News in a NanoSecond

R&D funding battles begin (EE Times) U.S. engineers and their allies descend on the nation's capital this week to lobby for 'balanced' federal funding for research and development. The two-day lobbying effort that begins Wednesday (March 3) comes against a backdrop of record unemployment among U.S. engineers. ... The Bush administration's fiscal 2005 budget request proposes spending $132 billion next year for basic research. High-profile efforts such as nanotechnology development would receive big increases that would drive annual spending on the technology to $1 billion in 2005. More Nanotube Mix Makes Liquid Crystal (Technology Review) Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England have found that carbon nanotubes can be mixed with a solvent to form a liquid crystal. More Melding of nano, bio, info and cogno opens new legal horizons (Small Times) Is society ready for NBIC? As nano, bio, info and cognitive technology converge, proponents of NBIC (the somewhat clunky acronym for this multitech intersection), are calling for the legal, ethical and regulatory implications to be considered from the beginning. The architect of the National Nanotechnology Initiative says "society needs to be prepared for the major changes to come." More Coating process could revolutionise food packaging (Food Production Daily) Playing by Postmodern Rules (Gateway To Russia) Major breakthrough for cell research (San Mateo County Times) Patent License Agreement Concluded between Sumitomo & NEC Relating to Carbon Nanotube (Japan Corporate News Network) "Blog" as a transitive verb: improper usage? (alt.usage.english) CIA invests in start-ups. The payoff? Technology (USA TODAY) Discuss Advertisement Government Funding Sources for Technology Entrepreneurs with CDROM

Nano knowledge going south? Blame Canada!

Canada's brilliant nanoscientists can grow brains on a microchip, but when it comes to making money, the brains all drain south. Neil Gordon, who heads the Canadian NanoBusiness Alliance, can't seem to capture his government's attention span long enough to do something about it -- unlike his counterparts in slightly warming climes.

I talked to Gordon for an unrelated story a couple of days ago, but it reminded me to go through my notes from a previous interview with him on questions of Canada's nano brain drain. Here's an excerpt:

Me: "I don't want to insult you as a Canadian, and I'm half Canadian, myself …

Gordon: "Everyone insults the Cana …"

Me: "My mother was born and raised in Toronto."

Gordon: "In Toronto, OK. I don't know her, though. They assume we all know each other."

Me: The way you're describing the way the system works in Canada is similar to what I hear in reference to developing countries and countries of the former Soviet Union – that there are all these brilliant scientists, but no way to use their knowhow to found companies in their own countries, so a lot of them go overseas. Maybe the analogy stops there, because obviously Canada is not a developing country, but it has a similar problem. After all these brilliant scientists and businesspeople graduate from these great universities, and are interested in nanotechnology, where do they go? Am I reflecting what you said?

Gordon: There is a spirit of entrepreneurship in Canada, and we do have a proportional amount of nanotech companies. Problem is, many of them are facing a lot of severe financial problems. So, number one, there aren't a lot of precomercialization funding available in Canada, that's so critical for nanotech and Small Tech, like the NNI, DARPA, ATP, SBIRs, so if these precommercialization programs don't exist that will get the company two years of cashflow until they actually get the VC funding available, it's not helpful.

Me: "That's interesting. That goes against what you think about when you think about Canada, that the government takes care of everything, but maybe that's more on the individual social welfare part of it and not corporate welfare as we call it here."

Gordon: Well, call it corporate welfare, but governments have a vested interest in investing in strategic technologies. The Canadian government has invested in the mining industry and created a lot of tax laws for getting companies to set up and go explore the north for oil and other natural resources. They're not doing that with nanotech and small tech and unless they do to even the playing field, all of the knowhow and innovation is going to go to the governments, countries that make the investments."

Me: "So, I’m assuming that one of the reasons for founding the Canadian NanoBusiness Alliance was to try to address that problem."

Gordon: Well, lobbying the Canadian government for an NNI. That's mission number one.

Me: Is that what you've been actively doing for the last year, two years?"

Gordon: Yeah

Me: Sounds like you've come away from the experience a little frustrated?

Gordon: Well, you see, just because you have something to say, there has to be someone to listen. So, we had a prime minister who has retired about a week ago [Blogger's note: This interview took place in December] and he had an innovation strategy, which is one of the legacies he wanted to leave for the country, and part of the innovation strategy would be to take a lot of money and double the amount of R&D being done in Canada that the government would spend on. So, there were 36 industries that were targeted for investments in innovation, of which nano fit in about two-thirds of them, nano and small tech. However, that project kind of fizzled out."

