Scientists at Princeton University say they have used nanotechnology to make tests to detect diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer's disease, 3 million times more sensitive.

That means what researchers are calling a breakthrough in nanotechnology and medicine could enable doctors to detect these illnesses at much earlier stages, when they are more treatable.

"This advance opens many new and exciting opportunities ... in disease early detection and treatment," said Stephen Chou, a Princeton engineering professor, who led the research team. "You can have very early detection with our approach."

Princeton researchers used nanotechnology to improve a biological test called an immunoassay, which measures the concentration of a substance in a body fluid sample, and is used to find markers for cancers and Alzheimer's, in patients. The test produces a fluorescent glow when the disease is detected. The stronger the presence of the disease, the brighter the test glows.

However, if only faint, early-stage, traces of the disease are present, the glow can't be detected and the disease could be missed.

The Princeton researchers used nanotechnology to amplify the fluorescence, which gave them a 3-million-fold improvement in detection. It means the test now can detect disease with 3 million times fewer disease biomarkers present.

The earlier a cancer can be detected, the sooner treatment can begin, and the better chance a patient has of survival.

The key to the breakthrough, according to Princeton's researchers, lies in a new nanomaterial they call D2PA. The nanomaterial, which was developed in Chou's lab, consists of a thin layer of gold nanostructures surrounded by glass pillars that are 60 nanometers in diameter. About 1,000 of the pillars can be laid side-by-side and still only be as wide as a human hair.

Each pillar, spaced 200 nanometers apart, is capped with a gold disk. Each pillar also is speckled with even smaller gold dots. The pillars boost the collection and transmission of light by a billion-fold, Princeton said.

The university noted that Chou is focused on using the new technology to detect early-stage breast and prostate cancers. He also is working with researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York to develop tests to detect proteins associated with early stage Alzheimer's disease.

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Researchers use nanotech to make cancer 3M times more detectable

Nanotechnology impacts most industries, including electronics, natural resources, energy, clean technology and life sciences.

HONG KONG, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Cedrus Investments( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/index.html ), a global leader in the nanotechnology investment arena( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/our_business/nanotechnology.html ), announced today the first half 2012 performance of its two global nanotechnology indices, both launched in October 2009 -- Cedrus Nanotechnology Index - Diversified (CNID)( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/about/index.html ) and Cedrus Nanotechnology Index - Pure (CNIP)( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/about/index.html ). Both CNID and CNIP outperformed many of the major global indices including S&P 500, MSCI World Index, Russell 3000, Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite in first half of 2012 with a respective return of 8.37% and 11.43%.

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/06/01/20120601160828584896-l.jpg )

Cedrus maintains two indices in order to meet the needs of diverse investors. These indices serve as performance benchmarks for nanotechnology investing. Cedrus' diversified index (CNID) includes equally-weighted companies spanning all five nano-markets, including electronics, manufacturing, energy, life sciences and clean technology and is inclusive of both diversified companies that have nanotechnology as only one of many growth drivers, and pure-play companies that have nanotechnology as their primary driver of growth. Cedrus' pure index (CNIP) is a concentrated index, comprised of equally-weighted pure-play companies spanning all five nano-markets and is best-suited for small-cap investors.

About Cedrus Investment Ltd.

Cedrus Investments Ltd( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/index.html ). is a boutique global investment services firm, specializing in private wealth management( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/our_business/private_wealth_management.html ), asset management( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/our_business/asset_management.html ) and financial advisory services( http://www.cedrusinvestments.com/our_business/financial_advisory_services.html ) for institutional investors, corporations, family offices, high net worth individuals and other sophisticated investors, with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Jakarta and Grand Cayman.

For further information about Cedrus Investments, please visit http://www.cedrusinvestments.com.

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Cedrus Investments Ltd.

Amy Sin

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Cedrus Investments' Nanotechnology Indices Outperform Most Major Indices

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire -07/09/12)- Nanotech Security Corp. (the "Company") (NTS.V) is pleased to announce that the Company has successfully completed its first large scale test-run using its nanotechnology-based optical security feature, NOtES. An independent third party was contracted to conduct a production test-run embossing images onto a 300 metre (1000 ft) PET transparent plastic film. The third party is a multi-billion dollar world leader in optical products. The approximately 27cm (10.5 in) wide film was run on a continuous roll-to-roll basis over the entire length and comprises 8 columns of optical images arrayed in rows with some images being continuous, and others which are separated by .5 cm spacing. Over every 27 sq. centimeters there are some 23 separate and clearly visible nanotechnology- based optical images embossed onto the plastic substrate. Of the 8 columns, 2 columns were single continuous images over the full 300 metre length demonstrating common pre-requisites for potential bank note applications.

