*****
The Capital Region was recently featured in Forbes as one of the 20 best cities to educate your children.  Using indicators such as school support, private school options, library popularity, college towns and college options, Albany-Schenectady-Troy ranked # 7 in the list of US cities.  To read the full article, click here.

Diana Martin, CNSE staff
December 18, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, December 16, featuring a discussion with AMD VP of Worldwide Commercial Business, Kevin Knox. iKnow Nano segment focuses on kids and nanotechnology and you'll learn about an electronic nose using nanotechnology. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
December 14, 2007

*****
On Friday, December 7, three hundred students from throughout New York's Tech Valley region attended NanoCareer Day at CNSE, bringing to more than 2,000 the number of middle- and high-school students to visit the UAlbany NanoCollege this year. Due to the overwhelming success of NanoCareer Day, we will hold four programs in 2008, with themes focusing on healthcare, energy and environment, defense and electronics. 
For more information about NanoCareer Day, click here. 

Diana Martin, CNSE staff
December 13, 2007

*****
NanoArt is a discipline that reflects the transition from science to art using technology.  Scientists/artists are able to produce micro or nano structures through chemical or/and physical processes, which are visualized with powerful research tools like Scanning Electron Microscopes. Artists then alter the image in a creative way to finish the artistic-scientific process.  Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
December 12, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, December 9, featuring a conversation with Dr. John Pellegrino of the Army Research Laboratory, and CNSE Professor Nate Cady uses nano to improve health care. In addition, you'll learn how to get a good night's sleep with nanotechnology. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 29, 2007

***** 
As a student at CNSE it is an amazing experience to learn and research new technologies; technologies that will undoubtedly change the way we live, work, and play.  It is an equally exciting opportunity to see how such technologies are being assessed in response to society's problems today. Because of CNSE's unique relationship with government and industry, conferences normally open only to those are often held on-site, with participation from faculty and students alike.  Such one was recently held for the Independent Power Producers of New York http://www.ippny.org/.  Important issues such as our electrical power demand were discussed amongst those with the ability to implement smarter policies.  This unparalleled opportunity, to sit down with industry executives and government policy makers, makes attending this college a remarkable experience and an institution worth emulation.

Chris Breslin, M.S. student
November 28, 2007

*****
Thanks to the use of nanotechnology, the qualities of paper have subtly changed in recent years, and perhaps become even more environmentally friendly. The use of silica nanoparticles not only makes paper smoother and stronger, it also reduces the amount of raw materials needed. The use of less pulp not only means you need fewer trees, but less water as well. So in this respect, you could almost consider nanoparticles to be environmentally friendly. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 26, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, November 25, featuring economic guru Hugh Johnson, who discusses nanotechnology and CNSE Professor James Castracane works on nanobiochips. In addition, you'll learn how pencils meet nano. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 19, 2007

*****
The College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany, working in partnership with global industry leader Vistec Lithography, has established the Center for NanoScale Lithography (CNL), a world-class center for research and development in the creation of patterns on the nanometer scale of dimensions. Nanoscale patterning is one of several essential components, needed to assure the future of nanotechnology. Read more here.

Timothy Groves, Professor of Nanoscale Science
November 19, 2007

*****
On Monday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 13, CNSE took part in the first annual EcoShow at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The goal of the EcoShow is to brand the Capital District area as not only the Capital of New York State, but also the green capital of the Northeast. 

As part of this unique program, hundreds of students from throughout the region attended educational seminars which addressed topics such as energy reduction and conservation, recycling and sustainability. Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Associate Professor of Nanoengineering and Director of the Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) at CNSE, presented to more than 100 10th and 11th grade students about nanotechnology and clean energy research.

The EcoShow runs through 3:00 pm on Tuesday.  To learn more, visit http://www.ecoshow.org/.

Diana Martin, CNSE staff
November 13, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, November 18, featuring a conversation with IBM technology guru Bernie Meyerson. iKnow Nano segment introduces kids to nanotechnology and you'll learn how beer bottles are made using nano. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 13, 2007

*****
Art conservation and restoration is a heated topic. Some believe precious works of art should be allowed to age and die gracefully, while others believe they should be protected and restored at all costs. The process of cleaning and removing old varnish is a tedious and painstaking process, but Italian chemists may have found a much better, and safer, process with the help of nanoparticles. Read more here. 

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 12, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, November 11, featuring an interview with Gary Dyal of CVD Equipment Corporation and highlights from CNSE's 2007 Recognition Event. In addition, you'll learn about stuffed animals made with nanotechnology. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 5, 2007

*****
Can nanotechnology ease the threat of drought by helping to make our ocean water suitable for drinking? Well, scientists are looking to overcome the challenge of removing salt and metals from water with deionization, a method that uses electrodes composed of nano-sized fibers to remove elements. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 2, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, November 4, featuring interviews with Times Union Editor Rex Smith, CNSE VP Dr. Alain Kaloyeros and HP research director Tim Webber. iKnow Nano segment focuses on kids and nanotechnology, and you'll learn about a nano asthma detector. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
November 1, 2007

*****
For those of you interested in semiconductors, or computers in general, you will be pleased to know that Intel has opened its first commercial 45nm fab. On the performance side, the smaller feature size will allow the integration of more cache onto the die. On the consumer side, a smaller feature size results in smaller dies, which mean more dies per wafer as well a higher yield, resulting in a lower cost. The new generation of CPU's should also use less power, resulting in better battery life for laptops, and lower fan noises for multimedia set-top boxes. Intel also is taking its environmental impact into account by designing all of the new processors lead and halogen free. In addition, the fab is able to conserve and reuse water and reduce environmentally harmful emissions. The new CPU's produced at this lab are scheduled for introduction on November 12^th. Read more here.

Leonid Yankulin, Ph.D student
October 29, 2007

*****
Dr. Chaffra Awo-Affouda, who graduated from CNSE in May with a Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science, has been selected to receive a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship from the National Research Council. His research is in the emerging field of spintronics, which is focused on harnessing the spin of the electron in solid state electronic devices. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 29, 2007

*****
Nanocos:
The Card Game of Nanotechnology Concepts is a highly interactive card game that encourages students to learn important science concepts and their role at the nanoscale. Combining both the entertainment of popular card games with the educational value of nano-concepts, Nanocos will appeal to both students and educators alike. Contained within each attractively-decorated card is a scientific concept that forms the basis of modern nanotechnology. Because of the varying levels of complexity that unfold during each game, students will never get bored looking for the perfect strategy.
To play click here.

Diana Martin, CNSE staff
October 25, 2007

*****
CNSE's weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, October 28, featuring an interview with HP's Tim Webber who discusses new opportunities driven by nanotechnology and instructor Miguel Rodriguez trains CNSE students on high-tech tools. In addition you'll learn how pet food containers use nano. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 24, 2007 

*****
What kind of car will you be driving in 2057? Well, you can get a sneak peak at what automobile manufacturer's design teams showcased for cars in 2057 at the LA Design Challenge.  Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 19, 2007

*****
Isotropy is just a matter of perspective, literally. The definition of isotropy is that when you stand at a point, something looks the same in all directions. On a large scale, the universe is isotropic when viewed from far away. On the nanoscale, it is interesting that one goal of many projects is to manipulate anisotropic systems to minimize those anisotropies in such a way that the system appears isotropically to the naked eye and also behaves isotropically. Projects of such a nature, on a larger scale, have been around since the beginning of time. My waiting tables in the cafe is a macroscopic example that springs to mind. With setting the silverware on the tables, for instance, my goal wasn't necessarily to set the silverware on the table completely straight, per se. My goal was to set the silverware on the table in a manner that was sufficiently appearing straight to the extent that hopefully the diners there wouldn't observe the place settings to be crooked and find themselves enjoying their meals and evenings less as a result. 

Lynn Rice, Ph.D Student
October 17, 2007 

*****
The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) continues to provide the most up to date view into the semiconductor industries technology requirements and potential solutions for those requirements. Read more here.

