Nano News

Nanotechnology in Northern Europe 2006 – the largest nanotech event in the region was held in Helsinki for the second time, from the 16th - 18th May 2006. The event attracted a total of 650 participants from over 100 organisations and 25 countries. The diversity of the event was demonstrated by the sessions (from Molecular and Quantum Electronics to Commercialisation and IPR), and the range of participants.

The advent of nanotechnology-based products such as nano-arrays and dendrimers is anticipated to revolutionise treatments for diseases such as cancer. The realisation that the nano-scale has certain properties needed to solve important medical challenges and cater to unmet medical needs is driving nano-medical research. Increasingly, research is focusing on the novel chemical and physical properties of nano-sized materials to develop new applications that improve human health.

ARM is amongst a group of companies working with researchers from five UK universities on nanotechnology that will power the technology of the future.

The Institute of Nanotechnology, a global leader in nanotechnology matters, today announced plans to launch the European Nanotechnology Trade Association (ENTA), to support industry's uptake of nanotechnology.

According to the findings of the Federal Institute for Risk Assesment (BfR), nano particles are not the cause of the health disorders, in some cases severe, which occurred after using so-called sealing sprays. Based on the information from manufacturers and chemical studies commissioned by BfR, the products do not contain any nano-sized particles. The term "nano" in the product names is intended far more to draw attention to the wafer-thin film that forms on the surface of glass or ceramic after the spray-application of the products. More than 110 incidents of, in some cases severe, health disorders were notified to the poison control and treatment centres and BfR at the end of March 2006 after consumers had used the products Magic-Nano-Glasversiegeler (glass sealer) and Magic-Nano-Keramikversiegeler (ceramic sealer) in spray cans with a propellant. Initially it was thought that nano particles were involved in the intoxications.

First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi on Monday called for more activities in the field of nano-technology.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. (NYSE:KEI), a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, has co-developed and sponsored the first Nanotechnology Test Weblog, or Blog, designed exclusively for engineers and researchers dealing with electrical testing issues in the field of nanotechnology and MEMS (micro electromechanical systems). The Nanotest Weblog keeps visitors abreast of the latest news in the nanotechnology and MEMS industry through frequent posts of technical and business developments. The Weblog is coordinated by "Nanotech Briefs" magazine and can be accessed directly at www.nanotestblog.com

Until recently, nanoscale devices could only be crafted through chemical reactions or by pushing components together on a smooth surface. Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed and demonstrated practical tools allowing the precise manipulation and assembly of complex, three-dimensional nanomachines.

The best things are supposed to come in small packages. In the future, this could be more true than ever. Thanks to nanotechnology - the manipulation of tiny elements - we could enjoy a host of new developments, including furniture that can think, cars that change colour, even mobile phones with Breathalysers - no more will we drink and dial.

Gaps in regulating future uses of nanotechnology include those relating to particle size, to the use of nano versions of already approved ingredients, and to packaging, according to a UK legislative review of the food sector.