The production run shows that the Company's origination process and master shims used by the third parties embossing equipment were able to transfer separate and continuous images accurately onto the film over a commercial scale run. The technology proved to be extremely robust in the high-volume, high-speed setting - with the last ten metres performing as strongly as the first ten metres. Images of this film which represents a revolutionary optical-tagging system will be available in the near future on the Company's website at http://www.nanosecurity.ca/press_imagesvideos.php.

Doug Blakeway commented, "We are very pleased by the results of this test which demonstrated the technical feasibility of using the Company's patent-pending, highly advanced nano-hole optical technology in a large scale commercial application. The plastic film test-run was imprinted with over 150,000 separate and easily visible iridescent optical images which, once the production run was set up, were produced in a matter of minutes. This technical proof-of-concept is a major breakthrough for the Company's scientific team and we look forward to sharing our developments with the many potential users who are keenly following our progress."

About Nanotech Security Corp.:

With a nearly 30 year history in security applications for law enforcement, Nanotech Security Corp. licensed nanotechnology which originated at Simon Fraser University in order to try to develop products to sell into the authentication and anti-counterfeiting market. The technology uses patented algorithms with electron and ion beam technology to fabricate hundreds of millions of nano-holes into a wide variety of materials. These nano-holes can be arrayed into unique patterns which employ the surface plasmonic physics of light waves to collect and reflect concentrated light in readily visible images somewhat similar to holograms but with certain superior technical and commercial aspects. The technology allows images which are visible to the naked eye as well as so-called covert features which are readable only by machine. The company is working to enhance security for banknotes but other potential commercial applications include authenticating legal documents, designer merchandise, concert tickets, tax-paid stamps, medical & credit cards, government documents, passports, and pharmaceuticals. More information on the company can be found at http://www.nanosecurity.ca.

This news release contains forward looking information or statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, the risk that commercial products using the nano-technology will never be successfully developed, the need for unknown amounts of additional capital that will dilute shareholders if it is available at all (for which there can be no certainty). Investors are cautioned that any such forward looking statements are not guarantees for future performance and the actual results or developments may differ materially from those suggested in such statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings that are available at http://www.sedar.com.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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Nanotech Achieves 1st Roll-to-Roll Commercial Scale Production Run

Scientists at Princeton University say they have used nanotechnology to make tests to detect diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer's disease, 3 million times more sensitive.

That means what researchers are calling a breakthrough in nanotechnology and medicine could enable doctors to detect these illnesses at much earlier stages, when they are more treatable.

"This advance opens many new and exciting opportunities ... in disease early detection and treatment," said Stephen Chou, a Princeton engineering professor, who led the research team. "You can have very early detection with our approach."

Princeton researchers used nanotechnology to improve a biological test called an immunoassay, which measures the concentration of a substance in a body fluid sample, and is used to find markers for cancers and Alzheimer's, in patients. The test produces a fluorescent glow when the disease is detected. The stronger the presence of the disease, the brighter the test glows.

However, if only faint, early-stage, traces of the disease are present, the glow can't be detected and the disease could be missed.

The Princeton researchers used nanotechnology to amplify the fluorescence, which gave them a 3-million-fold improvement in detection. It means the test now can detect disease with 3 million times fewer disease biomarkers present.

The earlier a cancer can be detected, the sooner treatment can begin, and the better chance a patient has of survival.

The key to the breakthrough, according to Princeton's researchers, lies in a new nanomaterial they call D2PA. The nanomaterial, which was developed in Chou's lab, consists of a thin layer of gold nanostructures surrounded by glass pillars that are 60 nanometers in diameter. About 1,000 of the pillars can be laid side-by-side and still only be as wide as a human hair.

Each pillar, spaced 200 nanometers apart, is capped with a gold disk. Each pillar also is speckled with even smaller gold dots. The pillars boost the collection and transmission of light by a billion-fold, Princeton said.

The university noted that Chou is focused on using the new technology to detect early-stage breast and prostate cancers. He also is working with researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York to develop tests to detect proteins associated with early stage Alzheimer's disease.

Originally posted here:
Researchers Use Nanotech to Make Cancer 3 Million Times More Detectable

A common type of lab test used in research and medicine can be made three million times more sensitive, raising hopes that certain cancers and Alzheimer's disease can be detected earlier.

