Nanotechnology

[Sadsack]

PS - a workable link to Ruth's photobucket didn't copy on this thread, but is available on "my cat has mites and worms".

SS

[Sadsack]

Chemists Create Two-armed Nanorobotic Device To Maneuver World's Tiniest Particles
ScienceDaily (Feb. 15, 2009) — Chemists at New York University and China's Nanjing University have developed a two-armed nanorobotic device that can manipulate molecules within a device built from DNA. The device was described recently in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.


"The aim of nanotechnology is to put specific atomic and molecular species where we want them and when we want them there," said NYU Chemistry Professor Nadrian Seeman, one of the co-authors. "This is a programmable unit that allows researchers to capture and maneuver patterns on a scale that is unprecedented."

The device is approximately 150 x 50 x 8 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Put another way, if a nanometer were the size of a normal apple, measuring approximately 10 centimeters in diameter, a normal apple, enlarged proportionally, would be roughly the size of the earth.

The creation enhances Seeman's earlier work—a single nanorobotic arm, completed in 2006, marking the first time scientists had been able to employ a functional nanotechnology device within a DNA array.

The new, two-armed device employs DNA origami, a method unveiled in 2006 that uses a few hundred short DNA strands to direct a very long DNA strand to form structures that adopt any desired shape. These shapes, approximately 100 nanometers in diameter, are eight times larger and three times more complex than what could be created within a simple crystalline DNA array.

As with Seeman's previous creation, the two-armed nanorobotic device enables the creation of new DNA structures, thereby potentially serving as a factory for assembling the building blocks of new materials. With this capability, it has the potential to develop new synthetic fibers, advance the encryption of information, and improve DNA-scaffolded computer assembly.

In the two-armed nanorobotic device, the arms face each other, ready to capture molecules that make up a DNA sequence. Using set strands that bind to its molecules, the arms are then able to change the structure of the device. This changes the sticky ends available to capture a new pattern component.

The researchers note that the device performs with 100 percent accuracy. Earlier trials revealed that it captured targeted molecules only 60 to 80 percent of the time. But by heating the device in the presence of the correct species, they found that the arms captured the targeted molecules 100 percent of the time.

They confirmed their results by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which permits features that are a few billionths of a meter to be visualized.

The study's other co-authors were Hongzhou Gu, a graduate student in NYU's Department of Chemistry, and Jie Chao, who had been a visiting graduate student at NYU, and Professor Shou-Jun Xiao, both based at China's Nanjing University.

[Sadsack]

Study Uncovers Mesothelioma Link to Nanotechnology | Best Tech News, Reviews, How it Works, Tips

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Study Uncovers Mesothelioma Link to Nanotechnology
Posted by Mat Nayie in Nanotechnology on 02 18th, 2009 | no responses
Mesothelioma has long been linked to the inhalation and exposure to asbestos fibers and dust, so when scientists uncovered an additional potential cause for this incurable form of lung cancer, the unthinkable became a reality.

According to researchers based out of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington D.C., the early 90’s development of carbon nanotubes has been an amazing feat for technological applications, however, it has not gone without its price. Specifically, carbon nanotubes may be causing harm to the human body in the form of mesothelioma cancer.

If the carbon nanotubes are introduced into the wrong environment, the development of lesions and inflammation of the lungs occurs - symptoms similar to that of mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure. Researchers uncovered the finding through exposure of carbon nanotubes to animals.

Dr. Andrew Maynard, who published a study in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, described the use of nanotubes and the potential link to mesothelioma cancer. He said that currently, nanotubes are being implemented because of their awesome abilities at conducting heat and electricity. Mostly, Dr. Maynard explains, the nanotubes are being implemented into sports equipment. He said that there are no regulations as to where nanotubes can be implemented and there are currently no requirements for the use of nanotubes to be disclosed to the general public.

What Are Nanotubes?

According to Maynard, nanotubes are a product of nanotechnology research, one he considers the “poster child” of nanotechnology. The nanotubes are cylindrical structures comprised of carbon atoms that have been rolled together. Maynard’s study found that when mice were exposed to nanotubes, they developed asbestos-induced symptoms within the lungs. While he and other researchers consider nanotubes to be safe - when encased - the risk occurs when nanotubes are incinerated or broken.