Alain Diebold, Professor of Nanoscale Science
October 16, 2007

*****
CNSE's second season of its weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, October 21, featuring a conversation with UAlbany NanoCollege VP Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. The iKnow Nano segment introduces kids to nanotechnology and you'll learn how nano guitar strings play sweet music. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx.  For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 16, 2007

***** 
New York ECLIPSE

The New York State Education Department, in partnership with the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), is implementing a multi-year science education systemic change initiative - New York Enhancing Collaborative Leadership for Improved Performance in Science Education - NY ECLIPSE - that will build leadership teams within local school districts. This initiative provides research-based products and services to assist New York State school districts in initiating, implementing, and sustaining effective inquiry-centered pre-kindergarten through grade twelve science programs for all students.  Locally, the initiative involves leadership teams from Capital Region BOCES and Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES.

Initiative Goals

• Increase achievement in science for all students
• Enhance leadership capacity by providing professional development opportunities
• Build awareness and understanding of the value of research-based inquiry-centered science education
• Enhance curriculum and instructional programming and resources
• Develop individual district and regional strategic plans for science education.

To learn more, click here.

Diana Martin, CNSE staff
October 10, 2007

*****
CNSE's second season of its weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, October 14, featuring an interview with Times Union Vice President and Editor Rex Smith. In addition, CNSE Professor Dr. Ernie Levine teaches a course in Nano 101, and you'll learn how diamonds sparkle with nanotechnology. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx.  For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 9, 2007

*****
As a photographer, I'm constantly in search of interesting pictures.  Nanotechnology has exposed me to some fascinating and different images. Here's one of the most bizarre nanotechnology images I have seen.
Read more here.

Chisai Benjo ("Small Toilet")

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
October 8, 2007

*****
Nanocareer day was a great opportunity to spark interest in the capital district's youth for the new and innovative research going on at CNSE. It is important to increase awareness in general about how CNSE is changing the Albany area. It was good to see children get excited to learn about how cool science can be. I cant wait for the next one!

Dave Soscia, Ph.D student
October 4, 2007

*****
I believe the Nano career day is really a win-win and win again situation. The young students win because they get a chance to get off class for the day, do some hands on activities, and learn a little about the science of little. Us CNSE folks win because our college becomes filled, for a day, with enthusiastic and adorable young spirits who renew our inspiration for what we're doing. Then we all win again because the day provides an opportunity for CNSE to shed light on nanotechnology with a fun, non-intimidating, kid friendly slant.

Lynn Rice, Ph.D Student
October 3, 2007


*****
Teachers looking for help with nanoscience and technology curriculum can find assistance on the NanoEd Resource Portal. NanoEd is a "one-click resource" site for finding educational resources and to showcase work to facilitate collaborations within the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education (NSEE) community.

The NanoEd Resource Portal generates resources for 7-12 science teachers, 7-12 students, faculty, researchers, post docs and college students through:

• Nano Courses & Units to advance NSE in the classroom;
• NSEE Seminars advancing education initiatives;
• NSEE Learning Research and methods;
• Nanoconcepts and Applications for incorporation into the classroom;
• NSEE Resources and Calendar of Events;
• NSEE News & Network;
• NSEE Glossary & Categories.

For more information, click here.

Diana Martin CNSE staff
October 2, 2007

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 29, 2007

*****
Did you know that more energy from the sun hits the earth in one hour than all the energy consumed in an entire year? That's why scientists are working to produce inexpensive, sustainable solar energy by imitating nature. Researchers are exploring nanoscale materials that mimic the architecture of grass and photosynthesis to capture and store the sun's energy. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 26, 2007


*****
CNSE's second season of its weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, September 30, featuring an interview with NYS Labor Department Capital Region Market Analyst James Ross who discusses nano-fueled job growth. In addition, CNSE Professor Dr. Timothy Groves discusses the Center for NanoScale Lithography, and you'll learn about new nano-enhanced bike & hike pants. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 24, 2007
 

*****
CNSE hosted the Tech Valley Civic Forum, the first of its kind event in the Tech Valley region. It brought together leaders from business, government, nonprofit and education to build the foundation for -- and commitment to -- an inclusive planning process based on the over-arching vision of successful collaboration. The forum stemmed from the need to create opportunities for broad community planning and action that involved stakeholders from all sectors -- business, government, nonprofit, education -- as identified in the case study High-Tech Growth and Community Well-being: Lessons Learned from Austin, Texas. Read more here, or to view photos click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 19, 2007

*****
CNSE's second season of its weekly television program, "NanoNow," airs this Sunday, September 23, featuring an interview with Semiconductor Research Corporation President and CEO Larry Sumney. In addition, iKnow Nano segment focuses on kids and nanotechnology, and you'll learn about nanotechnology inspired tennis rackets. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 18, 2007

*****
Nanoeconomics is the branch of economics that studies the creation and distribution of wealth related to the technological changes brought by nanotechnology. Nanoeconomics focuses on understanding the extent of the change that will be brought upon not by a single field of science research but by the convergence of many. Due to the extraordinary amount of innovation that is being generated by nanotechnology as a result of the positive cross-linkages between highly competitive industries (i.e. semiconductor, information technology and pharmaceutical industries), it can be foreseen that to study Nanoeconomics is to study the new paradigms in the next industrial revolution. Read more here.

Ed Cupoli, Head Nanoeconomics Constellation; Professor of Nanoeconomics
September 15, 2007

*****
Researchers have designed a novel type of energy harvesting backpack. The pack has straps made of a piezoelectric material that can convert the mechanical strain on the straps into electrical energy that may power or recharge portable electronics. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 14, 2007

*****
CNSE kicks off the second season of its weekly television program, "NanoNow," this Sunday, September 16, featuring an interview with Barbara Goode, editor-in-chief of Small Times magazine. In addition, Empire Innovation Professor of Nanoscale Science Dr. Alain Diebold discusses metrology, and you'll learn how nanotechnology is improving food storage. "NanoNow" airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on FOX23, the Albany, NY FOX affiliate, and is viewable online at http://www.fox23news.com/content/nanonow/default.aspx. For more on the show, including a program schedule, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 12, 2007

*****
CNSE will hold its third job fair on Thursday, September 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. to assist in recruitment of more than 70 new high-tech positions. Applicants will have the opportunity to participate in initial interviews for new technical, engineering, and infrastructure support positions with representatives of CNSE's faculty and technical staff.
For more information click here. 

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 11, 2007

*****
We all know the problem with ketchup or mayonnaise: No matter how we shake or tap the bottle, some of the content refuses to come out.  This may be a problem of the past with help of nanocoating on the packaging.
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
September 4, 2007


*****
Lux Research issued a report claiming that nanotechnology would be the basis for $2.6 trillion in new products and services by 2015. The industry is undergoing exponential growth, a trend whose power most investors underestimate. Nanotechnology isn't quite doubling every year, but it's still making rapid progress. Come 2015, the field's overall value might surprise a great many people. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 31, 2007

*****
A space elevator? Now that's an interesting idea and its feasible due to advances in the science of nanotechnology, especially carbon nanotubes. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 27, 2007

*****
Update to our January 12 post: you can now play three different NanoMission^tmgames right here on the CNSE Web site! They're fun and educational for kids and adults alike. Check them out here!

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 24, 2007

*****
Nanotechnology is helping people with asthma breathe easier with a hand-held nano-sensor. It indicates oncoming attacks and helps monitor symptoms by measuring their breath for high levels of a specific gas associated with asthma inflammation. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 24, 2007

*****

Illustration of new NIST technique for selectively modifying resistance of a semiconductor device layer.

A new process for adjusting the resistance of semiconductor devices by carpeting a small area of the device with tiny pits, like a yard dug up by demented terriers, may be the key to a new class of magnetic sensors, enabling new, ultra-dense data storage devices. The technique demonstrated by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) allows engineers to tailor the electrical resistance of individual layers in a device without changing any other part of the processing or design.

The tiny magnetic sensors in modern disk drives are a sandwich of two magnetic layers separated by a thin buffer layer. The layer closest to the disk surface is designed to switch its magnetic polarity quickly in response to the direction of the magnetic "bit" recorded on the disk under it. The sensor works by measuring the electrical resistance across the magnetic layers, which changes depending on whether the two layers have matching polarities.

