In an article in Salon titled “The (really scary) soldier of the future — Thanks to nanotechnology, he’ll be a lethal superman who can heal himself“, Alan Goldstein writes: “Based simply on the projects posted for public consumption, the ISN [Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies] is busy creating a soldier of the future who will be… Continue reading Nanosoldier of the future
Researchers at Rice have build a single-molecule device that rolls along a gold surface, which they have nicknamed the nanocar. From Chemical & Engineering News: “A group led by chemistry professor James M. Tour constructed the tiny four-wheeler from an oligo(phenylene ethynylene) chassis and axle covalently mounted to four fullerene wheels. With the help of… Continue reading Light-driven motorized nanocar built at Rice: step toward molecular manufacturing
In an Oct 17 New York Times op-ed, Ray Kurzweil and Bill Joy combine forces to question the recent publication of the genome for the dangerous 1918 flu virus: “We urgently need international agreements by scientific organizations to limit such publications and an international dialogue on the best approach to preventing recipes for weapons of… Continue reading Kurzweil & Joy protest risky (natural) nanomachine recipe publication
Yet another new technique is looking promising for using carbon nanotubes to treat cancer. From Betterhumans, on work at University of Delaware: “When the UD researchers saw the explosions, they realized it might be possible to use the microscopic bombs to kill cancer cells. They recreated the explosions in solutions including water, phosphate and salt,… Continue reading Nanobombs to fight cancer
Whether you’re an experienced podcast listener or a newbie trying it for the first time, check out Foresight president Scott Mize on infoTalk — “Download the fresh voices of Silicon Valley” — hosted by alpha-podcaster John Furrier.
From Internetnews.com: ” ‘Nanotechnology will undoubtedly be used in some form — either as a vaccine, a treatment, a delivery method for a drug, or as a means to detect, control or limit the spread of the influenza,’ Adrian Burden, CEO of Singular ID, told internetnews.com…Christine Peterson, founder of the Foresight Nanotech Institute, notes that… Continue reading Nanotech vs. bird flu
Kinematic Self-Replicating Machines (KSRM), the book co-authored by Robert A. Freitas Jr. and Ralph C. Merkle, was published on paper in 2004, but the book is now freely accessible online . With 200+ illustrations and 3200+ literature references, KSRM describes all proposed and experimentally realized self-replicating systems that were publicly known as of 2004, ranging… Continue reading Kinematic Self-Replicating Machines book now free online
To move forward with today’s nanomaterials, manufacturers need guidance on how to test for safety. The New York Times reports that first roadmap on how to proceed on this has now been published on the website of Particle and Fibre Toxicology [abstract], an online scientific journal. “The lead author on the toxicology report is Günter… Continue reading 1st Nanotoxicology Roadmap strategy published
We bring you three accounts of the “verdict” from the citizen’s participation process NanoJury UK: one from Science and Development Network, one from Richard Jones, and one from Greenpeace UK. From the first: “A British ‘citizen’s jury’ has recommended that public funding in nanotechnology should prioritise long-term solutions to health and environmental problems. Commenting on… Continue reading NanoJury UK verdict overall positive
The field of nanoethics has just gained two new organizations, both quite ambitious: The Center on Nanotechnology and Society at Illinois Institute of Technology, is headed by Nigel Cameron: “the Center is taking the lead in agenda-setting for the ethical, legal and social issues raised by nano. Our unique network of civil society leaders brings… Continue reading Nanoethics heats up