Nanotubes are currently being used in:

* a variety of sports equipment

* bicycle frames

* tennis rackets

* electronic gas detectors

* radios

Additionally, because of the strength of nanotubes, many consider its future use to vastly effect several business ventures and areas, and be widely used in industries including:

* aerospace

* automobile

* airplanes

* television box productions

* medical

* environmental uses

Working with Nanotubes

While the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is doing research on nanotoxicology, there is little knowledge or research currently available regarding the safety of using nanotechnology. Additionally, Dr. Maynard noted that because of the ever-increasing nanotechnology industry, which is likely to be worth $2.6 trillion by 2014, it will be difficult to adequately and accurately assess nanotechnology safety because of the technology’s quick growth, which is also being used in the food industry.

Transparency of nanotoxicology among some nanotechnologically-produced products may fall into the hands of manufacturers and producers, which John M. Balbus, health program chief for the Environmental Defense Fund who was interviewed in a Washington Post article on nanotechnology, said could either be a very good thing with open communications, or a very bad thing replicating the mistakes made among the construction industry’s use of asbestos. However, he noted that upfront communication regarding the dangers of nanotechnology with the public may increase because of the previous mistakes made by other industries in hiding mesothelioma conditions from the public.

Finding Help with Nanotube Related Mesothelioma

Individuals, especially nanotube factory workers who have previously worked with carbon nanotubes or have been exposed to the potential dangers associated with the nanotubes and developing mesothelioma should receive medical attention immediately.

It may also become necessary for these individuals to locate a law firm with knowledge of mesothelioma-related litigation in order to develop a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Because of the nature of the industry and the continued funding flooding into carbon nanotube research it is important to develop a lawsuit that will also alert others, in a similar predicament, and provide aware of the potentially serious health risks associated with nanotechnology. Further, because only 5 percent of the funding, which consists of billions of dollars annually, provided by the National Nanotechnology Institute is going toward health and safety research, it is important for individuals with nanotube-induced mesothelioma to develop a lawsuit that may offer monetary compensation to victims suffering from this irreversible and deadly lung cancer.

SS

[Baraka Obam]

The other day i bumped into a 87 year old man, smart as a whip, a better conversationalist than most, full head of hair. He said to me, you can have the good old days, they sucked. I looked him over very well, he was perfect and a RETIRED MILITARY, what does this man have for genes that kept him free of infestation. I mean really, clear eyes and all, no skin anomolies. The time to take samples off the people that have weathered the storm is dissapearing, when these old folks, the centurians are gone we will lose the ability to compare, with their demise what we have left is only the afflicted!!

He still had all his witts, when the young pretty store manager came by, he quickly complimented her on her good fortune and forgot about our conversation, LOL! Honestly he looked to be a strapping 70 year old.

[Sadsack]

Although asbestos has been outlawed for 20 - 30 years in modern industrialized countries, the new cases of Mesothelioma have continued to rise in the U.K. and the U.S.

Rising Cases of Mesothelioma in the UK

In the United States alone, the number of new mesothelioma cases each year is between 3,000 and 4,000. These numbers are still rising and are not expected to peak until 2025. This translates to thousands of Americans each year developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos. A great number of these victims do not know why they have developed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Medical Information

Roughly 80% of cases are believed to derive from occupational or paraoccupational exposure to primary asbestos fiber types...
The remaining 20% of cases have no clear-cut occupational cause and are believed to be related to etiologic factors, including contact with nonindustrial fibers such as erionite and exposure to simian virus 40 (SV40), a DNA tumor virus affecting Asian macaques that contaminated poliovirus vaccine stocks used in the late 1950s/early 1960s.

OR MAYBE IT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY......SS

[Sadsack]

This is an important document that describes the extent of nanotechnology uses, and the cautions that are beginning to arise in this largely unregulated, ubiquitous technology. Given the connection between carbon nanotubes and mesothelioma, do we really want this in our FOOD?? Go to the link to see the images.
The article is in two parts oin this thread due to its length.


Nanotechnology

Chemical Information Call-in: Carbon Nanotubes

This notice serves to announce that the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) intends to request information regarding analytical test methods, fate and transport in the environment, and other relevant information from manufacturers of carbon nanotubes. The term "manufacturers” includes persons and businesses that produce Carbon nanotubes in California or import carbon nanotubes into California for sale. The purpose of this information request will be to identify information gaps and to develop information about carbon nanotubes, an important emerging nanomaterial.