In the illustration above: (Top) First layer (in this case a composite of copper and cobalt) and an insulating buffer layer of aluminum oxide is deposited. Buffer is about one nanometer thick. (Middle) Highly charged xenon +44 ions strike the buffer layer, digging nanoscale pits. (Bottom) Top conducting layer of cobalt and copper is deposited. Pits reduce the electrical resistance of the layers and may function as nanoscale GMR sensors embedded in a MTJ sensor.

Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 23, 2007

*****
The 2008 National Nanotechnology Initiative budget request for nanotechnology R&D across the federal government is over $1.44 billion, more than triple the estimated $464 million spent when the initiative started in 2001, and an increase of 13% over the 2007 request. Total cumulative funding for the NNI since its inception is over $8.3 billion. The 2008 budget for the NNI supports a coordinated program involving nanotechnology-related programs and activities of 26 federal agencies, 13 of which have budgets for nanotechnology research and development.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 22, 2007

*****
Today there are many anticancer drugs in the market, which have been recommended at different stages. Camptothecin is one of the important anticancer drugs available in the market. However, poor solubility of cancer drugs as well as the toxicity induced by solvents have dogged cancer therapy. But now, a new study suggests that nanomaterials may be the solution. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 21, 2007

*****
Recently I had the unique and enjoyable experience of speaking with a group of middle school students participating in the Tech Valley Summer Camp, where young scholars with a special interest in science learn about science and technology hands-on. My annoyance at having to set aside my experiments that morning was entirely counteracted by the energy and enthusiasm these students left me with. They asked great questions; I'm slightly jealous that they're able to do all this in grade seven, but mostly just excited at the fact that they can start young and that they are the future. The scientists of tomorrow are among us, and the importance of inspiring them down the proper path should not be taken lightly.

Lynn Rice, Ph.D. student
August 16, 2007

*****
Freshwater looks like it will become the oil of the 21st century - scarce, expensive and fought over. While over 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, most of it is unusable for human consumption. The use of nanotechnologies in four key water industry segments - monitoring, desalinization, purification and wastewater treatment - could play a large role in averting the coming water crisis. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 15, 2007

*****
Nanobiology, as a field of study, signifies the merger of biological research with nanotechnologies such as nanodevices, nanoparticles, or unique nanoscale phenomena. Although molecular biologists have been working with nano-sized biomolecules for the last few decades, nanobiology was not defined as a discipline until researchers started making a focused effort to use our knowledge of nanotechnology to tackle biological problems. 
Read more here.

Nathaniel C. Cady, Assistant Professor of Nanobiology
August 15, 2007

*****
Carbon nanotubes have for some time been the darling of the nanotechnology industry with extraordinary properties that promise amazing developments in electronics, materials, biomedicine and a range of other applied sciences. Another path to producing materials with exceptional properties lies with a material that is known to form similar structures to carbon nanotubes. This material is boron nitride and boron nitride nanotubes. They are also known as BNNTs. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 14, 2007

Flexible hydrogen sensor

In comparison to previously designed hydrogen sensors, which are rigid and use expensive, pure palladium, the new sensors are "bendy" and use single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to improve efficiency and reduce cost. The development of these hydrogen sensors will help to ensure economical, environmental and societal safety, as the nation is realizing the potential for a more hydrogen-based economy. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 13, 2007

*****
Twenty-one undergraduate students partcitipating in CNSE's 2007 Summer Internship Program had an opportunity to display their findings at a poster presentation today. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 10, 2007

*****
Have you noticed how many consumer products manufacturers have been jumping on the "nano bandwagon" lately? Seems there's a new nano product launched every day - from cosmetics to sporting goods, fabrics to vitamins - that touts the benefits of nano-ingredients. Are they all for real? Some are, but not all.

Promotional explanations of many so-called nano products feature incomprehensible terminology or vague claims of nano benefits, but concrete details in plain English can be sketchy. Alexander Sepper, VP for research and development at Bionova, a cosmetics company pushing "nano face cream," admits that, "When nanotech came and everyone started to claim nanotech, nanotech, nanotech, of course the marketing people came to us and demanded that we have to accommodate the present situation."

This doesn't mean all consumer products labeled "nano" are fakes, of course, or that every nano-claiming company is trying to pull a fast one. The bottom line? Check labels, ask questions, gather information, and remember: with any revolutionary technology, there will be wanna-bes wanting to catch a free ride on the coattails of success.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 10, 2007

*****
The price of crude oil hit a record high of $78.77 per barrel last week. Ouch! Is there a silver lining to be found in today's high gasoline and oil prices? Well, it's good news for renewable energy technologies, such as those being researched and developed at CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC). Analysts tracking the rollercoaster price of crude oil say that most renewable energy technologies need crude prices at or above the $50 per barrel mark to remain competitive.

The consensus is that rising production and conservation measures, coupled with the advent of biofuels and other new energy technologies, will likely lead to lower oil prices by 2015 - but those prices probably won't dip below $40 per barrel of crude. "You're not going to get to $100, but you're not going to see $20 either," said Glen Sweetnam, director of the international economic and green house gas division of the Energy Information Administration. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 8, 2007

*****
According to Steve Newberry, president and CEO of Lam Research, memory manufacturers will need to spend approximately $19 billion to replace production on 200mm wafers with 300mm wafers, as 200mm fabs become un-competitive both at a technology and die cost level. Newberry detailed the shift required during a conference call with financial analysts. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 7, 2007 

*****
What's the next step for nanobiotechnology? Could it be used as a measure of happiness, stress levels and health? A professor of chemistry at Nagoya University talks about how it could be used to measure health and happiness. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 6, 2007

*****
Nanotechnology: it's not only functional, it can be beautiful. Nanotechnology Victoria ("NanoVic") of Australia sponsored an "Art in Nanotechnology" contest during the 5th World Conference of Science Journalists. The inaugural prizes were established to recognize the interdependencies between art and new technology in imaging new technologies, providing scientific clarity and providing creative inspiration.

The winner of the $2,000 Science Prize was Peter Liddicoat of the University of Sydney for his work titled "Fluidic Evolution of Nano-Particles." This image of an aerospace aluminum alloy in concentration mode was obtained through Atom Probe Tomography (APT).

The winner of the $2,000 Artist Prize was Michelle Czech of RMIT University for "Magnetic Field," a hand-made transfer printing on canvas depicting brightly coloured "flowers" inspired by magnetic ferro-fluids.

Honorable mention: Carolina Novo and Ann Gooding of the University of Melbourne for "Gold," a scanning electron microscopy image of chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes.

Honorable mention: Dr. Paul Thomas of Curtin University for his work on Project Midas showing a finger as the instrument in an Atomic Force Microscope.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 3, 2007

*****
There is an alarming decline in the number of students who choose to pursue studies in science and technology. Educators and government officials, as well as organizations agree that innovative approaches are needed to attract today's students back to the sciences. Oregon-based FEI Company is part of an innovative solution designed to inspire young gamers as they adventure into the amazing and action-packed world of the nanoscale. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
August 2, 2007

*****
According to Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Director David Rejeski, the FDA recently "took a step forward in fulfilling its responsibilities for nanotechnology oversight" with the release of the first report from the Food and Drug Administration's Nanotechnology Task Force about the agency's regulatory approach toward nanotechnology.

As the Task Force report highlights, nanotechnology impacts every area of FDA responsibility: drugs, drug delivery systems, cosmetics, medical devices, and food products. Overall, the agency regulates products that are worth nearly $1.5 trillion annually and that account for almost 25 percent of US consumer spending.

"If nanotechnology regulation was a baseball game, FDA has scored the first run in the first inning. But the agency must act rapidly to adopt and fully implement the Nanotechnology Task Force's recommendations. Without moving quickly and building on the recommendations in the Task Force report, FDA will not be able to keep pace with today's rapidly developing nanotechnology market or engender consumer and investor confidence in emerging products," said Rejeski.

