Author: Foresight Editor

from the field-at-a-glance? dept.
A Global Nanotechnology Map is available from D&A Hi-Tech Information. "The map will include the positioning of 229 Nanotechnology start-ups, corporates and other commercial organisations from all over the world, their agendas, leading research institutions, VCs and analysts in this field, alongside names of leading professionals and other important features." For information, contact Yafit Rossen, D&A Hi-Tech Information; Tel: +972-3-6130576 Fax: +972-3-6121897; e-mail: [email protected].

from the center-stage-at-the-big-circus dept.
Nanotechnology 2003: Big Things in Little Packages, a seminar at the AAAS Annual Meeting, February 13-14, 2003, Denver, Colorado, USA. Organizers include Foresight Senior Associates James Ellenbogen, MITRE; Richard H. Smith, Institute for Alternative Futures. "The intersection of physics, chemistry, engineering and biology at the nanoscale could lead to revolutionary approaches for medical diagnostics, treatment of disease, drug discovery, energy production, and computing. In information systems, circuits, connectors, displays, transistors and, ultimately, entire systems of 'nanosized' parts are being designed, and some, like fullerene-based transistors, are already being tested. … This 2-day seminar brings together leading researchers in this rapidly advancing field of research."

from the diamond-NEMS-parts? dept.
Gina Miller writes "Silicon Strategies reports in Diamond used to break the mould that a Japanese team has developed a technique to build diamond moulds for what it calls nanoimprint lithography (NIL) to try to print rather than image features on chips. The team uses an electron beam lithography system to produce sub-100nm patterns, and is 'currently preparing a paper describing techniques for patterning three-dimensional diamond moulds.' I guess that we will have to see the paper to know if they have a path toward making diamondoid machinery pieces."

from the close-look-at-the-nanotechnology-business dept.
TimHarper writes "CMP Científica, the world's leading nanotechnology business information company, today [October 14, 2002] announced the publication of 24 new reports on nanotechnology. … CMP Científica now provides coverage on this emerging technology which is unrivalled in both depth and breadth. Whether you want an overview of global nanotechnology, or want to focus on a specific technology or market, CMP Cientifica provides a cost-effective solution."

from the first-steps? dept.
Mr_Farlops writes "Wired Magazine examines a system of passive and active sensors that might someday be installed to detect and track unexpected and unexplained radiation sources moving on US roadways, shipping ports and airports. The system has been proposed as a method to prevent dirty bombs or nuclear weapons being transported by criminals or terrorists. While not quite the active shields described in Engines of Creation, it does give a near-future example of what might be achieved with defenses against nanoweapons."

from the looking-for-partners dept.
Neil Gordon writes "Nanomaterials Crossroads provides a unique event, where business meets science and technology, in order to bridge the production, applications and commercialization of nanomaterials. The event will be held in Montreal on November 18th and 19th, 2002 and bring together nanomaterial leaders from North America and Europe. The conference will feature speakers from academia, small and large companies, government, commercialization, and venture capital to stimulate interactions and foster the development of commercial applications of nanomaterials. Further information on attending, sponsoring, and exhibiting are provided at http://www.reseaumateriauxquebec.ca/.

from the make-them-your-way dept.
Mr_Farlops writes "Purdue chemists have learned to create nanotubes with compete control over how the tubes form. This allows the chemist to customize and build tubes to order and will greatly expand the materials available for use on the nanoscale. 'We have found that the nanotubes promote their own formation,' said Hicham Fenniri, head chemist of the Purdue team. 'Such behavior is very reminiscent of living systems, in that they replicate and adapt to their environment.'" This work extends the initial report on self-assembling rosette nanotubes (see Nanodot March 19, 2002).

from the public-debate-is-healthy dept.
Following up the August 19, 2002 Nanodot post Opposition to Nanotechnology, waynerad writes to point out a more recent (September 6, 2002) Associated Press article Environmentalists wary of nanotechnology that quotes both environmentalists' fears about nanoparticle pollution and the replies of scientists that such fears are unreasonable and speculative. waynerad continues "Here is a contrary, optimistic point of view, similar to the view expressed in Drexler/Peterson/Pergamit's 1991 book Unbounding the Future. AP ran this story on how Nanotechnology May Aid Environment. To me, what is interesting isn't so much the specifics raised in either article, but the fact that people 'out there' (besides us) are obviously starting to think about this issue. Also, see Nanotech moratorium called bad idea, where Kevin Ausman, executive director for Rice University's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology says, 'Nanomaterials are a prime opportunity for (science) to take a proactive approach (to public concerns).'"

from the tools-for-nanoscale-quality-control dept.
Gina Miller writes "Imago Scientific Instruments has secured $7 million in financing for development of its innovative LEAP microscope, which provides information about the atomic-scale features of materials that was previously very difficult or impossible to obtain. The LEAP microscope achieves 0.5 nm resolution in three dimensions and 'can collect data 1,000 times faster than previous atom probe designs, enabling use of the instrument for process monitoring.'"