nanotech
Latest
Scientists forge molecular-sized scissors
We've already seen molecular elevators, keypad locks, and even spiders, but a team of scientists at the University of Tokyo have now further expanded our pint-sized toolkit, crafting a pair of molecular scissors for those hard to reach places. Apparently, the scientists used rings of carbon and hydrogen for the blades, with a "chiral ferrocene" molecule supplying the pivot point, and couple of "phenylene groups" acting as handles -- all of which adds up to to a mere three nanometers in length. To manipulate the scissors, the scientists simply alternate between shining visible light and UV rays to open and close 'em. According to LiveScience, the team's now working on a slightly larger pair of clippers that can be operated remotely, potentially for use inside the human body -- which is only a somewhat less scary prospect than a swarm of nanobots being let loose for a little autonomous repair work.
HP's advancements in adaptable circuits could keep Moore's Law alive
Though we're guessing ink-jet cartridges are foremost on its mind, HP's new flexible circuits could make adaptable microchips possible at the consumer level, opening up whole new worlds of computer use and weird new hacker exploitations. Just like everything else new and hip these days, the new chips involve a few "nano" buzzwords, but instead of going for a full-on molecular computer like many current researchers are doing, HP is taking a bit of a hybrid approach. The new HP design uses a traditional silicon-based chip, with a mesh of nanowire switches on top. The nanowires provide flexibility to the chip, allowing it to adapt to tasks or be upgraded to a new wireless spec, but the silicon still does all the heavy lifting. Plus, the molecular switches don't draw any power except when switching from one state to another, so overall power consumption is reduced. The design is pretty much finished, so right now the HP researchers are building the first prototype, and should be finished by the end of the year. As far off as that may seem -- and there's no telling how long it will take to commercialize this once the prototype is finished -- it sounds like these guys are well ahead of other molecular computing projects, and should provide a nice stopgap for expanding computer performance while we wait for full-on molecular processors to start bumping our FPS frame rates.
Israel adding to global animalbot army with "bionic hornets"
Israel thinks that the best way to think big is to think small. Reuters reports that the country will be researching the use of nanotechnology to fight militants within its borders over the next few years. Among the proposed projects are a set of "super gloves" that would give the wearer the power of a "bionic man," as well as tiny sensors to find suicide bombers. However, our favorite is a "bionic hornet" -- no bigger than a real hornet -- which would have the ability to "chase, photograph and kill its targets." While the bionic hornet hasn't actually been built yet, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres said that prototypes for the new weapons could be expected by 2010. Americans, don't worry, we've already got our own insect cyborgs, attack dolphins, spy turtles and remote-controlled sharks underway, which should be ready within three years to counter any sissy hornets, bionic or otherwise.
Klimeo thermo-regulating fabric
It's not often we see the latest in nanotech coming out of French fashion houses, but Avelana and Roudière have gone and thrown expectations for a loop, announcing the Klimeo thermo-regulating fabric. Supposedly, the nano-enhanced fabric will automatically adjust to suit your environs, keeping you warm when its chilly and cool when the temperature rises. Just as importantly, it also won't cramp your style, seamlessly blending into a variety of different fabrics suitable for everyday wear. The magic ingredient is, of course, nanotechnology -- specifically, microcapsules grafted onto the fabric that change from a solid state when it's cold to a liquid state when it's warm. We somehow doubt that'll be enough to keep us nice and toasty in nothing but jeans and a tee come February, but that won't stop us from trying.[Via Gizmag]
Nanotech napkin to detect bacteria, viruses
You know how your mother told you to wipe your mouth after you eat? Well, if you're afraid that your eating area is infested with biohazards, you may find yourself wiping a lot more in the near future. Researchers at Cornell University announced last week that a "biodegradable absorbent wipe" is in the works, which would signal -- possibly through a color change -- if the surface it touches is infested with bacteria, viruses, or other "dangerous substances" by employing embedded nanofibers. Prof. Margaret Frey of Cornell says that this napkin is still "a few years away" from being available to the public -- so in the meantime, you may still want to use that e-nose to detect bugs that infect your bagged spinach food supply.[Via Sci Fi Tech]
