Belle Dume writes at PhysicsWeb: “A simple method to create robust DNA “pyramids” that self-assemble in seconds has been invented by physicists in the UK. Each side of the tetrahedral pyramid is made up of a double helix of DNA…t creates nanoscale tetrahedra of DNA that self-assemble in a single step in just seconds with… Continue reading Strong, stable DNA tetrahedra made quickly with high yield
Check out CNSI’s 2005 Annual Research Report (PDF format) for summaries of the latest nanotech work out of this cutting-edge effort funded by the state of California. Projects that caught my eye: Powered Artificial Nano-Machines: Molecular Valves and Impellers Synthesis, Control, and Assembly of Molecular Machines Linear Artificial Muscles for Mechanical Nanoactuation Operational Nanovalves Powering… Continue reading Calif NanoSystems Institute annual research report now out
Now is the time to get your comments in on the U.S. EPA’s draft white paper on nanotech. An excerpt: “We are currently nearing the end of basic research and development on the first generation of materials resulting from nanotechnologies that include coatings, polymers, more reactive catalysts, etc. (Figure 2). The second generation, which we… Continue reading Public comments open on EPA nanotech white paper
From Dennis O’Brien of the Baltimore Sun: “The Johns Hopkins University is starting a graduate program aimed at training a new breed of scientist and engineer – the nanotechnologist. The school has won a $1 million grant to design a program and begin training doctoral students in nanomedicine, an emerging field that treats diseases on… Continue reading Nanotechnology for Biology and Medicine at Johns Hopkins
Prof. Alan Goldstein, who debated Ron Bailey on nanoethics at the Foresight Vision Weekend, writes on the effect of nanomedicine on medical privacy in Salon: “And by the way, the proliferation of unique molecular identifiers will make medical privacy an impossibility because, ultimately, these types of data cannot be encrypted. The medium is the message.… Continue reading Medical privacy: lack thereof
Not everyone is a big fan of the United Nations or UNESCO, but the wording of their declarations has impact, and we can expect this year’s bioethics declaration (PDF format) to have an effect on later nanoethics documents. Here’s a clause that may come into play on the question of human enhancement: “The autonomy of… Continue reading Bioethics declaration may affect Nanoethics
Plasmonic nanoswitches based upon molecular machines may eventually lead to nanotech plasmonic circuits.
