BRAIN DISEASE RESEARCH, PARTICLE PHYSICS MEET IN THE MIDDLE(WARE)

NSF Middleware Initiative proves key for grid-based
collaborations in diverse disciplines

ARLINGTON, Va.—Newswise — The study of Alzheimer’s disease and the analysis of particle collisions may not appear to have much in common, but behind the scenes, middleware being developed with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is helping groups of researchers in neuroscience, physics and other fields to apply the power of grid-based computational resources.

Spanning 14 universities and 22 research groups, the growing Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) is establishing the cyberinfrastructure, or integrated information technology configuration, needed to facilitate health care research for large-scale data sharing and analysis. The ability to share and compare massive data sets such as MRI brain scans or high-resolution electron microscopy images is essential to participants’ research into Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis and other disorders. ...read the wave

Why and How to Invest in Entrepreneurial Nanotech vs. Corporate Companies

by Dr. Pearl Chin PhD, MBA

There are some that argue that investing in nanotechnology startups and small companies is riskier because of the higher probability for hype and incidences of scams. However, this past couple of years it seems evident that the larger more established publicly traded companies, like Tyco, WorldCom, Enron, Parmalat, etc. should be no less exempt from this scrutiny. It is expected that wherever there is major money to be made, there will be hype and scams. This does not mean investors should not invest or be more risk adverse. It just means investors need to be more careful about how they decide to invest and be smarter about it. The desire to make money must be balanced by responsibility and accountability....read the wave

Stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases with the help of nanorobots

by Nikolay Kovalenko
this study was approved by Kyiv's Neurosurgery Institute

Although neurodegenerative diseases have different causes, the dysfunction and loss of specific groups of neurons is common to all these disorders and may allow the development of similar therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The efforts to treat the neurodegenerative diseases by existing methods of cellular therapy are insufficiently effective.

The modern methods do not provide correct restoration of cytoarchitecture and pattern of connections (the rewiring of specifically organized long-distance connections), which are essential to achieve a significant functional recovery. This article discusses existing methods of neural stem cell therapy and provides example of new approach to the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases….read the wave

Nanoparticles illuminate brain tumors
for days under MRI

OHSU study finds tiny crystals also help brain lesion tissue
to be viewed under microscope

PORTLAND, Ore. - A research team from Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center is demonstrating some of the world's first clinical applications for nanometer-size particles in the brain.

The OHSU scientists have shown that an iron oxide nanoparticle as small as a virus can outline not only brain tumors under magnetic resonance imaging, but also other lesions in the brain that may otherwise have gone unnoticed, according to a study published in the journal Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology.

So named because of its billionth-of-a-meter proportions, the iron oxide nanoparticle, ferumoxtran-10, can be viewed as a contrast agent under MR for more than 24 hours, sometimes as long as five days, said the study's lead author, Edward Neuwelt, M.D., professor of neurology and neurological surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, and the Portland VA Medical Center....read the wave

Haptics technology makes the impossible possible

How would it feel to pick up a Boeing 777 while standing on an asteroid? Or to play with a yo-yo on Mars? Or even to explore a box that is larger on the inside than on the outside? All these things are now possible as scientists at the University of Reading are developing technology which allows computer users to touch, grip and even manipulate ‘impossible objects’.

The methods are still in their infancy, but the new technology has a variety of potential applications, including training simulations for highly-skilled tasks such as surgery, or aircraft maintenance....read the wave

Nanoscale contact optimizes adhesion

Optimal adhesion of geckos and insects based on shape optimization
and contact surface size reduction, report Max Planck researchers in Stuttgart, Germany

Loomis Group Adds NanoVance to Growing
List of Nanotechnology Clients

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2004--Loomis Group, an independent, integrated marketing agency, today announced that it has been selected as the lead public relations agency for NanoVance, Inc., a company that integrates nanomaterial, biotech, semiconductor and MEMS technologies to deliver nano-devices with multiple industry applications. Initially, NanoVance is focused on the medical/biotech and IT/data storage industries.