That is the conclusion of new research by Princeton University engineers, published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, which describes an improved lab test that uses nanotechnology.

The test is called a fluorescent immunoassay, a laboratory staple for decades. It relies on antibodies that bind with specific proteins or biomarkers in a sample of fluid, such as blood or urine. The antibodies are "labeled" in such a way that they emit a fluorescent glow indicating that the target protein is present.

The Princeton researchers used an array of nano-antennas to amplify this type of fluorescence so that targeted proteins, such as those that may herald the presence of certain cancers, could be detected at much lower levels.

The antenna arrays consist of glass pillars measuring just 60 billionths of a meter in height, each capped with a tiny gold disk. The pillars also have smaller gold dots on their sides.

The system acts somewhat like the wooden body of a violin, which transmits the vibrations of the strings to the surrounding air, said senior author Stephen Y. Chou, a professor of electrical engineering at Princeton. "Without the body, you'd struggle to hear the sound," he said.

Chou and his colleagues evaluated their technology on fluid containing a standard lab protein called human immunoglobin G ordinarily detectable at a concentration of about one-billionth of a mole (a basic unit in chemistry) per liter. The team detected the protein at a concentration three million times lower.

The test could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, which researchers try to detect by taking samples of cerebrospinal fluid, a relatively invasive procedure. Chou's technology, which detects much smaller concentrations in blood, "would be much easier and faster to use," said Yueming Li, a researcher at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center who advised Chou on the research.

The group is conducting further research to detect biomarkers for specific diseases, such as breast and prostate cancers.

Tom Avril

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Nanotechnology may aid diagnosis

When we hear the word nanotechnology we tend to envision tiny armies of robots or sci-fi movies, but this science that works with materials at the nano-scale level, encompasses a wide range of every day applications, all meant to create materials that offer new solutions to make your life better.

One area where nanotech is providing money saving and sustainable benefits is in products for the home. Here are a few technologies currently available:

1. Nansulate Home Protect - Clear liquid insulation. This patented technology, in existence since 2004, has been used on international airports and Naval bases. It offers a paint-on solution to increasing insulation and energy efficiency in an environmentally friendly nanocoating that inhibits heat transfer. Customers report saving between 20%-40% on energy costs. Pricing: 50 cents per S.F. at recommended 3-coat coverage. www. nansulate.com/homeprotect.htm

2. Nano-Tex - High performance fabrics. This innovation in fabric technology has been available since 1998, and is used in multiple consumer items such as workout clothes that keep you dryer, stain repellent furniture fabrics, and sheet sets that keep you cool and comfortable. The innovations include moisture control, odor control, stain resistance, and wrinkle resistance. Pricing varies according to product. http://www.nano-tex.com.

3. NanoGuard - Behr paint technology. Announced in 2007, this technology is used to provide multiple qualities to both exterior and interior paints. The Premium Plus Ultra uses an interlocking molecular structure to offer a denser, more durable paint film. When dry, the paint forms a protective shell that resists damage from sunlight, moisture, stains and dirt. Pricing: approximately 15 cents per S.F. if doing 1-coat. http://www.behr.com.

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Nanotechnology Products to Make Your Life Better

Consolidates Standing as the Second Most Influential Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Journal Globally

In addition, the journal ranked #4 out of 231 journals in Materials Science (Multidisciplinary), and #5 out of 152 journals in Chemistry (Multidisciplinary), consolidating its position as a leading journal that serves a broad readership. Nano Today is also the only Asia-based journal among the top 5 journals in each list.

We are both excited and happy about the new impact factor of Nano Today. I would like to thank the readers, authors, referees, editorial advisory board, as well as our Managing Editor, Noreena AbuBakar, for all their contributions and support.Nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing field that holds great potential to benefit society through the creation of new materials or devices. The journal will continue to publish the latest and most exciting developments in this multidisciplinary field, shared Professor Jackie Y. Ying, Editor-in-Chief of Nano Today, who is also the Executive Director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore, the worlds first bioengineering and nanotechnology research institute.

The Journal Citation Reports are the recognized authority for evaluating journals, presenting quantitative data that supports a systematic and objective review of the worlds leading journals, as well as measures their impact and influence in the global research community.

Nano Today is an international, peer-reviewed journal for researchers with interests across the whole spectrum of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Through review articles, rapid communications, news and opinions, it features the latest breakthroughs in nanoscience, and the impacts of nanotechnology on biomedical, electronic, chemical and energy applications.