Me: Why?

(Gordon's tone is almost a deadpan now)

Gordon: Why? Well, I guess his political will ran out of steam and this was one of the things that he needed more time to influence.

News in a NanoSecond

• UK science gets 10-year plan (The Scientist)
  Britain's finance minister Gordon Brown met with high-level scientists on Tuesday morning (March 2) to give some substance to his promise to increase funding for basic science and engineering. More
• Commercializing Nanotechnology (Motley Fool)
  In part two of this Motley Fool special report, Carl Wherrett and John Yelovich, two longtime contributors to our nanotechnology discussion forum, survey the companies that are beginning to commercialize the science of nanotechology. More
• The Small Print: Book publishers are following the nano buzz (Small Times)
  The day after HP's "n is for nanotechnology" commercial ran during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in September 2003, Fred Filler's phone started ringing. The marketing manager with book publisher Wiley & Sons had long been telling colleagues that nanotechnology was a subject they'd be hearing more about. Today, Wiley is one of several publishers with a growing focus on small tech titles. More
• Indian Americans Shining in Nanotechnology (IndoLink)
• Industry Heavyweights Line Up to Advise California NanoSystems Institute (UCLA Press Release)
• Catalytic nano-activity points to a new application for platinum (Platinum Today)
• A Scientific Seal (New York Times)
• Corante's Zack Lynch is blogging NBIC 2004. Check it out here!

Discuss

China, garment workers and nanotechnology

Asian Labor News asked this question regarding China, garments and nanotechnology: China has earned a reputation in some quarters as the world's sweatshop, particularly for conditions in its garment sector. Images of cramped factories with hundreds or thousands of workers toiling for long hours and low pay to produce cheap garments spring to mind, which is not necessarily wrong. Many garment workers do in fact work in poor and sometimes dangerous conditions. But it's not the only way garments are made in China, as this story on a Hong Kong company with manufacturing facilities in Guangdong using nanotechnology suggests. Working conditions? It's not clear, but I'd be interested to know more. I can provide a little more insight based on information I received from a journalist working in China who has spoken to officials at U-Right International, the nanotech company cited in the report. Company officials said the biggest problem the firm has is worker loyalty, so they have to make sure that trained technicians don't leave and tell "nanotech secrets" to other companies. To improve "worker loyalty," they've built a "campuslike" community. My colleague says there are quite a few garment makers (nano or not), in China that are doing the same thing. My colleague has to continue to work in China, so I'll let you draw your own conclusions. Discuss Advertisement Women Migrant Workers in China's Economic Reform

Abstract Cart

Introduction to nanotechnology and its applications to medicine Silva GA Surg Neurol. 2004 Mar ; 61(3): 216-20 Applications to medicine and physiology imply materials and devices designed to interact with the body at subcellular (i.e., molecular) scales with a high degree of specificity. This can potentially translate into targeted cellular and tissue-specific clinical applications designed to achieve maximal therapeutic affects with minimal side effects. In this review the main scientific and technical aspects of nanotechnology are introduced and some of its potential clinical applications are discussed. More Nanotechnology and dialysis Nissenson AR, Ronco C Int J Artif Organs. 2004 Jan ; 27(1): 3-5 New Technologies for Nutrition Research Ross SA, Srinivas PR, Clifford AJ, Lee SC, Philbert MA, Hettich RL J Nutr. 2004 Mar ; 134(3): 681-685 The Experimental Biology 2003 symposium entitled "New Technologies for Nutrition Research" was organized to highlight new and emerging technologies, including nanotechnology and proteomics, and to suggest ways for their integration into nutrition research. Speakers focused on topics that included accelerator mass spectrometry for ultra-low level radiolabel tracing, nanodevices for real-time optical intracellular sensing, mass spectrometric techniques for examining protein expression, as well as potential applications for nanotechnology in the food sciences. These technologies may be particularly useful in obtaining accurate spatial information and low-level detection of essential and nonessential bioactive food components (nutrients) and their metabolites, and in enhancing the understanding of the impact of nutrient/metabolite and biomolecular interactions. More Discuss Advertisements Nanotechnology in Medicine & the Bioscience Plant Nutrition: Food Security and Sustainability of Agro-Ecosystems through Basic and Applied Research Advances in Food and Nutrition Research Principles and Practice of Dialysis