"We recognized several years ago that nanotechnology is a fast-growing market that is a perfect fit with our experience and expertise," said Jeff Loomis, president and CEO of Loomis Group....read the wave

Nanomagnets tapped to generate microwave fields

HANCOCK, N.H. — A new form of electromagnetic interaction in which electron spin changes the magnetic direction of cobalt nanomagnets is being explored at Cornell University with an eye toward new types of memory and signal-processing devices.
Experiments have shown that the impact of spin-polarized electrons causes the nanomagnets to precess at high speed so that a direct current can produce microwave-frequency oscillations.

The effect might be useful in creating wireless communications between layers in an integrated circuit….read the wave

IMEC and Praesagus
Sign Technology Partnership Agreement;

Partnership Will Focus on New Approach to Modeling Interconnect
Manufacturing Variation

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IMEC, Europe's largest independent nanoelectronics and nanotechnology research center, and Praesagus Inc., a privately held company that provides solutions to model interconnect manufacturing variation, today announced a technology development agreement to extend Praesagus' physics-based modeling approach for pattern-based interconnect manufacturing variation.

The partnership will build on Praesagus' physics-based interconnect thickness variation modeling technology and expand the scope to include copper/low-k and three-dimensional modeling. The partnership will leverage IMEC's copper damascene, ultra low-k dielectric and 65nm expertise and experience....read the wave

The Nanoscope

Researchers are discerning objects in ever-smaller dimensions through advances in microscope technology. The big leap from micro to nano is being made possible with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) hence the worlds first nanoscope, compliments of the scientists at Fraunhofer.

In the production of high-performance integrated circuits with increasingly finer structures, the days of visible light are gone. The semiconductor industry has meanwhile moved on to processes that entail ultraviolet laser with wavelengths of 193 and 248 nanometers.

The candidate with the brightest prospects for continuing the trend of manufacturing even finer structures is extreme ultraviolet or EUV. This lithography operates at wavelengths close to x-ray, in the 11 to 14-nanometer range. However, this poses various problems. To generate EUV beams, synchrotron radiation facilities are required which are big, costly and complex.

And since EUV is absorbed by the atmosphere, the entire exposure process must take place in a vacuum. Finally, instead of conventional transparent masks and lenses, EUV beams must be reflected using special mirrors...read the wave

Evidence of nanobacterial-like structures found in human calcified arteries and cardiac valves

Evidence could indicate bacteria-like etiology of vascular calcification

May 24, 2004 – Bethesda, MD – Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found they could isolate and culture nanoparticles from filtered homogenates of diseased calcified human cardiovascular tissue. These cultured nano-sized particles were recognized by a DNA-specific dye, incorporated radiolabeled uridine, and after decalcification, appeared via electron microscopy to contain cell walls.

The research paper, entitled "Evidence of Nanobacterial-like Structures in Human Calcified Arteries and Cardiac Valves," has been peer-reviewed and is scheduled for publication in the September 2004 issue of the American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, published by the American Physiological Society...read the wave

Nano-Kontakte optimieren Haftung'

POptimale Haftung von Geckos und Insekten beruht auf Formoptimierung und Größenreduzierung der Haftkontakte, berichten Stuttgarter Max-Planck-Forscher

German language news courtesy of www. innovations-report.de

Die Haftstrukturen an den Füßen von Geckos und vielen Insekten bestehen aus nur wenige hundert Nanometer feinen Härchen. Diese Nanostrukturen haben sich vermutlich im Laufe der Evolution entwickelt haben, um die Haftung der Insekten auf Substraten zu optimieren. Dies zeigen jüngste Forschungen am Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung in Stuttgart: Danach hängt eine optimale Haftung davon ab, dass diese Härchen an ihren Kontaktflächen optimal geformt sind. Doch diese starke Formabhängigkeit kann durch eine Minimierung der Haftkontakte ausgeglichen werden. Denn unterhalb von 100 Nanometer haften die Kontakte optimal - unabhängig von Formveränderungen der Kontaktflächen. Eine optimale, fehlertolerante Haftung lässt sich also über eine Kombination aus Größenreduzierung und Formoptimierung erzielen. Dabei gilt: Je kleiner die charakteristische Größe des einzelnen Haftkontakts, desto weniger wichtig ist seine Form. Das macht auch plausibel, warum Haarkontakte von biologischen Haftungssystemen nur zwischen einigen hundert Nanometern und wenigen Mikrometern groß sind. Diese Erkenntnisse sind wichtig für das Design von Haftsystemen in der Technik. (PNAS, Early Edition, 17. Mai 2004). ...read the wave