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is an initiative launched by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Pew Charitable Trusts in 2005. It is dedicated to helping business, government and the public anticipate and manage possible health and environmental implications of nanotechnology. For more information about the project, log on to http://www.nanotechproject.org/.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
August 2, 2007

*****
The second annual New Energy Symposium (July 30-31), featuring the first-ever New York Hydrogen Expo, has been a fascinating and eye-opening look at the most promising developments in clean technology for automobiles and other technologies. What a thrill to see (and be able to test-drive!) vehicles fueled with clean hydrogen power, a highlight made possible by the National Hydrogen Association and Energetics.

The panel discussions, displays and workshops - all centered on clean, renewable energy and alternative energy technologies - have offered compelling information and solutions to what many are calling the "new energy crisis" facing the U.S. and the world.

Kudos to New Energy New York (NENY) and CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) for bringing such a timely event to CNSE!

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
July 31, 2007

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Bright future for nano-sized light source: A bio-friendly nano-sized light source, capable of emitting coherent light across the visible spectrum, has been invented by a team of researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California at Berkeley. Among the many potential applications of this nano-sized light source, once the technology is refined, are single cell endoscopy and other forms of subwavelength bio-imaging, integrated circuitry for nanophotonic technology, and new advanced methods of cyber cryptography. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
July 27, 2007

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An estimated 1 billion computers in 2008 will use some 200 billion kWh of electricity - roughly what all households in New York City use over five years, generating about 127 million tonnes of CO₂in the process. Although at this time it's a hypothetical device, could nanomechanical computers be the answer to today's power-hogging silicon chips? Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 26, 2007

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People around the world - from researchers to economic development entities, analysts to manufacturers, CEOs to consumers - are paying more attention to the commercialization of nanotechnology. It's clear that if the world is to benefit from all that nanoscience and nanotechnology have to offer, the results of research must make their way out of the lab and into industrial applications.

The market for nanotechnology products is estimated to grow to $2.6 trillion in manufactured goods globally by 2014. Along with economic success, working at the nanoscale has the potential to find solutions for major global problems, including climate change and disease. Anti-microbial wound dressings... new, lighter material for wind turbines... targeted drug delivery systems... highly efficient batteries... gas detection... a device for identifying quickly the reason for chest pains... these are just some of nanotechnology's future applications in development.

Although the field of nanoelectronics is already profitable, in other fields there are various bottlenecks delaying the arrival of nano products on the market. Scientists are in most cases still at the stage of introducing nanotechnology to the production chain, adding value as they go. But regulations (or uncertainty as to whether a new regulation is imminent), a lack of skilled personnel, insufficient intellectual property protection and hesitation from insurance companies all contribute to the bottleneck that slows the industrial application of nanotechnology products. Such problems can only be addressed if industry, society and politics work together on the proper infrastructure, the necessary human resources and effective industrial innovation.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
July 25, 2007

Interest in CNSE ran high at the show. Each of us networked with hundreds of show attendees, discussing with them the abundant growth and latest initiatives at the Albany NanoTech campus - including International SEMATECH's decision to locate its headquarters at CNSE in our soon-to-be-built NanoFab East building; the construction of our latest cleanroom; the selection of the nearby Luther Forest campus by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) for its newest chip fab; and CNSE's recent ranking as the number one college in the world for nanotechnology.

The size and scope of SEMICON West was simply stunning. It's clear why this show is the epicenter of the industry - the place to be if you are a player in the industry. Being part of it provided an outstanding opportunity to build our awareness and tell our story face-to-face, one-on-one. Our success stories underscored our message: CNSE is truly leading the way in the nanotechnology field.

*****
A new adhesive called Geckel Glue combines the sticky powers of both geckos and mussels has been created by researchers in the US. The new glue works on both wet and dry surfaces and can also be reused over a thousand times. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 23, 2007

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Nanotechnology is helping save the environment with a new waterless carwash. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 19, 2007

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As worldwide demand for energy surges at an ever-increasing rate, there is a new urgency to improve the efficiency and sustainability of power generation technologies. One of the keys to addressing this challenge is innovation, and some of the most promising solutions are occurring at the smallest scale - the nanoscale.  Read more here.

Pradeep Haldar, Head Nanoengineering Constellation; Professor of Nanoengineering
July 13, 2007

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Nanobubbles Deliver Targeted Cancer Drugs Using Ultrasound:
A new targeted drug delivery method uses ultrasound to image tumors, while also releasing the drug from "nanobubbles" into the tumor. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 13, 2007

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Bone provides engineering paradigm

Hierarchical structures appear in abundance in the formation of nature's structural protein materials, such as spider silk, skin, hair and bone. Bone, for instance, is an extraordinary material that features seven hierarchies, from nanoscale to macroscale, creating a fascinating material that combines strength with robustness, while being lightweight, constantly repairing itself and adapting to environmental conditions. Breakthrough research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), reported in a recent issue of Nanotechnology, has shown that the characteristic nanostructure of bone is crucial in achieving these traits. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 9, 2007

Robot from University of Mexico at RoboCup 2007

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites one and all to witness the first nanoscale soccer games at the 2007 RoboCup in Atlanta, GA on July 7-8, 2007. Yes, really!

RoboCup is an annual international competition designed to foster innovations and advances in artificial intelligence and intelligent robotics by using the game of soccer as a testing ground. NIST hopes that a competition between the smallest robots in RoboCup history will show the feasibility and accessibility of technologies for fabricating MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS), tiny mechanical devices that are built onto semiconductor chips and are measured in micrometers (millionth of a meter).

Microchip with nanosoccer fields of play

The 2007 RoboCup features six competition leagues: Four-Legged, Humanoid, Middle Size, Small Size, Simulation and Rescue Robot. On Day 1 (Saturday, July 7) teams will each run three trials of the two-millimeter dash and slalom. Day 2 (Sunday, July 8) will have teams each running three trials of the ball handling drill.

Photomicrograph of nanosoccer field with defenders

Nanosoccer ball

So get out your tiny cleats and start warming up! Check out more photos of team entrants and see them in action!

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
July 6, 2007

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If the term nanotechnology conjures up futuristic visions of grey goo and self-replicating nano-robots, think again. Nanotechnology - at the scale of about a millionth of a millimetre - is already being used in everyday objects, from trousers that have been coated with nanoparticles to make them stain-resistant to sun creams that use nanoparticles to increase their absorbency. In fact, the most widespread use of nanotechnology is in cosmetics - particularly foundation powders, since the particles can fill in tiny blemishes. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 5, 2007

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Critical dimension (CD) metrology is one of the most critical enabling technologies in semiconductor manufacturing. Much media attention is devoted to the ever shrinking feature sizes of microelectronic devices, as this parameter heavily influences speed of operation and power demands. Less appreciated is the fact that while the dimensions are on the nanometer scale, the manufacturing tolerances must be far smaller. This places great demands on the quality assurance assessment techniques.

Up until now, special purpose high vacuum scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) have served admirably, but conventional technology is reaching its limits. In a nutshell, the problem is that an electron microscope directs a beam of electrons at the material being examined. This beam delivers a current to the specimen, just as if a wire were connected to it. However, many of the materials that need to be examined are insulating, so if the incident beam current is not exactly balanced by the emission currents, excess charge accumulates.

One successful way to deal with the charging issue is through a relatively new form of scanning electron microscopy that places the sample in an environment of a low pressure of gas (around 100 Pa) - hence, the term environmental SEM (ESEM). Read more here.