DTSC will exercise its authority under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 699, sections 57018-57020. These sections were added as a result of the adoption of Assembly Bill (AB) 289 (2006). They are intended to make relevant information on the fate and transport, analysis, and other information on chemicals more available. The law places the responsibility to provide this information to the Department on those who manufacture or import the chemicals.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of interest to DTSC because they are in use commercially and because data on analytical methods, toxicity, physicochemical properties, and fate and transport are largely unavailable. Recent research on the potential impacts to the environment, workers and the public have highlighted some potential areas in manufacturing issues and fate and transport that DTSC should consider. One study by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) detected 15 different aromatic hydrocarbons including 4 different polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when they manufactured CNTs from a carbon vapor source using chemical vapor deposition. Another study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the fate of CNTs spilled into groundwater and the ability of municipal filtration systems to remove CNTs from drinking water is dependent on the characteristics of the water such as pH, natural organic content, etc. The chemical call-in program will help develop the existing body of information on carbon nanotubes and will identify gaps in the existing information that could be filled to better protect human health and the environment.

On October 31st, 2008, the U.S. EPA issued a Federal Register notice regarding carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The notice reminds manufacturers and importers that they must notify EPA 90 days prior to the manufacture or import of new chemical CNTs for commercial purposes, in accordance with TSCA Section 5 regulations for new chemicals at 40 C.F.R. 720.22.

Next steps UPDATED!

A formal information request letter was sent on January 22, 2009 to manufacturers who produce or import carbon nanotubes in California, or who may export carbon nanotubes into the State. The letter also outlined the time frame that manufacturers are required to respond under the law.

Formal CNT request letter
Mailing List for formal CNT request letter



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DTSC Nanotechnology Symposium Series

UPDATE! DTSC Nanotechnology III Symposium, "NanoRegulation - Anticipating the Smallest Threats and the Largest Opportunities"

NEW! On-line Registration is currently open for the Nanotech III Symposium. DTSC will be hosting a full-day nanotechnology symposium on Thursday, March 19th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm PST at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento. This event will be free and open to the public. It will also be available via web cast. Presentation materials will also be posted on this webpage prior to the event. Please join us for what should prove to be an invaluable review of nanomaterials regulation from a variety of perspectives.

This event will focus on the regulatory aspects of nanotechnology, EPA's role, and DTSC's chemical information call-in program including nanoscale materials. Federal interest in nanomaterial regulation and California's efforts in this area provide a great opportunity for fostering technological advances that recognize environmental and public health concerns. The goal is to create a partnership where we can enhance research where needed and promote sustainable processes as well as applications.

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling the shape and size at the nanometer scale. A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter. For comparison, a single human hair is about 80,000 nm wide, a red blood cell is approximately 7,000 nm wide and a water molecule is almost 0.3 nm across. The nanoscale generally is defined in nanotechnology to be from 100 nm down to the size of atoms (approximately 0.2 nm). Understanding and controlling matter at the nanoscale interests researchers in the sciences, medicine, agriculture, and industry because a material’s properties at the nanoscale can be very different from those at a larger scale. As reports of new discoveries and applications for nanotechnology emerged, governmental, industrial, and public stakeholders recognized the need to develop a standard nanotechnology terminology to facilitate communication among the various communities. A globally recognized terminology standard is not only critical to the development of the nanotechnology industry by allowing precise descriptions of the chemical compositions and physical forms of these nanoscale materials, but without a such a precise and accepted terminology standard, efforts to understand the risks and benefits of nanotechnology are unlikely to lead to successful outcomes. For example, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) noted that the term 'carbon nanoparticles' has been used to describe a range of very diverse nanomaterials such as carbon-60, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and even diesel exhaust. The ASTM, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Organization of Standards (ISO) have formed workgroups consisting of industry, academia, and government participants to address the need for common terms and definitions. In December 2006, the ASTM and their partners published standard E2456-06, Terminology for Nanotechnology. This standard is the first step in developing common terms associated with nanotechnology and will be updated as new terms emerge. Some of the definitions in E2456-06 useful for our present discussion are:

agglomerate, n—in nanotechnology, a group of particles held together by relatively weak forces (for example, Van der Waals or capillary), that may break apart into smaller particles upon processing, for example.
aggregate, n—in nanotechnology, a discrete group of particles in which the various individual components are not easily broken apart, such as in the case of primary particles that are strongly bonded together (for example, fused, sintered, or metallically bonded particles).
nanotechnology, n – A term referring to a wide range of technologies that measure, manipulate, or incorporate materials and/or features with at least one dimension between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). Such applications exploit the properties, distinct from bulk/macroscopic systems, of nanoscale components.
nanoparticle, n—in nanotechnology, a sub-classification of ultrafine particles with lengths in two or three dimensions greater than 0.001 micrometer (1 nanometer) and smaller than about 0.1 micrometer (100 nanometers) and which may or may not exhibit a size-related intensive property.
Developing common terminology is essential in effectively communicating results and information associated with this emerging technology.

