from the tuning-tiny-sensors dept.
Nano-Machines Get Some Fresh Air, posted Oct. 1, 2002 to Daily inScight, describes work that could considerably broaden the potential uses of NEMS (nanoelectromechanical) devices. The researchers used laser light shining through a 2 micrometer-square piece of silicon suspended by a pair of 200-nanometer-thick silicon beams to allow the silicon to vibrate at a precise frequency in air, the way that it would vibrate in a vacuum without the laser light. Since a single bacterium or several virus particles stuck to the square would change the vibration frequency, this advance opens the way to developing NEMS devices as ultrasensitive biodetectors.

from the mandating-foresight dept.
In the September 24, 2002 issue of the Nanobusiness Alliance E-News, F. Mark Modzelewski, Executive Director of the NanoBusiness Alliance, labeled the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act "the most important piece of nanotechnology legislation to date." In describing the bill, Modzelewski points out

The bill also provides $5 million per year for a new Center for Ethical, Societal, Educational, Legal and Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology, which will be required to track and research the societal, ethical, educational, legal and workforce issues related to nanotechnology.

from the grabbing-your-share dept.
Shootout at the IP Corral, an article by Sandra Helsel dated October 4, 2002, presents an interview with two IP specialists from the San Diego office of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, LLP, focusing on IP and patent protection for nanoelectronics. "Nanotechnology is new, and this means a lot of possible patent protection could be very broad…This is a time of great opportunity; nanotechnology is such a wide-open field right now. It's rather like a land grab in the Wild West."

from the nanomedicine-art-goes-mainstream dept.
Nanotechweb reported on Sept. 24, 2002 that Nanotechnology picture scoops prize "A nanotechnology image has won first prize in the 'Science Concepts' section of the 2002 Visions of Science Awards. The image shows a nanomedicine application, in which a 'nano-louse' device administers treatment to red blood cells." [A larger version of the image.] The image was created by digital illustrator Coneyl Jay and the award was originally reported in the Daily Telegraph (requires free registration).

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/.