The nanoscope

Researchers are discerning objects in ever-smaller dimensions through advances in microscope technology. The big leap from micro to nano is being made possible with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) hence the worlds first nanoscope, compliments of the scientists at Fraunhofer.

In the production of high-performance integrated circuits with increasingly finer structures, the days of visible light are gone. The semiconductor industry has meanwhile moved on to processes that entail ultraviolet laser with wavelengths of 193 and 248 nanometers.

The candidate with the brightest prospects for continuing the trend of manufacturing even finer structures is extreme ultraviolet or EUV. This lithography operates at wavelengths close to x-ray, in the 11 to 14-nanometer range. However, this poses various problems. To generate EUV beams, synchrotron radiation facilities are required which are big, costly and complex.

And since EUV is absorbed by the atmosphere, the entire exposure process must take place in a vacuum. Finally, instead of conventional transparent masks and lenses, EUV beams must be reflected using special mirrors...read the wave

Why and How to Invest in Entrepreneurial Nanotech vs. Corporate Companies

by Dr. Pearl Chin PhD, MBA

There are some that argue that investing in nanotechnology startups and small companies is riskier because of the higher probability for hype and incidences of scams. However, this past couple of years it seems evident that the larger more established publicly traded companies, like Tyco, WorldCom, Enron, Parmalat, etc. should be no less exempt from this scrutiny. It is expected that wherever there is major money to be made, there will be hype and scams. This does not mean investors should not invest or be more risk adverse. It just means investors need to be more careful about how they decide to invest and be smarter about it. The desire to make money must be balanced by responsibility and accountability....read the wave

Mini-batteries for mobile phones

CIDETEC has developed and assembled a 1.5W hydrogen mini fuel cell prototype which, combined with supercondensers, has been able to power a mobile phone enabling calls to be made and received.

CIDETEC is working on a project which will carry out a direct assessment of the technology of fuel cells for mini applications which have between 1 and 10 watt power requirements such as for mobile phone or PDA chargers or for remote signalling, etc. A series of technologies are being developed in order to obtain house technology mini fuel cells, including the design and enhancement of EMAs (Electrode-Membrane Assemblies), of structural elements (current collectors, shutting-off devices) and of the electronics for current enhancement (including the use of supercondensers for the supply of current peaks)...read the wave

NanoInk releases new product: Bias Control Option
for NSCRIPTOR™ nanolithography system.

(Chicago, Ill – May 25, 2004) NanoInk, Inc announces the availability of the Bias Control Option for its NSCRIPTOR nanolithography system. This added feature makes the NSCRIPTOR a powerful instrument for the fabrication of nanoscale electronic components. The Bias Control Option offers the functional capability of creating an electric field between the probe tip and the sample substrate. This feature allows the researcher to perform oxidation nanolithography, so that they may selectively oxidize a semiconductor surface with insulating nanoscale patterns, and also enables the deposition of conductive nanoscale structures onto semiconductor surfaces via electrochemical DPN™ methods.

The NSCRIPTOR instrument is a dedicated nanolithography system that patterns nanostructures by leveraging the extreme precision of scanning probe technology. The instrument is optimized for the Dip Pen Nanolithography™ process, in which a molecular “ink” is directly deposited from the probe tip (or “pen”) onto the substrate.
...read the wave

Innovative ‘self healing’ bandage to help diabetics

A revolutionary type of ‘self healing’ bandage that uses the patient’s own cells is being developed. The technique has already been tried successfully on patients with diabetic ulcers and in the long-term could offer a more effective, quicker and cost efficient way of treating many types of slow-healing wounds such as pressure ulcers. The bandages are already available for patients with severe burns.