[Sadsack]

Why is nanotechnology of interest?

The unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials at the nanoscale enable novel applications and functions with the potential to promote enormous societal and economic benefits. Some current innovative applications of nanotechnology include the use of nanomaterials in liquid filtration and water purification, as catalysts in petroleum refining and catalytic converters, and in nanoscale biological imaging. In the near future of two to five years, nanotechnology will be integrated into advanced drug delivery systems, real-time medical diagnostic tools, sensors for airborne chemicals or other toxins, and photovoltaics (solar cells), fuel cells and portable power to provide inexpensive, clean energy.

The properties of materials at the nanoscale are attributed to two main factors. First, nanomaterials have a relatively larger surface area when compared to the same mass of material produced in a larger form. This can make materials more chemically reactive (in some cases materials that are inert in their larger form are reactive when produced in their nanoscale form), and affect their strength or electrical properties. Second, quantum effects can begin to dominate the behavior of matter at the nanoscale - particularly at the lower end of the scale affecting the optical, electrical and magnetic behavior of materials. The photo above shows an example of quantum dots. Particles of inorganic semiconducting crystals with nanometer scale dimensions ("quantum dots") exhibit size-dependent optical properties. In other words, the color of a cadmium-selenium (CdSE) quantum dot will vary depending on the quantum dot’s size, even though the chemical composition of the dot has not changed. Companies are investigating quantum dots to develop composite materials such as those used as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) where the color is determined by the size of the quantum dots. The superior optical properties of quantum dots are being studied for use in diode lasers, optical amplifiers and switches, biological sensors, and solid-state quantum computing.

The unique properties exhibited by nanomaterials for commercial applications also raise concerns regarding potential environmental and human impact of these materials. Scientists, regulators, and the public are asking the question: What do we know about the safety of nanotechnology and nanomaterials?



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Why is DTSC interested in nanotechnology?

DTSC sees nanotechnology as the new “plastic” because it will show up in many industrial applications and consumer products. Materials and devices designed at the nanoscale level are being used or considered for use in applications as diverse as cancer treatment to scratch-resistance automotive coatings. Because of the unique properties of nanomaterials, DTSC is gathering information on nanotechnology and monitoring the efforts of other regulatory agencies about this emerging technology. DTSC sees a need to understand this industrial sector and its products. DTSC also wants to work with this emerging industrial sector to incorporate the benefits of "green chemistry" approaches, pollution prevention techniques, and sustainable manufacturing strategies to prevent potential adverse public health and environmental consequences. "High technologies" such as nuclear power, genetically modified organisms, and ever-smaller consumer electronics have begun to leave their legacy. The benefits of nuclear power in preventing global warming and genetically modified organisms in increased food production are obscured by public fear of perceived consequences. Consumer electronics, while providing entertainment and ease today, at the end of their service life produce an increasing burden of "e-waste" the heavy metals of which can cause harm in many ways. Nanotechnologies are diverse in form, substance, function, and promise. DTSC is working toward a partnership with this industrial sector to develop an industrial ecology of manufacturing to product stewardship approach that will protect public health and the environment. DTSC will also continue to explore the merits of pro-active industrial initiatives and traditional governmental regulatory approaches.

Thinking Big About Thinking Small An Action Agenda for California


As a starting point in this process, DTSC reviewed the December 2004 report issued by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology addressed major areas of concern in promoting nanotechnology research and development, commercialization, facilities and infrastructure, policies and ethics, and education. The members of the Task Force came from many backgrounds including academia, government, corporate California, start-up and consulting firms, non-profit groups, and industry associations. Several recommendations called for CalEPA’s involvement in understanding and communicating the environmental, social, and even ethical implications of nanotechnology.


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What are its current applications in industry?


Some examples of nanotechnology used in clothing are stain-resistant pants and shorts with built-in sunscreen.


Examples of agrifood research include developing bacterial pathogen detectors from nanochemicals for use post-harvest.
Some examples of nanotechnology used in clothing are stain-resistant pants and shorts with built-in sunscreen. Examples of agrifood research include developing bacterial pathogen detectors from nanochemicals for use post-harvest. Most science and technology experts consider nanotechnology to be an industrial revolution on the horizon that will have an enormous social and economic impact. However, currently the applied use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology is limited, except in the electronics and information technology industries, where semiconductor devices with a certain minimum feature size have been at the nanoscale for several decades. Companies have introduced nanotechnology in several consumer products such as cosmetics, food and clothing. The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars developed searchable databases listing the uses of nanotechnology in consumer products and the research being conducted on agrifood (e.g., food, agriculture, forestry, and agroecosystems). Other applications include new detection systems, filtration media, and electronic chip design.