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:: 05, Jul 2012 :: NANO TODAY LEAPS IN IMPACT FACTOR RANKING

Technology News

July 03, 2012 // Peter Clarke

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have come up with a device structure that allows a switch back to vacuum, in contrast to the solid-state, as the medium for electron transport in transistors.

The team is proposing a MOS vertical structure with a triple layer of metal/silicon dioxide/silicon exposed on the side by a deep trench. The metal and silicon layers form the anode and cathode of the device, separated by the insulating silicon dioxide, and the electron transport occurs in the vertical direction through the vacuum.

The work is discussed in a research paper entitled Metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor with a vacuum channel, published in Nature Nanotechnology July 1.

The work represents a return to the roots of electronics. The solid-state transistor was invented in 1947 as a replacement for the bulky, unreliable vacuum tube. Vacuum tube style electronics in miniature made using solid-state semiconductor manufacturing techniques have been tried before, but the concept has struggled to overcome requirements for high voltage and issue of compatibility with the incumbent solid-state CMOS technology.

A team under Hong Koo Kim, principal investigator on the project and a Professor in the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, has redesigned the structure of the vacuum electronic device. With the assistance of PhD candidate Siwapon Srisonphan and postdoctoral fellow Yun Suk Jung Kim and his team discovered that electrons trapped inside a semiconductor at the interface with an oxide or metal layer can be easily extracted out into the air. The electrons at the material interface form a sheet of charges, a two-dimensional electron gas and Kim found that the Coulombic repulsion of the electrons for each other enables the easy emission of electrons out of the silicon.

This allows the creation of a low-voltage device in which the electrons travel ballistically in air in a nanometer-scale channel without any collisions or scattering.

The channel length is of the order of 20-nm and the team measured a transconductance of 20-nS per micron and an on/off ratio of 500 and turn-on gate voltage of 0.5-V under ambient conditions, according to the paper's abstract.

"The emission of this electron system into vacuum channels could enable a new class of low-power, high-speed transistors, and it's also compatible with current silicon electronics, complementing those electronics by adding new functions that are faster and more energy efficient due to the low voltage," said Professor Kim, in a statement.

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Nanotechnology switches back to vacuum transistors at low voltage

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Sri Lanka will be positioned as a leading destination for Nanotechnology research and development contributing significantly to national economic development with the completion of Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC),Chairman SLINTEC Mahesh Amalean said.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of the Nanotechnology Centre of Excellence(NCE) at Homagama yesterday Amalean said the investment for the initial stage of the project is Rs 830 million.

Chairman SLINTEC, Mahesh Amalean, Minister of Technology and Research, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Tissa Vitarana at the ground breaking event.

He said this is a unique project in a land allocated by the government and funded through public private partnership where Brandix, Hayleys, Load Star, MAS, Dialogue and Virtusa join hands with the Ministry of Technology and Research. The nanotechnology park will enable companies to invest and develop their research centres incubation facilities and pilot plants in an environment of an advanced technology park.

The project will develop a 50 acre land with a state of the art NCE in Pitipana, Homagama in a phased manner through pragmatic investments by all interested parties. It aims to attract research and development institutes, multinational companies, small and medium enterprises and education institutes to take advantage of the research ,development and innovation that will flourish in the enterprising ecosystem created at this advanced technology park. It will have a series of high tech labs with the latest equipment operated and managed by highly skilled scientists. The project will focus on R and D ,incubation for taking research into commercialization and provide facilities for corporate research and business development. Leading experts from around the globe will have tenures at the NCE and they will be available for consultation to continue with boundaries of innovation, he said.

The second phase of the park will focus on expansion of research and business development for both the public and private sector in Sri Lanka and potential foreign direct investment from multi national corporations as well as SMEs through attractive incentives, terms and conditions.

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Lanka to lead Nanotechnology research and development

Spending on life sciences and nanotechnology will lead to sustained industry growth

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The need to overcome long sales cycles and the saturation of the light microscope segment represent some of the key industry challenges today within the global microscope market. Leaders in this market are overcoming this challenge by offering software-defined architectures with better statistical analysis performance capabilities that acquire a higher quality of data. Software applications are giving end-users different ways to improve complexity in sample data analysis.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.measurement.frost.com( http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/svcg.pag/AESI )), Analysis of the Microscopes Market, finds that the global microscope markets earned revenues of $3.18 billion in 2011 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0 percent during the forecasted period between 2012 and 2018.