Bradley Thiel, Associate Professor of Nanoscience
July 3, 2007

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You already know fish is good for you. How about FISH and chips... or rather, ON a chip? For the first time an important diagnostic test for cancer has been miniaturized and automated onto a microfluidic chip by a team of University of Alberta researchers. This new technology opens up the possibility of better, faster cancer treatment and greater accessibility to the test, thanks to quicker and more cost-efficient diagnosis. Chris Backhouse, professor of electrical engineering and cancer scientist Dr. Linda Pilarski have developed a microfluidic chip the size of a microscope slide that can perform fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on a handheld diagnostic device. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
July 2, 2007

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Developing nanotechnology noses to 'smell' cancer: Biomarkers are of increasing importance in modern medicine for the purpose of early detection and diagnosis of a disease, for instance cancer. Biomarkers are mostly protein molecules that can be measured in blood, other body fluids, and tissues to assess the presence or state of a disease. For example, the presence of an antibody may indicate an infection or an antigen, such as PSA, might indicate the presence of prostate-specific cancer cells. Although protein-based approaches to early detection and diagnosis of cancer have a clear advantage over other, more invasive, methods, protein detection is a challenging problem owing to the structural diversity and complexity of the target analytes. State-of-the-art detection methods have limited application due to their high production cost and instability. Another limitation of current proteomic diagnostics is the limitation of arrays to one or a few markers only; in other words, you can only test for the specific markers that you are looking for and not generally measure levels of proteins in your blood in order to detect anomalies. A novel nanotechnology based protein detector array could change that. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
July 1, 2007

*****
Here's a pollution-control tip from nature: Deep inside a flooded mine in Wisconsin, scientists from several institutions including the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered a world in which bacteria emit proteins that sweep up metal nanoparticles into immobile clumps. Their finding may lead to innovative ways to remediate subsurface metal toxins.

A clean-up lesson pulled from the depths of a mine. Transmission electron microscope (top) and secondary ion microprobe (NanoSIMS) (bottom) images of biogenic zinc-sulfide aggregates. Red, green and blue areas represent regions of sulfur, nitrogen and carbon, respectively. Orange and yellow areas show the intimate association of both sulfur and nitrogen. NanoSIMS and synchrotron-based infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the organic origin of nitrogen in proteins and polypeptides.

The research, which appears in the June 15, 2007 issue of the journal Science, reveals that the proteins travel far from the microbes that produce them, and then amass metal nanoparticles into piles that are too large to be swept away by underground currents. Precisely how and why the bacteria undertake this bit of housecleaning remains a mystery, but it suggests that proteins could play a key role in bioremediation strategies designed to trap harmful metals such as arsenic, lead, uranium, and plutonium. The discovery could also refine the search for the earliest indications of life on Earth, as well as help determine whether planets like Mars once harbored life. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 27, 2007

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As indium becomes more rare and expensive, researchers are looking for new metals out of which they can make optically transparent nanowires for applications in flat-panel displays, solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Now, a team from the University of Michigan has shown that it can make such nanowires from tin oxide doped with antimony, using an inexpensive, easily scalable technique. The wires, which are highly conducting, have resistivities of just 4.1 × 10^-4 Ωcm and failure current densities up to 2.1 × 10⁷ A/cm².
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
June 26, 2007

*****
Recently an interesting discussion has been initiated among scholars, government and society about the environmental impact of nanotechnologies. Several reports have stated both the negative and the positive sides of the discussion, but have neglected to analyze in depth the economic conditions that these technologies must face to produce a substantial impact in our quotidian lives. In contrast, a new report published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the U.K., called "Environmentally Beneficial Nanotechnologies: Barriers and Opportunities," looks at 5 strategic areas of application in which nanotechnologies could produce a significant impact and, at the same time, analyzes the market conditions that some of these nanotechnologies would have to overcome to aid the environment, either by reducing the consumption of energy, increasing the efficiency of processes or by making recycling easier. Can nanotechnologies help us save the environment? We still have much to analyze before giving a conclusive answer.

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D. student
June 25, 2007

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 23, 2007

*****
Suffer from allergies? Nanotechnology is helping develop new therapies to combat them. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE Staff
June 22, 2007

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Attitude control through nanotechnology: the Russian news agency Interfax reports that a "Russian Firm Plans to Build Attitude Control Equipment Using Nanotechnology." The first Russian aircraft with attitude control equipment using nanotechnology will be built in two to three years' time, the director-general of the Tekhnokompleks Research and Production Centre, Givi Dzhandzhgava, has told Interfax-AVN at the Le Bourget [France] air show.

"We already have mock-up models, and we hope that in the next two or three years we will manage to use micro- and nanotechnologies, first in short-lived items, such as short-range air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles," Dzhandzhgava said. He said that Tekhnokompleks has been working in the area of micromechanics for a long time with the aim to miniaturize gyro elements used in navigation and attitude control systems.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 20, 2007

*****
A triumph for copyright protection - or or a setback for electronics entertainment?

The DVD CCA, a broad group of studios and consumer electronics companies, licenses the security technology for accessing encrypted video on DVDs. Its proposed amendment would make it a violation of the license for anyone to make a system that stores a persistent copy of a video or decrypts a video when the physical disk is not present.

"This proposed amendment, if enacted, will harm consumers because it will suppress competition in the market for DVD playback devices, block the development of new and innovative products that will give consumers new ways to enjoy the DVDs they own, and interfere with the ability of consumers to exercise their fair use rights under copyright law," wrote Michael Malcolm, the founder and chief executive of Kaleidescape in a letter dated June 14. In the letter, Malcolm charged the intent of the amendment was to put Kaleidescape out of business. Such a move would violate antitrust law, he claimed.

The full impact of such a decision on R&D and commerce for electronics entertainment remains to be seen. Stay tuned as the debate continues...

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 20, 2007

Mia Ertas, CNSE Staff
June 18,2007

*****
Nanotechnology is now taking over fashion, adding functionality and beauty to the haute couture world. A student of the College of Human Ecology's Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design in Cornell University teamed up with fiber scientists of the Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory to add value and functionality into high dressmaking in fashion design (read more here). This proposal is a first step towards introducing the functional properties of nanoparticles into our everyday clothing, changing the way we relate to our garments. A textile revolution that may have started with the stain and spill resistant textiles made by companies such as NanoTex is already arriving in the form of personalized functionality and exclusive design. What functionality would you like to have in your clothes in the near future?

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D. student
June 15, 2007

*****
The atomicstructure of surfaces and interfaces is becoming increasingly important for nanotechnology as physical dimensions of device structures are ultimately being pushed to the atomic limit. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has given profound insight into the nature of surfaces on the nano and atomic scale. However, interpreting STM images can be difficult due to several contrast mechanisms such as sample-tip convolution effects or bias-dependent variations in the local density of states (LDOS). When atomic scale STM images are combined with theoretically generated images from first principles calculations insight into the atomic arrangements can be made. Read more here.

Vincent LaBella, Assistant Professor of Nanoscience
June 15, 2007

By using an experimental set-up that utilized a colorimeter, the team observed a greater aggression of these nanoparticles toward gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli when compared to gram-positive bacteria. Using an electron micrograph, the behavior of the silver nanoparticles was examined as they interacted with the bacterial cell walls and the subsequent penetration of the membrane resulted in the breakdown of the cell.

The ease with which the silver nanoparticles attack the cell walls of the gram-negative bacteria stems from its chemical composition of lipopolysaccharides that lacks strength and solidity. In contrast, the gram-positive bacteria maintain a stronger cell wall that is thicker than that of the gram-negative bacteria.

This group of scientists believes that this ground breaking discovery can lead to a wide variety of applications, especially in medicine and bioengineering where cheaper alternatives to conventional antibiotics will be instrumental. Read more here.

Chimaobi Mbanaso, Ph.D. student
June 12, 2007

*****
An electric SUV? That's shocking.......

If pioneering work by a Reno company proves as significant as its officers claim, though, it could take some of the sting out of protecting the planet. Altairnano (for nanotechnology; see the sidebar) rolled out its new all-electric sport-utility vehicle for shareholders at the Grand Sierra Resort last week. Most came away impressed -- and optimistic.
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
June 12, 2007

"We've only just begun to scratch the surface of this field, but we believe we have the physics sorted out and one day this technology will be used to develop very fast, very small electronics that have a very low power consumption," said Dr. Abdulhakem Elezzabi, the Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Photonics and Nano-Optics and an electrical and computer engineering professor at the University of Alberta. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 9, 2007

*****
Yet another promising application for nanotechnology: it may one day cure blindness. Recent studies have demonstrated that DNA nanoparticles made by Copernicus Therapeutics corrected vision defects in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). "Inaddition to the promise of providing corrective therapy for genetic diseases such as RP, nucleic acid nanoparticles may also offer the potential to provide effective treatments for more complex disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and various diseases that injure ganglion cells and the optic nerve," said Dr. Muna Naash, Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Stephen Rose, Chief Research Officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), said, "Gene therapy holds great potential for treating and possibly curing a variety of vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases. Dr. Naash and Copernicus are demonstrating that nanoparticles show excellent potential for safely and effectively delivering therapeutic genes to the retina." Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 7, 2007

My overall experience at CNSE has been one which I would describe as extraordinary and fascinating, which of course can be attributed to the quality of well seasoned and extremely brilliant individuals who make up the CNSE body. Furthermore, the exceptional opportunity to be part of an environment that encompasses research and development not only from an academic perspective, but also from industrial outlook, provides a complete and well rounded educational experience which surpasses any other. I am exceedingly delighted to be part of various aspects of groundbreaking research which will place me at the vanguard of innovative applications of nanotechnology.

