists use nanotech to prevent heart disease

Scientists use nanotech to prevent heart disease
by Sharon Gaudin at Computerworld.com
"MIT, Harvard researchers create nanoburrs that stick to damaged arteries and release medicine

Computerworld - University researchers have built nanoparticles designed to cling to artery walls and slowly release medicine - a breakthrough that could help fight heart disease."

Venture Funding of Nanotechnology Start-Ups in Life Sciences and Healthcare Increased as Overall Funding Declined in 2009 | NDN

Venture Funding of Nanotechnology Start-Ups in Life Sciences and Healthcare Increased as Overall Funding Declined in 2009 | NDN
"A new report from Lux Research shows that while overall nanotechnology venture capital (VC) spending was down in 2009, investment in nano-driven healthcare and life sciences increased by 42 percent last year."

Breakthrough in developing super-material graphene

Breakthrough in developing super-material graphene

"Graphene is a relatively new form of carbon made up of a single layer of atoms arranged in a honeycomb shaped lattice. Despite being one atom thick and chemically simple, graphene's is extremely strong and highly conductive, making it ideal for high-speed electronics, photonics and beyond.

Graphene is a strong candidate to replace semiconductor chips. Moore's Law observes that the density of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles every two years, but silicon and other existing transistor materials are thought to be close to the minimum size where they can remain effective. Graphene transistors can potentially run at faster speeds and cope with higher temperatures. Graphene could be the solution to ensuring computing technology to continue to grow in power whilst shrinking in size, extending the life of Moore's law by many years."

Breakthrough in developing graphene may lead to high-speed electronics in future

Breakthrough in developing graphene may lead to high-speed electronics in future
"A team of scientists has produced the incredible material, graphene, to a size and quality where it can be practically developed, which could hold the key to the future of high-speed electronics, such as micro-chips and touchscreen technology."

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Nanotech breakthrough: get ready for graphene

Nanotech breakthrough: get ready for graphene
by Gordon K. Chan, January 19, 2010
"The exciting one-atom thick super material can now be produced in ample quantities and high quality. Rapid improvements in nanotechnology are now expected."

Breakthrough in developing super-material graphene

Breakthrough in developing super-material graphene
"ScienceDaily (Jan. 19, 2010) — A collaborative research project has brought the world a step closer to producing a new material on which future nanotechnology could be based. Researchers across Europe, including the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL), have demonstrated how an incredible material, graphene, could hold the key to the future of high-speed electronics, such as micro-chips and touchscreen technology."