If you are interested in more information on this research, please send an email to Jeannette Garcia, Corporate Communications, at jeannette.garcia@frost.com( mailto:jeannette.garcia@frost.com ), with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

Although the growth of the market is focused on advanced research microscopes and complex digital imaging systems, there is a large and saturated market for light microscopes with high longevity to serve traditional applications and educational use. The light microscopes longevity and saturation thus restrains growth of the market.

"The market has reached a highly saturated growth phase," said Senior Research Analyst Mariano Kimbara. "There is minimal capacity for alternative techniques in this segment within the long-term."

Nevertheless, microscope manufacturers are constantly driven to increase the performance capabilities of their products, acquire data and add new features for image processing to meet demands in emerging applications such as nanotechnology.

"A main driving factor driving demand for microscopes is the development of nanotechnology and increasing spending in life sciences," said Kimbara. "There has been a significant rise in funds allocated for characterization and synthesis of nanomaterials research."

For example, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of nanolithography. These include the analysis of nanometer structures in a wide range of dimensions related to dip pen nanolithography, electron beam direct or ultraviolet lithography, thereby creating significant demand for microscopes.

Analysis of the Microscopes Market is part of the Measurement & Instrumentation Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: General Purpose Test & Equipment and Modular Instruments for Test & Measurement. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Original post:
Frost & Sullivan: Technological Developments Offer Growth Opportunities for Microscope Market, Despite Saturation in ...

UNLV Photo

Seventeen Clark County high school students attended a hands-on, four-day nanotechnology camp at UNLV. Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Its cutting-edge applications can be seen in everything from computers to machinery to building materials to medicines tofood.

By Lauren Ruvo (contact)

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 | 2 a.m.

Camp last week for a small group of Clark County high school students didnt include swimming, hiking or any of the usual recreation activities associated with summer.

But then, these students werent attending a traditional summer camp.

Instead, they were participating in a nanotechnology camp at UNLV. Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Its cutting-edge applications can be seen in everything from computers to machinery, building materials to medicines and food.

The camp attracted 17 students, who attended lectures on various topics related to nanotechnology. Hui Zhao, a UNLV assistant professor of mechanical engineering, said enrollment in the camp was kept relatively low by design to allow the students to take a more hands-on approach. Once the opening day of lectures was finished, camp sessions were devoted to applying the lecture material in a laboratory setting.

Among other projects, campers made nano solar cells that generated electricity, Zhoa said.

UNLV sponsored the camp as part of a grant it received to broaden interests of high school students so that they are more likely to pursue the study of science and engineering in college.

See the article here:
UNLV nanotechnology camp aims to cultivate next generation of engineers

NAPLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets:INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology based energy saving and sustainable solutions announced today that the Company has launched a new product in their industrial line, Nansulate(R) Diamond. The product is a fast-cure high heat industrial insulation and corrosion prevention coating that provides energy savings and personnel protection for equipment surfaces up to 400F.

Nansulate Diamond makes an excellent addition to our nanotechnology based industrial coating line, stated Francesca Crolley, VP of Business Development for Industrial Nanotech, Inc. The product offers the same excellent combination of benefits: thermal insulation, energy savings, corrosion prevention, and resistance to moisture and weathering and offers a faster curing time and non-slip surface. This coating has been in successful trials on industrial equipment with a major international automotive manufacturer and has produced excellent results. This product fits in well with our other industrial coatings, which have been providing energy savings for our commercial and industrial clients since 2004, and offers additional options for faster curing and a textured, opaque surface. Nansulate(R) Diamond will give us the opportunity to provide solutions for more industrial applications, such as those requiring a faster cure, and give our customers the excellent energy savings and short 6-18 month payback period that they have come to expect from Industrial Nanotech products. We are taking pre-orders now, and the product will be launched and available in July.

About Nansulate(R)

Nansulate(R) is the Company's patented product line of award winning, specialty coatings containing a nanotechnology based material and which are well-documented to provide the combined performance qualities of thermal insulation, corrosion prevention, resistance to mold growth, fire resistance, chemical resistance and lead encapsulation in an environmentally safe, water-based, coating formulation. The Nansulate(R) Product Line includes industrial, residential, agricultural and solar thermal insulation coatings. Additional information about the Company and its products can be found at their websites, (www.inanotk.com) and (www.nansulate.com). Blog: http://www.nansulate.com/nanoblog, Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NanoPioneer, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nansulate.

About Industrial Nanotech Inc.