Chimaobi Mbanaso, Ph.D. student
June 6, 2007

*****
CNSE has been has been ranked by the prestigious Small Times magazine as the world's number one college for nanotechnology and microtechnology, according to the publication's annual University Rankings. 
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
June 5, 2007

*****
Nanotechnology is increasingly being recognized as a critical economic engine, driving growth in widely diverse markets. In 2006, more than $12.4 billion in worldwide funding was devoted to the science of manipulating single atoms and molecules to enhance products from computer chips to textiles, according to Lux Research, a New York-based firm that studies trends in physical sciences. Lux also found that more than $50 billion was invested in nano-enabled products. And in the United States, more than $1 billion in government money and $1.9 billion in private investments went into research and development, according to Lux.

Moreover, "clean technology" has captured the attention of government, corporate, and financial leaders. Clean technology, or "cleantech," encompasses innovative technologies specifically designed to optimize the use of natural resources and reduce environmental impact, with five top-level segments: energy, air, water, waste, and sustainability. Total cleantech R&D funding hit $48 billion in 2006, up 9% from 2005, with energy claiming the lion's share. Of this, government funding totaled $24 billion in 2006 with energy taking 57%; corporate R&D spending hit $22 billion in 2006 with energy accounting for 55%; and cleantech venture capital (VC) totaled $2.04 billion in 2006 to reach a cumulative total of $6.06 billion since 1995. VC money has been highly concentrated: Since 1995, the top 10% of venture-funded start-ups have received 39% of cumulative capital deployed.

Bottom line: keep your eye on the research and commercialization of nanotechnology applications in cleantech, many of which are being pioneered here at CNSE... the boom is well on its way.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
June 4, 2007 

*****
CNSE and the American Electronics Association ("AeA") partnered to present the first-ever Convergence of International Research and Commercialization in Albany ("CIRCA") '07 on May 21-23rd. The conference was held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York and at the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering's state-of-the-art, $3.5 billion Albany NanoTech complex.

To view photos from the event, click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
May 25, 2007

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Congratulations to the May 2007 CNSE graduates.
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
May 22, 2007

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The number of consumer products using nanotechnology has more than doubled, from 212 to 475, in the 14 months since the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies launched the world's first online inventory of manufacturer-identified nanotech goods in March 2006. Clothing and cosmetics top the inventory at 77 and 75 products, respectively. A list of nanotechnology products that also includes bedding, jewelry, sporting goods, nutritional and personal care items is available free at http://www.nanotechproject.org/consumerproducts

To read more about Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory Highlights click here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
May 16, 2007

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NanoArt is a new art discipline related to micro/nanosculptures created by artists/scientists through chemical/physical processes and/or natural micro/nanostructures that are visualized with powerful research tools like Scanning Electron Microscopes and Atomic Force Microscopes. After the visualization step, further artistic morphing of the images is necessary to create aesthetic artworks that could be showcased for the general public. 
Read more here. 

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
May 9, 2007

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Nanotech necessary for environmental sustainability, report says

There is a growing opportunity and responsibility to leverage nanotechnology to reduce pollution, conserve resources and, ultimately, build a "clean" economy, according to a new report, from the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, called Green Nanotechnology: It's Easier Than You Think.

Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
May 4, 2007

*****
Climbing walls like Spider-Man in ten years could be a possibility.

A fully-working prototype of a suit that would enable people to climb walls and sling webs like comic book hero Spider-Man could be just ten years away.

Italian researchers say they have developed a new method for creating a surface-gripping material that mimics "spider silk" and imitates carbon nanotubes.

Stefano Mezzasalma at the University of Trieste said: "The first prototype of a Spiderman suit might be ready in a decade or so."

Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
April 27, 2007

*****
Is thermodynamically stable boron nitride a girl's (new) best friend? French and German scientists have come up with a non-carbon material made of crystalline cubic boron nitride, which they claim is almost as hard as a diamond. The material is also much more resistant to fractures and wear than a polycrystalline diamond. It was developed by reducing the size of boron nitride grains from micron to nanoscale, then synthesizing it at a range of high pressures and temperatures using a 5,000 ton scientific press.

What I really want to know is: how does it look mounted in a 6-prong solitaire setting?

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
April 25, 2007

*****
Coming soon to a tiny stage near you: the Dance of the Nanoscale Drops. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have shown that tiny droplets of liquid metal freeze much differently than their larger counterparts. To study the freezing process at the ultra-small scale, they use what is thought to be the world's smallest pipette, a device capable of producing liquid droplets of a gold and germanium alloy with a volume of only a few zeptoliters (a billionth of a trillionth of a liter).

A zeptoliter pipette used by the research team as viewed in an electron microscope (photos: Brookhaven National Laboratory)

When the temperature is lowered to about 305 C°, the researchers observe a striking phenomenon: the liquid droplets develop surface "facets," which are straight, planar sections on the otherwise spherical-shaped structures. The facets continually form and decay in an "ethereal dance" of the droplet shape. This "dance" can last for hours, but quickly stops if the temperature is lowered any further. Get your tickets - I mean, read more - here...

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
April 20, 2007

*****
As a Public Relations (PR) person at CNSE, I found this article insightful on the power of PR for any business, especially ones focusing on innovative technologies.

Public relations is a critical component of a company's successful technology implementation, involving communicating on an ongoing basis with the range of stakeholders. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE Staff
April 12, 2007

Illustration of the cleavage of proteins near a titanium dioxide surface: when illuminated with ultraviolet light, hydroxyl radicals are formed in water near the semiconductor's surface and cut proteins at the location of the amino acid proline. (Credit: NIST)

Chemists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have proposed an elegantly simple technique for cleaving proteins into convenient pieces for analysis. The prototype sample preparation method, detailed recently in Analytical Chemistry, uses ultraviolet light and titanium dioxide coatings in a photocatalysis process to create a small "cleavage zone" of hydroxyl radicals, which rapidly cut nearby proteins at the locations of the amino acid proline. The technique could be ideal for new microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" devices designed to rapidly analyze minute amount of biological samples. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
April 5, 2006

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Want to switch up the wallpaper in your living room? Well, one day it will be possible with a flip of a switch! Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
March 30, 2007

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Have you ever tried to explain nanotechnology to a kid? I have... and I think I failed miserably. I found myself jumping quickly from one website to another and jabbering about information that might have been too complicated or out of context. So, in an effort to not repeat the same mistake, I did a little web surfing and found an online tool posted by London's Science Museum that can help you cover the basics, put them in context and even make it fun by playing a game called "Duckboy in Nanoland." I hope this resource is helpful. Enjoy!

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D. student
March 29, 2007

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Nanotechnology companies and start-ups to establish cross border partnership in the highly active Northeast nanotechnology markets: The Canadian NanoBusiness Alliance is pleased to inform you that the Consulate General in New York and Boston in collaboration with Industry Canada have announced a new business development initiative to assist early stage nanotechnology companies and start-ups to establish cross border partnership in the highly active Northeast nanotechnology markets (encompassing the New England and Tri-State areas).
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
March 23, 2007

*****
How often does a piece of nanotechnology news make you laugh out loud? Such was the case when I read about the work of researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. First, let me be clear: their work was entirely serious. The CAS researchers have successfully created two important graph states of photons, which paves the way for further research into fundamental issues in quantum computing, quantum error correction and quantum mechanics.