Scientists create "nanodog" to sniff out danger
A team of scientists at the University of Wales recently revealed that they've developed a new type of bomb-detecting sensor using nanotechnology, branding the tech with the too-cute-for-its-own-good "nanodog" moniker. As with most things nanotech, the nanodog promises to allow for devices to be both smaller and more effective than current technologies, apparently able to detect explosives at levels in the one part per trillion range. And, like it's K-9 counterpart, the sensor can apparently detect explosives even if they're concealed, which should no doubt lead to less invasive, and hopefully speedier airport searches in the future. Of course, depending on who you ask, the nanodog might not exactly turn out to be man's best friend.[Via Fark]
Better batteries through nanotechnology
We've seen hybrid batteries, hairy capacitors, and ultracapacitors, but considering how much we depend on batteries, we're not ones to turn up our noses at yet another new battery development. This latest one comes from researchers in France, who have turned to nanotechnology to create lithium-ion battery electrodes that have several times the energy capacity of traditional electrodes, meaning that batteries could either be significantly smaller or remain the same size and squeeze a whole lot more juice out of a single charge. Of course, one of the many big application for nano batteries is in remote sensors and medical implants, where smaller and longer lasting are definitely better. Which is probably why those smaller-scaled applications are the first we're likely to see, as larger electrodes are currently far less efficient than small ones. Thankfully the researchers at hand believe the technology could eventually be used to power electric and hybrid vehicles, which is always the dream, right?[Via MobileMag]
British prof warns nanotech products are potentially dangerous
While we're eagerly awaiting the day that we can lounge around while armies of nanobots perform their magical alchemy on our garbage and turn it into hot cellphones and delicious Big Macs, one British scientist is warning that the medical implications of nanotechnology have yet to be properly explored, despite numerous products already finding their way to market. Specifically, Edinburgh University Professor and environmental health expert Anthony Seaton argues that almost nothing is known about the potential effect of inhaling nanoparticles, likening the situation to the dangerous particle-emitting asbestos that was installed in buildings prior to 1970 without a second thought. According to some estimates, there are already 200 products containing nanoparticles available to consumers, with hundreds more expected to hit shelves this year -- but Seaton claims that so far, recommended nano testing "simply hasn't happened." Damn, way to ruin our nanobot fantasies, Professor Letdown.
Nanogenerators turn you into a duracell
For anyone who thought gyms with workout equipment that generate electricity were a good idea, prepare to be one-upped. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are working on metallic nanowires as nanogenerators that transform bodily kinetic energy into pure electricity. We were all thinking, oh, sweet, power-generating nanotech clothes. Naw dude, these peeps want to implant the nanogenerators right in your corporeal form for maximum energy output. Thought your mom got mad when you got a tattoo or piercing? Try explaining subcutaneous power generating zinc oxide nanowires.
UC Berkeley's disease-detecting E-Nose
The last time we checked in on electronic nose technology, hospitals were using the still-boutique devices for very specialized institutional work such as monitoring nasty bacteria outbreaks. Recent breakthroughs by a company called Nanomix, however, could make E-Noses a standard tool in every patient examination room, with UC Berkeley researchers using the company's tech to design cheap devices that can "sniff out" disease-laden molecules in samples a person's breath. Nanomix's "Sensation" detection platform uses multiple, configurable carbon nanotube-based sensors to instantly provide a reading from a puff or air, although the exact diseases that the battery-powered devices will be programmed to detect have not been announced. We do know that the first application of this tech will probably be for carbon dioxide detection, allowing emergency personnel to immediately determine the efficacy of breathing tubes used to stabilize patients on board an ambulance.
