To promote responsible coverage and assist society in making informed decisions about advanced nanotechnology and molecular manufacturing, Foresight Institute has established a communication prize. The nomination deadline for the 2004 Foresight Institute Prize in Communication is July 31.
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."
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."
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.
Roland Piquepaille writes "Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are using 'lab-on-a-chip' technology for medical testing and are customizing them to use in space to detect bacteria and life forms on other planets. These chips will also be used to protect astronauts aboard a spacecraft by detecting microbes and contaminants. These microarray diagnostic chips are very small. They also are inexpensive because they share the fabrication technology used to print circuits on computer chips. Therefore, a Martian expedition will be able to embark a very large number of these chips to secure the mission. More details and references are available in this overview, which includes a photograph of a NASA biochip."
Benjamin Melki writes "In addition to nanotechnology companies' profiles, Nanovip.com is now listing nano people's profiles (companies' founders, Ceo, Scientists, media.)
Have a look at the profiles that we have registered currently: http://www.nanovip.com/directory/People/index.php
Nano VIP?s are invited to register: http://www.nanovip.com/nanoviptemplate.php?section =vipregister "
Christine Peterson writes to point to an interview of Kazunobu Tanaka, Board trustee, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), with suggestions for developing nanotechnology as a key industry in Japan: "'Dr. Tanaka says nanotechnology in Japan will not make any progress unless project leaders and researchers with a wide outlook are brought up. He adds that the master plan for developing nanotechnology in Japan should be discussed from the mid- and long-term viewpoint by young researchers with strong physical and intellectual ability.' Sounds right to us, for other countries too."
The second volume in the Nanomedicine book series by Robert A. Freitas Jr., Nanomedicine, Vol. IIA: Biocompatibility, is now freely available online in its entirety at http://www.nanomedicine.com/NMIIA.htm First published in hardcover by Landes Bioscience in 2003, this comprehensive technical book describes the many possible mechanical, physiological, immunological, cytological, and biochemical responses of the human body to the in vivo introduction of medical nanodevices, especially medical nanorobots.
Triton's nanotechnology designed to take on tumors; Last month the Boston Business Journal reported that Triton BioSystems Inc. was attempting to raise additional financing to adapt to cancer treatment its military welding technology, in which a magnetic device is used to heat nanoparticles, thus welding together polymers to effect battlefield repairs. In the cancer treatment system, so far only tested in mice, the metallic nanoparticles would be coated with a monoclonal antibody so that they localize in a tumor, and then the magnetic device would be used to heat the nanoparticles, thus destroying the tumor without using radiation or harsh chemicals.
Christine Peterson writes, commenting on the news that Nanosys files papers for IPO. "Nanosys is one of the most prominent nanotech startups, and is planning an IPO, despite having no products: 'We do not anticipate that our first products will be commercially available for at least several years, if at all.' This is probably the beginning of the nano 'boom', which in venture capital cycles is eventually followed by a 'bust'. Let's just hope that it's a normal cycle and not an immense dot.com-style boom/bust."
