A Modest Proposal for Prince Charles

Phil Bowermaster writes "The Prince of Wales is once again warning about the dangers of nanotechnology:

The Prince acknowledges nanotechnology is a "triumph of human ingenuity".

"Some of the work may have fundamental benefits to society, such as enabling the construction of much cheaper fuel-cells, or new ways of combating ill-health," he says.

But he adds: "How are we going to ensure that proper attention is given to the risks that may… ensue?

Hmmm, well if he's really this concerned, I can think of something that might really help."

Everybody's Getting Into The Act: Taiwan

John Heron writes "As reported today in the Taiwan Economic News, Taiwan is setting up a nano-industry association 'as part of the government's plan to boost output value of the island's industry using nanometer technology to NT$300 billion (US$9.1 billion at US$1:NT$) in 2008.' From the examples given in the article, field emission displays (FED) and optical disk technology improvements, I'd guess this is more marketing for material science under a different name rather than a molecular manufacturing initiative, but it is another government jumping on the nanotech bandwagon."

Howard Lovy departs Small Times, goes freelance

An anonymous reader writes "Howard Lovy announces that he has been reorganized out of Small Times magazine. One of his readers suggests that this was a political decision based on Howard's too-open advocacy of MNT. http://nanobot.blogspot.com/2004/07/flirtin-with-freelance-disaster.html" Update from Foresight president Christine Peterson: Now folks, there's no particular reason to assume MNT advocacy was involved here; it's just as likely to be a budget issue. We at Foresight all wish Howard excellent success in his new career as a freelancer–send some assignments his way!

Drexler challenges opponents of nanotechnology

In a letter published in Chemical & Engineering News, 28 June 2004, p.4, under the title "Nanotech challenge," Eric Drexler called for a dialog on the physical and engineering specifics of proposals to build molecular assemblers. Drexler wrote: "The recent publication of an additional letter to the editor (C&EN, May 17, page 5) regarding the Nanotechnology Point/Counterpoint (C&EN, Dec. 1, 2003, page 37) suggests that readers are still interested in this exchange. To date, although I've heard of scientists who endorse Richard E. Smalley's conclusions, none has been willing to endorse the core of his new argument (that water is essential to controlled chemical synthesis)."

New Russian nanotechnology equipment

Svidinenko Yuriy writes "System of the 'UMKA' nanotechnological equipment has been designed to perform demonstration, research and laboratory works at the atomic-molecular level in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, genetics and other fundamental and applied sciences. Basic applications of the 'UMKA' system are aimed at providing practical training and developing necessary skills to carry out operations with nanoscale structures." "UMKA" Training Nanotechnology Equipment. Provided by Nanotechnology News Network

Nano Business Idea Competition

Chris Thompson writes "CrainTech.com reports that the first International Nanotechnology Business Idea Competition is now accepting submissions from researchers and entrepreneurs interested in winning more than $75,000 in prize money. The competition is targeting (but isn't limited to) researchers who haven't yet developed a business plan. The competition is sponsored by Case Western Reserve University and the Nano Network. Rules and regulations are available at the Nano Network web site The winners will be announced in October as part of NANO Week, which features the Cleveland Clinic's NanoMedicine Summit."

Self Cleaning Nanoparticles: A Housewife's Delight!

Gina Miller writes "Nature Science Update reports: titanium dioxide nanoparticles break down carbon based molecules when induced by sunlight. This process is speculated to be a good canditate for self cleaning fabrics if coated ontop of the material at 20 nano meteres across. Gee, let us calculate how much time the average housewife would save if this simple coating could be achieved….hold on I'm still calculating….This process could also be used to target dirt, the environment and other nasty critters. This work has been done by Walid Daoud and John Xin of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. My house (and dog hair) is ready for this advancement. : )"

Sen. Kerry Pitches 30 billion for Tech Investment

Gina Miller writes "Last week Sen. John Kerry spoke at San Jose State University where he discussed his agenda if he were elected President. Within his proposal was a suggested 30 billion dollars towards hi-tech jobs and funding increases to foster research and science in many areas, including nanotechnology. Read the article at EETimes."

Feynman Prize 2004 Nominations due June 30

The deadline to nominate a colleague to be considered for the prestigious Foresight Institute Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology is Wednesday, June 30, 2004. Established in honor of Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman, two prizes, one for theory and one for experimental work, will be awarded. These prizes recognize researchers whose recent work have most advanced the achievement of Feynman's vision for nanotechnology: molecular manufacturing, defined as the construction of atomically-precise products through the use of molecular machine systems.

Nanotechnology used to destroy tumors in mice

Tim writes "Medical News Today has a short article about some interesting work being done with nanoscale 'shells' at Rice University. The study shows promising results in cancer treatment using near-infrared light to heat these shells once they have accumulated in cancerous tissue. The article can be found at Nanoshells cancer treatment proves effective in first animal test" Also, see similar article at BetterHumans: Nanoshells Burn Up Cancer in Animals.

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