NanoRobots shake (do not stir) the world

Everything or Nothing: Overview: The recent theft of Oxford University's highly classified prototype nano-robot project and the disappearance of its overseer, Dr Katya Nadanova has casued in the global intelligence community. This nanobot project was a humanitarian effort intended to facilitate that remote inspection and repair of hazardous nuclear containment facilities. However in the wrong hands, this technology could be used for entirely more sinister purposes. This is where you come in, Bond. We've already identified the rogue political faction responsible for the theft and tracked them to a secret facility in Egypt’s Sahara Desert. Your mission, 007, is to destroy both the hardware and the facility. The fate of the world may very well rest once again on your success. From UGO: The story is based around the sort-of sci-fi machinery that is nanotechnology. Brilliant scientist Dr. Katya Nadanova (Heidi Klum – Hey, if Denise Richards can play a nuclear scientist in a Bond film, this is no big stretch) is kidnapped, and her nano-work stolen, by the nefarious Nikolai Diavolo (Dafoe) who, natch, wants to use it to achieve world domination. More And this from Wired News: James Bond: Great Game, Bad Movie Kmart.com:: James Bond 007:Everything/Nothing (Nintendo Games) Discuss

News in a NanoSecond

Houston must act on nanotechnology opportunities (Houston Business Journal) Nanotechnology offers Houston the greatest economic development opportunity of our lifetime. Two years ago, Scientific American magazine noted that nanotechnology "could lay the groundwork for a new industrial revolution." Nanotechnology is the only field of science where Texas has a world recognized leadership position. Certainly we have world recognized leaders in science and technology, however this is the only field where Texas as a whole is recognized as a leader worldwide. More One startup, two employees and one really smart membrane (Small Times) William Lee long suspected that nanostructured, intelligent membranes could solve many problems in one broad brush. His startup company aims to prove that theory right. eMembrane Inc. has developed a technology to graft nanoscale filaments onto a polymer surface. Those filaments can then be customized to bind to specific targets as they wash across the surface – much like a hairbrush captures hair in its bristles. More Cracker Barrel Philosophy: Semantic Compositions (DFMoore) That is why I have picked a field that no one actually knows anything about, Nanoscience. That way the masses won't lecture and debate me on it and I will seem smart at dinner parties. Or people will stare at me blankly. Mostly the second one. More Spongebob Nanopants! (The Speculist) The Good, The Bad and the Unfriendly (FutureParadigm.com) You think YOU'RE Nanosaur … Discuss You Click, You Buy Fusion of Biological Membranes and Related Problems Physical Chemistry of Membranes: An Introduction to the Structure and Dynamics of Biological Membranes Spongebob W/Removable Pants Adult Lookin' good pal!

Nanotube Business 101

Another nano news item has me reaching for my notebook today, this one from Intel and Zyvex. Intel is figuring out how to keep computers cool, using carbon nanotube material from Zyvex. Zyvex CEO Tom Cellucci told me about this impending deal a few weeks ago and discussed the business strategy behind peddling a nanotube process rather than the tubes, themselves. Cellucci was the guy who was brought on board about a year ago to transform Zyvex from a science project into an actual business. So, the first thing he did was try to figure out what the unsatisfied needs were. The company placed nanotech into three different "buckets" -- "tools, materials and structures." We looked at materials and we saw a plethora, in fact too many, carbon nanotube production companies and we made a decision very early on – and stuck with it and glad we have – not to get involved in the production of carbon nanotubes. It's already, quite frankly, commoditylike because everyone's trying to sell it. We're interested in the processing of carbon nanotubes to make things like composites and things of this nature, to get closer to the application. That was a good move. And we've produced something called the ZPM, Zyvex Processed Nanotubes, which have done quite well for us." OK. Write that down, nanobusiness students: Spewing tubes won't get you an appointment anymore, but scraping them up and figuring out who needs them and why just might get you a deal with Intel. Discuss You Click, You Buy Science and Application of Nanotubes Science of Fullerenes and Carbon Nanotubes Carbon Nanotubes

A gem at The Emerald

I couldn't figure out why I liked this column from a student journalist at the Oregon Daily Emerald until I recognized the familiar ring: It sounded a lot like me at my college paper back in 1985. Poor kid. Despite the crankiness beyond his years, he just might make it in the news biz. Here's an excerpt from eager young news cadet Travis Willse:

For one, given that most students are just beginning their tenures in the arena of public dialogue, unjustifiable zealotry can usually be chalked up to the impetuousness of youth and novelty. Moreover, I naively suggest that students calling for an end to nanotechnology research because it has potential military applications, or for a stop to animal research because they believe it has no material value, do so largely out of concern for the quality of the world around them. (Professors promulgating irresponsible rhetoric don't have this excuse.) But the road to the hell that is philosophical incoherence is paved with good intentions.