It was the headline that drew me in: CAS researchers create largest ever photonic "Schrödinger cat." Curious, I just had to know what a "Schrödinger cat" was. Drumroll, please... this is a cat that is both alive and dead at the same time. How's that again? I read further:

"In 1935, Erwin Schrödinger proposed a famous thought experiment in which a cat was somehow both alive and dead at the same time. The experiment involves a sealed box (allowing no interference from the outside), which contains a cat, and a closed canister of poisonous gas. Attached to the gas canister is a mechanism containing a radioactive nucleus. When the nucleus decays, it emits a particle that triggers a mechanism which opens the canister, thereby killing the cat. Since the nucleus, as long as it remains unobserved, is in a superposition of the 'decayed' and 'not decayed' states, then it logically follows that the cat must also be in a superposition of 'alive' and 'dead' states - until the moment when the box is opened."

At this point, with my mind nearly completely boggled, came the clincher: "Although the principle of superposition doesn't extend to such large objects and the Schrödinger cat state is no where to be found in the macroscopic world, physicists are able to make hypothetical cats from small groups of photons or atoms."

Insert laughter here. I still can't read the phrase "physicists are able to make hypothetical cats" without chuckling.

So, was it curiosity... or poisonous gas... or merely being hypothetical, that killed the cat?

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
March 22, 2007

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Nanotechonlogy is helping advance how computer and electronics work: Researchers have made an important advance in the emerging field of 'spintronics' that may one day usher in a new generation of smaller, smarter, faster computers, sensors and other devices, according to findings reported in today's issue of the journal Nature Nanotechnology. Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
March 20, 2007

*****
Today CNSE hosted a conference entitled The Quebec-New York Alliance for Micro- and Nanoelectronics Research and Commercialization, an event designed to leverage the technology partnerships and economic development efforts underway along the Quebec-New York corridor and foster potential business opportunities. CNSE co-sponsored the event with the government of Quebec and the ACCORD Microelectronic Cluster in Quebec's Estrie/Monteregie region, just south of Montreal - where 40% of all Canadian microelectronic products are made.

Click here to view photos from the conference.

The conference brought together corporate, governmental, research and academic attendees, providing a platform for cross-border collaboration and strategic alliances. Speakers included representatives from IBM, DALSA Semiconductor, MicroNanobec, Vistec Lithography, Tekna Plasma Systems, Analogic, Telemedic, IEM, the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership and CNSE. They delivered presentations onthe range of nanoelectronics technologies centered in Quebec and New York, focused in four key industry areas: advanced materials, health care, remote monitoring for security applications and packaging materials for harsh environments. The rich, diverse information and networking from this conference will hopefully encourage attendees to explore ways to align their research, development and manufacturing efforts with their international counterparts.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
March 15, 2007

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Nanotechnology helps fight biological warfare: In an effort to detect biological threats quickly and accurately, a number of detection technologies have been developed. This rapid growth and development in biodetection technology has largely been driven by the emergence of new and deadly infectious diseases and the realization of biological warfare as new means of terrorism. To address the need for portable, multiplex biodetection systems, a number of immunoassays have been developed. An immunoassay is a biochemical test that measures the level of a substance in a biological liquid. The assay takes advantage of the specific binding of an antigen to its antibody, the proteins that the body produces to directly attack, or direct the immune system to attack, cells that have been infected by viruses, bacteria and other intruders. Physical, chemical and optical properties that can be tuned to detect a particular bioagent are key to microbead-based immunoassay sensing systems. A unique spectral signature or fingerprint can be tied to each type of bead. Beads can be joined with antibodies to specific biowarfare agents. A recently developed novel biosensing platform uses engineered nanowires as an alternative substrate for immunoassays. Nanowires built from sub-micrometer layers of different metals, including gold, silver and nickel, are able to act as "barcodes" for detecting a variety of pathogens, such as anthrax, smallpox, ricin and botulinum toxin. The approach could simultaneously identify multiple pathogens via their unique fluorescent characteristics. 
Read more here.

Mia Ertas, CNSE staff
March 8, 2007

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A few days ago a friend of mine shared with me his website, a space dedicated to his scientific work and artistic view on carbon nanostructures (http://www.nanobliss.com/). These images made me regress to the simple, yet powerful excitement that fascinated me with the nanosciences for the first time. They also reminded me of the extraordinary impact that a single artistic expression can have on people, and the opportunity that we have to use them to promote, educate and inspire others to know more about science.  I've been working on some ideas to use art and new media for these purposes. If you are also interested in sharing your work and visions in a different context, contact me (FGomezBaquero@uamail.albany.edu) so that we can share thoughts and work on creating something great, something that can once again remind us that "The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science" (Albert Einstein, Living Philosophies, 1931)

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D. student
March 1, 2007

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Ready for a new understanding of relativity? Einstein's "twin paradox," one of the most enduring puzzles of modern-day physics, has been resolved by Subhash Kak, a professor at LSU. First suggested by Albert Einstein more than 100 years ago, the paradox deals with the effects of time in the context of travel at near the speed of light. Einstein originally used the example of two clocks - one motionless, one in transit. He stated that, due to the laws of physics, clocks being transported near the speed of light would move more slowly than clocks that remained stationary.

In more recent times, the paradox has been described using the analogy of twins. If one twin is placed on a space shuttle and travels near the speed of light while the remaining twin remains earthbound, the unmoved twin would have aged dramatically compared to his interstellar sibling. The paradox is that the earthbound twin is the one who would be considered to be in motion - in relation to the sibling - and therefore should be the one aging more slowly. Einstein and other scientists have attempted to resolve this problem before, but none of the formulas they presented proved satisfactory. How did Kak solve the paradox? You'll have to click here to find out...

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
February 26, 2007

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Quick: what do volcanoes and nanotechnology have in common? Not much, you say? Think again. Researchers from the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin have used igneous rock from Mount Etna to produce carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers directly by deposition from the gas phase. The naturally occurring iron oxide particles in lava make it an effective natural catalyst - possibly smoothing the way to a more efficient production method of carbon nanotubes and fibers on an industrial scale for commercial use. Now that's hot! Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
February 22, 2007

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Quantum Computers for Real: Many of us would have thought we would have to wait years to see the first fully functional quantum computer. A company named DWAVE recently demonstrated an end-to-end quantum computing system powered by a 16-qubit quantum processor, running two commercial applications. This event took place at both the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley and in Vancouver, B.C. For more information on DWAVE's quantum computer, visit their Web site at http://dwavesys.com/ as well as their blog at http://dwave.wordpress.com/2007/01/24/. For folks who want to know more about the basics of quantum computing, visit http://www.arxiv.org/PS_cache/quant-ph/pdf/0011/0011013.pdf.

Lakshmanan H. Vanamurthy, PhD student
February 20, 2007

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A devilishly clever idea becomes a reality through nanotechnology! In 1867, James Clerk Maxwell imagined an atom-sized device, known as "Maxwell's Demon," that could trap molecules as they move in a specific direction. Now, researchers at the University of Edinburgh, inspired by Maxwell's thought experiment, have been able to create such a nanomachine for the first time with their own "Demon" inside it to ensnare the molecules as they move. The work could ultimately lead to scientists harnessing the energy of the molecules to displace solid objects from a distance. Read more about "Maxwell's Demon" here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
February 15, 2007

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As a new faculty member, I thought I would briefly share some of my initial thoughts on CNSE and what attracted me to this place. Some of the attractions are of course universal for all academicians: academic freedom, the rewards that come with teaching and mentoring, etc... but what is unique about CNSE is the opportunity to witness history in the making. How often does one get to see a new college take shape in matter of few years? Where else can one find a college and visionary staffs dedicated to the exploration of nanotechnology?

One striking aspect of CNSE is the large number of corporations present within the same complex (we are clearly outnumbered here). I see this as a tremendous opportunity, particularly for the graduate students, to see first hand how research is managed and executed in corporate environment. But as a part of the College, I am challenged to ask the fundamental questions that are the seeds to new discoveries - and this is a privilege!