Industrial Nanotech Inc. is a global nanoscience solutions and research leader and member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The Company develops and commercializes new and innovative applications for sustainable nanotechnology which are sold worldwide.

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic and business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

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Industrial Nanotech Launches New Nanotechnology Based Industrial Insulation and Protective Coating: Nansulate(R) Diamond

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z6snfm/smart_textiles_and) has announced the addition of the "Smart Textiles & Nanotechnologies: Applications, Technologies & Markets" report to their offering.

Textiles are getting smarter, and much of this is being enabled by nanotechnology. Smart Textiles and Nanotechnologies: Applications Technologies and Markets provides the most in depth look to date at the impact of nanotechnology on the global textile industry.

Detailed market figures are given from 2012-2022, along with an analysis of the key opportunities, illustrated with 98 figures and 30 tables.

With over a billion Bluetooth enabled devices on the market, ranging from smartphones to set top boxes, and new technologies such as energy scavenging or piezoelectric energy generation being made possible by the use of nanotechnologies , there are opportunities for the textile industry in new markets ranging from consumer electronics to medical diagnostics.

Market Scope:

This report provides an in-depth presentation of recent developments in nanotechnology in textiles and provides market opportunities to 2022. The market is segmented by:

- Clothing & Apparel

- Home Textiles

- Military Textiles

Original post:
Research and Markets: Smart Textiles & Nanotechnologies: Applications, Technologies & Markets Report Provides Market ...

Mary Godleski / AP

By Emily Main Rodale.com

Chemicals, minerals, and other materials 40,000 times smaller than a human hair are being added to an astonishingly high number of consumer products, from peanut butter to socks to sunscreen. And in an unusual departure from its usual innocent-until-proven-guilty approach in regulating consumer goods, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new statement saying that such tiny technology needs more safety testing before it's used in consumer goods.

Related:The 20th Anniversary Of FDA's Biggest Mistake

At issue here is nanotechnology, the science of constructing materials so small they're invisible to most microscopes. In addition to making things like iPhones and solar panels possible, nanotechnology has been used in sunscreens, where nano-size particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide prevent white residues, and in food packaging, in which materials like nanoparticles of silver prevent food spoilage.

Although the technology has been in widespread use for the past decade, scientists still have very little to go on with regard to whether products that contain nanoparticles are safe. Some studies have shown that nanoparticles in cosmetics or personal care products can be absorbed by the skin and make it into your brain, causing oxidative stress (essentially, rotting of your brain cells) while others have found that ingested nanoparticles can damage the colon. Because it damages aquatic organisms and can build up in fish and other species, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates nano-silver, used in a large number of products claiming to be antibacterial, as a pesticide. The nonprofit Friends of the Earth has also warned that overuse of nanosilver can lead to antibacterial resistance and the rise of superbugs, such as MRSA.

Now, at least, the FDA has said that companies who use nanoparticles in food packaging, food additives, or other food-contact applications have to prove the technology is safe before unleashing this tiny technology on the public. Rather than falling under the category of "generally recognized as safe," as nearly all food additives do, nanoparticles will have to undergo additional safety testing, and companies will have to show documented safety records.

Related: The Supermarket Food Label You Need To Fight For

Unfortunately, the same will not hold true for cosmetics. The agency has said that cosmetics containing nanoparticles--sunscreens, lipsticks, lotions, and the like--will be regulated as all cosmetics are, which, in FDA parlance, essentially means not at all.

Even more unfortunately, the same law that allows cosmetic companies to sell untested products also allows companies to be vague on ingredient labels. Any material used in a lotion or lipstick, for instance, can be nanosize without the company informing you of that.

Continued here:
FDA urges testing of nanotechnology in food, sunscreen

Asst. Copy Editor

One day, energy provided by batteries and electricity may be replaced by the replication of one of natures bright and luminous wonders: the glow produced by fireflies.

Syracuse University scientists recently replicated the light fireflies provide by using nanotechnology. The research team, led by Matthew Maye, assistant professor of chemistry, discovered that products with multicolor string of light could function with the energy created by fireflies, according to an article published by i09.com.

Nanotechnology uses semiconductive nanomaterials, also known as quantum dots, Maye said in an email. The quantum dots accepted the energy or light from the fireflies. Maye said this light was then emitted from the dots, allowing the color to change. This process is called Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer.

The main impact of this discovery is that now researchers in the field of nanoscience have some design parameters for efficient interactions between bioluminescent biomaterials, Maye said.