Discuss

Difficult to be dispassionate

A great many people have reacted to my Small Times column from last November, and subsequent NanoBot posts, that used the alleged MMR/autism link to illustrate a larger point about the disconnect between scientists and "consumers" of science. It's an emotional issue, since it involves my child and the children of the parents who have written to me, making it difficult to remain dispassionate. I certainly understand and respect the views of parents who have reached different conclusions than I have. A wide-ranging discussion on the autism/MMR issue can be found here, as well as many other sites. I've been quoting nanoscientist Carlo Montemagno a great deal these days, but let me go back to my interview with him one more time for some words that I find appropriate. He's talking about the nanoparticles/environment issue -- and I realize the analogy does not work on all levels -- but I found the sentiment appropriate, nontheless. Me: How affected are you, if at all, by public perception of nanotechnology – maybe some of the things that you read in the popular press that may be wrong or used to further somebody's agenda? Montemagno It does have an effect on me. It always has an effect on me. I work really hard at trying to educate people and also being honest. People are worried about nanoparticles, in Europe mostly now. Immediately what ends up happening is that people who don't know anything, they speculate that it's deadly. Scientists step back and say, 'Oh, that's not a problem at all.' You know what the answer is? We don't know. It hasn't been studied and we don't know. I think what has to happen is an honest dialogue. Say, 'Look, I don't know the answer. There may be a problem, may not be a problem, we have to study it. We don't know the answers. You going out off the deep end and saying it's a problem without any data is just as wrong as me telling you there is no problem with no data. Discuss You Click, You Buy Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism? Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents & Professionals Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers Eating an Artichoke: A Mother's Perspective on Asperger Syndrome

The Nano Mikado

Libretto for the nano-opera: "Atom and Eve"
By Marc Abrahams


ATOM:
It's elementary.
I know I'm just an atom,
Down in the lowest stratum
Of humblest society.
From what I learned in school
I know I should be bonding.
My parents are desponding
Because I'm not a molecule.
My future seems so, so, so very miniscule.

What if I dream of bigger things?
They will object.
Oh, sorrow!
They say I'm made of tiny strings.
Are they correct?
Oh, sorrow, sorrow!
I feel some larger force
From some enormous source.
I dream of inter--.
Can we connect?
Tomorrow? Tomorrow?
 
Discuss

Cryonics running hot and cold

Future Timeline: Futurist Re-animated Today: "An influential futurist from the 20th century was re-animated today from cryonic suspension at Alcor per his original request. He is still in critical condition, where nanobots have just completed the repair process, restoring his body back to that of a 25 year old. When asked about his plans for the future he said, 'I plan on living each day as if it were my last'." More Meanwhile, back in our "when," Alcor celebrates a victory over the state of Arizona. But how can they stay cool in such a dry heat? Related Posts Nanodays on Ice Unfrozen Cave Men Discuss You click, you buy Cryonics * Ted Williams/Babe Ruth Autographed 20' x 24' Framed Photo - Autographed By Ted WIlliams Timothy Leary'S Last Trip (DVD) Ted Williams Autographed Sports Illustrated Issue (11/25/96) Inside the Dream: The Personal Story of Walt Disney

The (Nano) Apprentice

From USA TODAY "It's crazy," [Donald] Trump says, and that's not an exaggeration. Not that he's shy about exaggeration. In promotional interviews for The Apprentice, he regularly says the contestants have IQs of 200, scores that are so deep into the realm of genius that the contestants would be doing tasks in nanotechnology rather than flea-market and lemonade sales. Discuss You click, you buy What Jesus Would Say : To: Rush Limbaugh, Madonna, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Bart Simpson, Donald Trump, Murphy Brown Mister Satan's Apprentice: A Blues Memoir Star Wars Jedi Apprentice #14: The Ties That Bind