SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ 052509

I must remark how impressed the Meridian coverage of nano has been.

NEWSWORTHY

1. CANCER CELLS: DETECT, TRACK AND KILL

Researchers at the U of Arkansas demonstrated that it is possible not only to monitor and detect nanomaterials moving through the circulation, but also to detect single cancer cells tagged with carbon nanotubes. This study was in vivo and in real time and helped explain how these nanoparticles travel through a living system.

See Biooptics World, May 22, 2009.

2. SMELLING LUNG CANCER

Researchers in Haifa and another team at U. Bari have experimented with the use of nanotechnology sensors to detect the presence of cancer by "smelling" air molecules in the breath of patients with and chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).

See Associated Content, May 25, 2009.

3. DRUG ABSORPTION ADVANCE.

U South Australia researchers are reporting a potential solution to a problem that limits the human body’s ability to absorb and use medications for heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, cancer and other conditions. It is a “nano-hybrid microcapsule” that enables the stomach to absorb more of these so-called “poorly soluble” medicines

See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and Molecular Pharmaceutics, June 1, 2009.

4. NANORUST TEST IN MEXICO.

Researchers at Rice U Rice University researchers announced that the first field tests of "nanorust," the university's revolutionary, low-cost technology for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato.

See Eureka Alert, May 27, 2009

5. MORE EFFICIENT FUEL CELL CATALYST

Researchers at Washington U have developed a technique for a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is efficient, robust and two-to-five times more effective than commercial catalysts.

See Press Release, May 14, 2009

6. MERCURY SENSOR

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology researchers have used a breakthrough nanotechnology to create a pioneering sensor that can precisely measure one of the world’s most poisonous substances, mercury.

See Press Release, May 27, 2009 and Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, 2009

7. ZINC OXIDE AND BRAIN DAMAGE IN MICE.

Researchers from Shanghai U reported zinc oxide nanoparticles can damage or kill stem cells in the brains of mice. Their findings may suggest that further precautions should be taken to protect people working with nanomaterials.

See NatureAsia, May 11, 2009 and Nanotechnology, 2009.

8. IMPLANTABLE DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS CANCER MONITORING.

Researchers at MIT have designed implants using magnetic nanoparticles that could be implanted at the time of biopsy, could also be tailored to monitor chemotherapy agents, allowing doctors to determine whether cancer drugs are reaching the tumors. They can also be designed to measure pH (acidity) or oxygen levels, which reveal tumor metabolism and how it is responding to therapy.

See MIT News, May 12, 2009 and Biosensors and Bioelectronics, April 15, 2009.

HONORARY MENTION

ARAB PROPOSAL TO DISCUSS NANOTECHNOLOGY

The proposal for establishing an Arab Council on Nanotechnology (ACON) was

presented by Al-Quds University’s Mukhles Sowwan while discussing about

‘Nanotechnology and molecular manufacturing: manufacturing: Towards balanced plans for responsible worldwide use.’

See Meridian Institute, May 20, 2009.

UN FORUM TO ADDRESS NANOTECHNOLOGY

A UN global chemicals forum on safe and sustainable chemicals management agreed to address four emerging policy issues in the sector: nanotech, e-waste, chemicals in everyday products and lead in paint

See EuroActiv, May 29, 2009.

IOM LAUNCHES ENPRA.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.

See IOM World, May 2009.

ASPIRIN SUBSTITUTE

Researchers from Banaras Hindu U are reporting discovery of a potential new alternative to aspirin, ReoPro, and other anti-platelet agents used widely to prevent blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.

See Nanowerk, May 27, 2009 and ACS Nano, June 23, 2009

AEROSOL ANTIBIOTICS.

Researchers at Washington U demonstrated the effectiveness of antibiotics

by allowing the medicine to be put into an aerosol form in mice.

See Forbes, May 15, 2009.

MODELING TO PREDICT CONTAMINATION

Researcher at Duke U with colleagues at UCLA found a way to estimate the quantity of titanium oxides in the environment by combining science and engineering knowledge with business and economic modeling.

See Press Release, May 20, 2009.

PATENT LANDSCAPE REPORT

The UK Intellectual Property Office has compiled a nanotechnology patent landscape for the UK.

See Nanowerk, May 12, 2009 and GlobalWatch Online.

GATES AWARD

Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Cape Town (CSIR), won a grant from the Gates Foundation for a proposal to use cutting-edge “nanotechnology” to save the lives of tuberculosis patients who forget to take their pills.

See The Times, May 24, 2009.

CUBA AND SOUTH AFRICA AGREEMENT

South Africa and Cuba have agreed to work together in the field of technology. the focus would be on biotechnology, climate change, renewable energy technologies and nanotechnology.

See News 24, May 19, 2009.

BULGARIA AND IBM AGREEMENT

Bulgaria and IBM signed an agreement for a $35billion research center to develop nanotechnologies as part of Bulgaria's drive to boost competitiveness.

See The Guardian, May 22, 2009.

More coming. The holiday weekend is almost upon us, but the nanoworld doesn't stop for anyone, so it seems. I am going to take a few day to vet the new FOE-Australia report on silver.