[Seasprite]

There is a whole website devoted to listing the products that have nanotechnology in them.
There is a whole LIST OF FOOD PRODUCTS!! unfortunately i forget the website where I found this. Several of them were cooking oils...

[Seasprite]

woah this article is intense thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by Sadsack

Study Uncovers Mesothelioma Link to Nanotechnology | Best Tech News, Reviews, How it Works, Tips

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Study Uncovers Mesothelioma Link to Nanotechnology
Posted by Mat Nayie in Nanotechnology on 02 18th, 2009 | no responses
Mesothelioma has long been linked to the inhalation and exposure to asbestos fibers and dust, so when scientists uncovered an additional potential cause for this incurable form of lung cancer, the unthinkable became a reality.

According to researchers based out of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington D.C., the early 90’s development of carbon nanotubes has been an amazing feat for technological applications, however, it has not gone without its price. Specifically, carbon nanotubes may be causing harm to the human body in the form of mesothelioma cancer.

If the carbon nanotubes are introduced into the wrong environment, the development of lesions and inflammation of the lungs occurs - symptoms similar to that of mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure. Researchers uncovered the finding through exposure of carbon nanotubes to animals.

Dr. Andrew Maynard, who published a study in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, described the use of nanotubes and the potential link to mesothelioma cancer. He said that currently, nanotubes are being implemented because of their awesome abilities at conducting heat and electricity. Mostly, Dr. Maynard explains, the nanotubes are being implemented into sports equipment. He said that there are no regulations as to where nanotubes can be implemented and there are currently no requirements for the use of nanotubes to be disclosed to the general public.

What Are Nanotubes?

According to Maynard, nanotubes are a product of nanotechnology research, one he considers the “poster child” of nanotechnology. The nanotubes are cylindrical structures comprised of carbon atoms that have been rolled together. Maynard’s study found that when mice were exposed to nanotubes, they developed asbestos-induced symptoms within the lungs. While he and other researchers consider nanotubes to be safe - when encased - the risk occurs when nanotubes are incinerated or broken.

Nanotubes are currently being used in:

* a variety of sports equipment

* bicycle frames

* tennis rackets

* electronic gas detectors

* radios

Additionally, because of the strength of nanotubes, many consider its future use to vastly effect several business ventures and areas, and be widely used in industries including:

* aerospace

* automobile

* airplanes

* television box productions

* medical

* environmental uses

Working with Nanotubes

While the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is doing research on nanotoxicology, there is little knowledge or research currently available regarding the safety of using nanotechnology. Additionally, Dr. Maynard noted that because of the ever-increasing nanotechnology industry, which is likely to be worth $2.6 trillion by 2014, it will be difficult to adequately and accurately assess nanotechnology safety because of the technology’s quick growth, which is also being used in the food industry.

Transparency of nanotoxicology among some nanotechnologically-produced products may fall into the hands of manufacturers and producers, which John M. Balbus, health program chief for the Environmental Defense Fund who was interviewed in a Washington Post article on nanotechnology, said could either be a very good thing with open communications, or a very bad thing replicating the mistakes made among the construction industry’s use of asbestos. However, he noted that upfront communication regarding the dangers of nanotechnology with the public may increase because of the previous mistakes made by other industries in hiding mesothelioma conditions from the public.

Finding Help with Nanotube Related Mesothelioma

Individuals, especially nanotube factory workers who have previously worked with carbon nanotubes or have been exposed to the potential dangers associated with the nanotubes and developing mesothelioma should receive medical attention immediately.

It may also become necessary for these individuals to locate a law firm with knowledge of mesothelioma-related litigation in order to develop a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Because of the nature of the industry and the continued funding flooding into carbon nanotube research it is important to develop a lawsuit that will also alert others, in a similar predicament, and provide aware of the potentially serious health risks associated with nanotechnology. Further, because only 5 percent of the funding, which consists of billions of dollars annually, provided by the National Nanotechnology Institute is going toward health and safety research, it is important for individuals with nanotube-induced mesothelioma to develop a lawsuit that may offer monetary compensation to victims suffering from this irreversible and deadly lung cancer.

SS

[Sadsack]

And despite the fact that asbestos has been outlawed for 20-30 years in modern industrialized countires, mesothelioma is on the rise. Really makes you wonder why the cases are increasing.
SS