Briefly, I hold a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some of the areas to which I have devoted a significant part of my scientific career are: carbon nanotube electronics, amorphous Si devices, vacuum microelectronics and superconductivity. My previous position was with GE Global Research as a Senior Scientist. I welcome all graduate students to stop by to discuss their research or just about anything that is on their minds.

Ji Ung Lee, Associate Professor of Nanoengineering
February 8, 2007

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Beyond all the scientific conferences and scholarly papers and conferences, there is the rest of the world outside of science. Most people are growing enthusiasm for, but not quite understanding, the ways in which their lives are being governed by nanoscale forces.

Tell anyone you study nanotechnology, and you'll find their faces light up with excitement, though many admit, "I don't really know about nanotechnology, except that it's hip, high tech and revolutionizing science as we know it."

Start by telling them that the prefix "nano" means 10 EE-9. Then tell them why that's cool, how we can now use microscopes to shoot electron beams at samples which allows us to see how they are arranged at the incredibly tiny atomic level, and maybe how your research relates to that if you've captured their attention. Nanoscience necessarily should be something for everyone, as the implications of nano-research are extending into everyone's lives.

Lynn Rice, Ph.D. student
February 8, 2007

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I attended the International Workshop on Computational Physics and Material Science last month at Trieste, Italy. It was held at the International Center for Theoretical Physics. There were around 300 participants and 48 talks, which were given by very famous people from all around the world in topics such as DFT (density functional theory), TDDFT, magnetic materials, total energy and force methods, with highly interesting talks in my field of spintronics and material modeling. This three-day conference gave me an opportunity to meet some of the best people in the field and also to present my own work to them. Also I learned a lot about the opportunities and future of my work. I had a bit of fun going around Trieste; also, the waters of Venice were very welcoming. Conclusively, it was a great experience.

Gayathri Rao, Ph.D. student
February 5, 2007

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The Energy & Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) at CNSE will be exhibiting at the POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels conference. The conference will be held at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV, March 6-8, 2007. Bringing the wind, solar, biomass and fuels, hydro and geothermal sectors together for three days of information exchange and fast-track networking, POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels attracts some of the most prominent clean energy companies to discuss technical, strategic, regulatory, structural and economic issues. If you are interested in attending, I have several free passes available and would be happy to provide more information on this exciting event!

Emily Riley, CNSE staff
February 1, 2007

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Nanotech meets NASCAR! Daytonabrands, Inc. has announced that it has acquired exclusive retail rights to the only nanotechnology engine treatment formula that has been approved by the U.S. government. "When added to engine oil, it protects internal metal-to-metal friction surfaces by bonding to friction surfaces, thereby creating a substitute wear surface that reduces critical component friction... Increased engine performance, faster starting in all climates and longer engine life are the results," stated Scott Harkness, of Daytonabrands, Inc. Rev 'em up!

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
February 1, 2007

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We've all seen the two-way glass used in TV police procedurals like Law & Order for interrogation rooms and lineups. On one side, the criminal sees only a mirror; on the other, witnesses and cops can look through at the criminal in the next room. Now we have the next step: being able to switch between reflective and transparent states at will. Scientists at the Energy Control Thin Film Group of the Materials Research Institute for Sustainable Development (Japan), a part of the National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Japan) have developed a new thin film material for a switchable mirror that can be switched between reflective and transparent states. Hopefully this WON'T be used in police interrogation rooms! Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 31, 2007

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Another timely and practical application of nanotechnology: stopping fuel cheats. Nanotechnology has been found to be effective in curbing the abuse of subsidized diesel. A recent raid by the "NanoTag Strike Team," from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement division in Malaysia, on 10 commercial sites found that only one had traces of NanoTag in the diesel stored at the premises. (Compare this to the last raid in November 2006, in which 2,694 commercial premises were checked - and 2,161 of them were found to contain the prohibited NanoTagged diesel.) "NanoTag" is a liquid mixed with subsidised diesel and it can be detected within minutes using a special device. The Malaysian government started tagging subsidised diesel in September 2006.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 25, 2007

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I just returned from the 34th annual Conference on the Physics and Chemistry of Semiconductor Interfaces in Salt Lake City (see www.pcsiconference.org for more information). The conference was excellent. The talks on graphene and spin injection by Philip Kim, Stuart Parkin and others were very interesting. From these talks I learned that graphene has great potential for building nanoscale circuits. In addition, spin injection (even ballistic injection) is dominated by the structure of the interface. I can't wait to get back in the lab to start up some new spin injection experiments using our new spin polarized BEEM instrument which can probe the energetic dependence of ballistic spin injection through materials and material interfaces. (The skiing was also excellent!)

Vincent LaBella, Assistant Professor of Nanoscience
January 19, 2007

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Is a sea change in chip fabrication on the horizon? HP has announced research that could lead to the creation of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) up to eight times denser - while using less energy for a given computation - than those currently being produced. Such chips could be built using the same sized transistors as those used in today's FPGA design, meaning they could be built in current fabrication facilities with only minor modifications. Read more here...

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 18, 2007

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Nanotechnology takes to the skies... and the fashion runways! Starting January 1st, the 2,500+ employees of Czech Airlines now greet their customers in sharp new uniforms made with nanotechnology-based fabrics. The uniforms are designed to ensure water resistance, durability, a wrinkle-free appearance, color fastness and tear resistance.

"Similar fabrics were also used by the famous French designer Christian Lacroix in his collection of uniforms designed for Air France," said Borivoj Klug, head of design and sales for corporate identity projects at domestic apparel manufacturer OP Prostejov.

Wrinkle-free, water-resistant and stylin'!

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 17, 2007

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A follow-on to our December 4 post: another new "nano game" aims to entertain as well as educate. London-based computer games development studio PlayGen and global nanotechnology consultancy Cientifica have announced the playable demo of NanoMission^TM. It's described as a "cutting edge engaging learning experience which educates players about basic concepts in nanoscience through real world practical applications from microelectronics to drug delivery." (Hopefully it's also fun to play!)

"Nanomedicine is an area that has caused a great deal of excitement, but has also been tragically misrepresented," commented Cientifica CEO Tim Harper. Professor Mark Welland of the University of Cambridge added, "It is extremely important that as nanotechnology is introduced into an increasing range of products the real benefits are understood by all. This game is a great example of how the positive message of nanotechnology can be disseminated to schools." Kam Memarzia, PlayGen's managing director, noted, "Working with the scientific community has enabled us to develop NanoMission based on real science rather than science fiction. We firmly believe computer games have a far greater role to play in today's society, especially in promoting learning and understanding the real world around us."

Intrigued? Check out the game demo for yourself here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 12, 2007

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Bye, bye, flash blindness. I've always hated the temporary blindness that ensues after posing for a flash photo, especially when you've obliged the photographer's request to look directly at the camera. Well, a company called Planet82 has the solution. This week, Planet82 will demo its new Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD) for the first time in the U.S. The company says its nano sensor is 1000 times more sensitive to light than traditional photo sensors - it can take pictures in near total darkness. The sensor uses what the company calls "principles of quantum mechanics to produce thousands of electrons out of one photon." Too bad this wasn't available in time for holiday gift-giving! Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 9, 2007

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How do children experience activities-based learning about nanotechnology - a world of atoms and molecules that's too small to see with the naked eye, and that requires sophisticated electron or scanning probe microscopes? Bethany Maynard, a 6th grader at a Fairfax County, Virginia elementary school, shows how young people can observe, test and investigate nanotechnology - sharpening their analytical skills and becoming active science learners - at home or in a classroom without any expensive equipment. All that's needed is some ketchup, mustard and a tie. Read more here.

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 4, 2007

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Hey, what's that smell? A controversial theory that explains the molecular mechanism which gives our sense of smell razor-sharp precision has been given a boost thanks to a study by a team of University College/London researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN). Reporting in an upcoming edition of the journal Physical Review Letters, they demonstrate that vibration theory, the process by which the body distinguishes one odor molecule from another by the way it vibrates, is viable. Read more here...

Cynthia Nagle, CNSE staff
January 2, 2007

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