The idea for the project originated from a firefly experts presentation, which Maye attended. The presenter and Maye began collaborating on the project about a year and a half ago.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research through the Department of Defense funded the project, Maye said. He indicated that a project of this kind is expensive but did not specify how much the team received in funding.

SU graduate students and undergraduates majoring in chemistry and biochemistry made up a large portion of the research team, Maye said. He credited doctorate candidate Rabeka Alam for the projects success.

She is one of the top students at SU and has an amazing future ahead of her, Maye said.

Throughout the course of a year, there were many highs and lows, Alam said in an email. In the beginning, she said, the researchers were not getting any type of result no matter how hard they tried, but this eventually changed.

See the article here:
Using nanotechnology, SU scientists replicate light produced by fireflies

Read moreabout the platinum group metals marketsin Johnson Matthey's bi-annual reviews click here.

UK nanotechnology firm wins 'significant' investment.

Platinum nano-electrodes could be manufactured on a commercial scale using a new development method which has secured a significant investment from The North West Fund for Venture Capital.

Nanoflex, which was set up by Dr Neville Freeman and Dr Amy Farrington, won a portion of funding from the 185 million fund, which is managed by EV and financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank.

It is thought their breakthrough could have a major impact in fields ranging from medical diagnostics and environmental testing to energy storage.

Nanoflex makes the Caviar 303DPt 50nm Platinum Electrode, which delivers current densities that are typically three orders of magnitude greater than those observed for conventional electrodes.

The pair, both experts in electrochemistry, set up their company at Daresbury Science and Innovation Park in 2008. They have since been working with Edinburgh University to develop their ideas using their own funds.

The new investment will help them to explore different uses and acceleratethe global sales process.

"Nano-electrodes have been manufactured within laboratories for some time and people are excited about the benefits they can offer. However until now no one has found a way to reproduce them on a commercial scale," said Dr Freeman.

"Electrodes are the basis for many of the technologies we use in everyday life. For example, in the medical field, they are used in sensors for diabetic tests and other diagnostics which millions of patients use to monitor their own conditions. Nano-electrodes offer greater sensitivity and could therefore result in better tests and the creation of new ones that have not been possible so far."

Read more:
UK nanotechnology firm wins 'significant' investment 21st June 2012

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8fdtv9/nanotechnology_mar) has announced the addition of the "Nanotechnology Market in India 2012" report to their offering.

Nanotechnology refers the applied part of nano science including the engineering to control, manipulate and structure the matter at an unimaginably small scale. Nanotechnology is still in a developing phase in India. With growing awareness and large amount of research and development dedicated towards Nanotechnology, the future seems bright for the same in the country. Possibilities with Nanotechnology applications are unlimited. Modification or alteration at the molecular level of an object can lead not only to superior quality, strength, and mobility but also invention of newer elements which could not be created earlier.

The report begins with Introduction' section covering overview of Nanotechnology which provides basic idea of the technology and brief details regarding the progress or advancement of the technology. The section also contains Nanotechnology value chain.

The Nanotechnology Overview' section elaborates global & domestic market state of Nanotechnology. It is accompanied by a plethora of qualitative and statistical information regarding the state of nanotech in major continents and countries including India, such as funding, specific focus areas and other related information. Also major Indian companies already utilizing Nanotech has been mentioned in the section along with major ongoing Nanotechnology research subjects. A lot of time and money is being invested to understand the basic and synthesized properties of various Nanomaterials for proper utilization in various fields and areas in the industries.

It is followed by Drivers & Challenges' section elaborating the major furtherance & impediments for Nanotechnology sector in India market in India. Both the drivers' and 'challenges' are equally stressed upon to provide clear idea regarding the probable obstacles and rewards in the line of business and help vendors take necessary measures. High costs of Nanomaterials followed by dearth of skilled manpower are the major challenges Nanotechnology sector faces in India. With the large number of investment coming in and academic courses being offered specific to Nanotech, the challenges can be overcome.

Companies Mentioned

- MP3S Nanotechnology

- Nanobio Chemicals India

- Reinste Nano Ventures

Link:
Research and Markets: Government Initiative and High R&D Activities Drive the Nanotechnology Market in India

Encouraging students to study nanotechnology can be intimidating.

So, Danville Community College is devoting certain classes to get teachers accustomed to the new field of study at the high school level.

The NanoTEACHworkshops are open to all K-12 teachers as well as college instructors. The sessions will familiarize educators with the basics of nanotechnology and then help participants develop lesson plans that can be taken back for immediate use in theK-12 classroom, according to the classs description.

Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter at a subatomic and molecular level and applying it to science and technology. It is being used in new ways in all kinds of business, health care and technological developments, according to nanotechnology workshop coordinator Mandy Stowe.

Stowe said the study is being used for all types of things like developing new chemicals for plants and pesticides, new ideas for environmental cleanups like oil spills and different types of cancer drugs that can specifically target tumors.

DCC already offers an associates degree in applied science with nanotechnology as well.

DCC is doing nanotechnology so students will get involved in it at an early age, said Stowe. So a lot of businesses will look at Danville because of this DCC program.

Some of the businesses are already here. Luna Innovations specifically their division Luna Nanoworks is in Danville working on pharmaceuticals with this technology. High-tech company IRflex Corp. is in Pittsylvania County.

DCC has been working to train local locals with the right skills for the jobs that may come to the area. Stowe said she hopes by getting high school teachers in the NanoTEACH workshops, they can familiarize high school students with nanotechnology, so it isnt so intimidating when they arrive in college.

Beverly Clark III, who has a doctorate in physics, serves as the head of the nanotechnology program at DCC. He believes this area can be known for having science technicians through programs like this. The school is also trying to partner with local businesses to create new courses to help improve the training of their employees. And several online courses are in development.

View original post here:
DCC gets teachers friendly with nanotechnology

(Phys.org) -- Luke Hanley is a big believer in harnessing solar energy to produce electricity. Doing it more efficiently is his goal.

"If you could make solar cells cheaper and more efficient, then you could think about putting them on a much wider variety of surfaces," said Hanley, professor and head of chemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

"There's only a certain amount of energy that falls from the sun per square meter. You can't increase that amount of energy, but you can make it less expensive to capture it," he said.

Hanley received a $390,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to test methods of coating solar panel films using nanoparticles from a chemical group called metal chalcogenides. The inexpensive films could be wrapped over everything from vehicles to buildings to gain maximum sunshine exposure and produce electricity.

Chalcogenides are fairly abundant, relatively cheap, and don't contain toxic elements like cadmium or tellurium, which are often used in solar cells.

"Using less expensive, less toxic materials -- and using processes where you could coat inexpensively and not use much of the material -- could make these solar cells more viable," Hanley said.

Working with Igor Bolotin, research assistant professor of chemistry, and graduate students Mike Majeski and Doug Pleticha, Hanley developed a method for depositing metal chalcogenide nanoparticles by cluster beam deposition. The process uses a magnetically confined electrical discharge of argon gas ions to knock metal atoms into the gas phase and react with hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen selenide. The metal-sulfide or metal-selenide then condenses into nano-sized clusters that land on a surface to produce the film.

"If you can do everything from the gaseous deposition stage, you might make the process less expensive, Hanley said. You also may make a novel material that has a better efficiency."

Hanley and his coworkers will evaluate the electrical properties of these new films and study how they respond to light. He thinks that using different chemicals for nanoparticle-embedded solar films could create new products some two to three times more efficient than products now on the market, making solar energy more competitive.

But Hanley noted there are other factors to consider besides price.

Continued here:
Chemist explores nanotechnology in search of cheaper solar cells

Local officials hope to hear within the next two months whether they will be allowed to make key moves to ready a site being marketed to nanotechnology firms.

A major stumbling block has existed with plans to attract a nanochip fabrication plant to land at SUNYIT: A standoff with the federal Army Corps of Engineers.

Local officials want to make the site as ready as possible for a potential buyer and the many jobs that could be brought to the site.

But the Army Corps doesnt want the sites wetlands to be touched until a buyer is found.

Developers want a site that is shovel and permit ready, said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. Thats a big piece that holds us up.

In December, Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that the Army Corps reconsider their policy.

Now, a separate branch of the federal agency is reviewing the situation. Mohawk Valley EDGE officials said they expect an answer within the next 30 to 60 days.

In September, Cuomo announced $4.4 billion in private investment in nanotechnology initiatives in New York state. That was in addition to the 2009 announcement that $45 million in state funds would be spent at SUNYIT to create a state of the art nanotechnology research and development compound.

The nanotechnology industry may be shifting to the use of differently sized chips and will need plants to fabricate those, EDGE President Steven DiMeo said.

With the industry shift to 450 mm technology, there are growing opportunities for new plants to be sited, and we are positioning Marcy Nanocenter at SUNYIT as that site, he said. Our goal is to reduce time to market for the next fab by performing some of the initial site preparation activities.

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Officials wait for decision on need for permit for nano site