Category: Nanodot

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.'"

from the what-the-well-dressed-will-wear dept.
Gina Miller writes "In Review: 'Tuxedo' a nano showcase, UPI Science News's Scott R. Burnell describes the hype and the fact in a movie whose 'premise revolves around a set of jacket and pants whose fabric is computerized and packed with nanotech, capable of turning the most unassuming man-on-the-street into a super spy.'"

from the sniffing-around-with-nanodevices dept.
Gina Miller writes "Accoring to the Detroit News (Sept. 27, 2002), 9-11 drives advances in nanotechnology: 'The events of Sept. 11 have focused awareness, increased funding and accelerated the commercialization of micro- and nanotechnology devices that can sense minute traces of chemical, biological and nuclear agents in the air or water …' The focus of the article is MEMS and microsystems companies that currently produce handheld devices for monitoring air and water quality, and are working on smaller devices. Will homeland security also push development of molecular manufacturing and medical and other nanobots?"

from the Learning-to-make-nanodevices dept.
Barbra Rodriguez writes "The University of Texas at Austin just announced a new nanomanufacturing program. In addition, a nanoscience education agreement will be signed by the university's president tomorrow with the rear admiral leading the Naval Undersea Warfare Center" Barbra Rodriguez further states that a press release on the nanoscience education agreement is available, but has not yet been placed on the web.