The bandages have been developed by CellTran Ltd., a spin-out company from the University of Sheffield. CellTran has grown from fundamental research funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Levels of diabetes in the UK are forecast to rise significantly in the years ahead. Chronic ulcers affect many diabetics, with sufferers often attending clinics for months or years to have their wounds dressed. CellTran offers an innovative but simple approach to healing diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds, based on a combination of surface engineering and cell biology...read the wave

Scaling friction down to the nano/micro realm

Three-dimensional images showing the topography of both round (pictured) and elliptical tips used in making friction measurements

An improved method for correcting nano- and micro-scale friction measurements has been developed by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The new technique should help designers produce more durable micro- and nano-devices with moving parts, such as tiny motors, positioning devices or encoders....read the wave

Evidence of nanobacterial-like structures found in human calcified arteries and cardiac valves

Evidence could indicate bacteria-like etiology of vascular calcification

May 24, 2004 – Bethesda, MD – Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found they could isolate and culture nanoparticles from filtered homogenates of diseased calcified human cardiovascular tissue. These cultured nano-sized particles were recognized by a DNA-specific dye, incorporated radiolabeled uridine, and after decalcification, appeared via electron microscopy to contain cell walls.

The research paper, entitled "Evidence of Nanobacterial-like Structures in Human Calcified Arteries and Cardiac Valves," has been peer-reviewed and is scheduled for publication in the September 2004 issue of the American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, published by the American Physiological Society...read the wave

Nano Medicine: Russia & Germany

Probability Controls The Molecule Of Life

Thanks to biophysicists, statistics has reached the most intimate aspect of life – regulation of genes’ activity. Investigation on probabilistic aspects of molecular biology has been supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the INTAS Foundation.

Regulation of genes’ activity is one of the most important biological problems which has not been solved so far. A cell switches on and off its genes through multiple factors, which, if required, interact with certain sections of a chromosome or vice versa, leave them. While molecular biologists search for the mechanisms than ensure precise and uninterrupted control of gnome’s activity, biophysics keep on saying that this is a statistical process, i.e., a probabilistic one, therefore, it cannon be absolutely precise. Specialists of the Engelgardt Institute of Molecular Biology (Russian Academy of Sciences) and the Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, jointly with the colleagues from the Gumboldt University (Germany) have received equations that allow to assess statistically the regulatory factors/DNA interaction. ...read the wave

Developing tools for reliable 'gene chip' measurements

Microarrays, sometimes called "gene chip" devices, enable researchers to monitor the activities of thousands of genes from a single tissue sample simultaneously, identifying patterns that may be novel indicators of disease status. But generating consistent, verifiable results is difficult because of a lack of standards to validate these analyses, scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and collaborators warn in the May 20 online issue of Clinical Chemistry.

Microarrays are keychain-sized devices with as many as several million tiny spots, each of which examines genes of interest simultaneously using minute sample volumes. This highly sensitive technology is relatively new ...read the wave

Investors Seek Nanotech Payday

Google's IPO? Oh please, Internet stocks are so 20th century. Real players are jumping on the nanotechnology bandwagon.

Nanotechnology could see up to half a dozen initial public offerings this year as the venture capitalists sense an exit strategy in an area some analysts consider to be over-invested already. Indeed, the U.S. government is currently spending more than $1 billion a year in nanotechnology R&D programs.

First into the fray is expected to be Nanosys, which claims to have computer-modelling techniques that can design inorganic semiconductor nanostructures like nanodots, nanorods and nanowires. The company is working on product plans with a number of large companies including...read the wave

Nano-Kontakte optimieren Haftung'

POptimale Haftung von Geckos und Insekten beruht auf Formoptimierung und Größenreduzierung der Haftkontakte, berichten Stuttgarter Max-Planck-Forscher

German language news courtesy of www. innovations-report.de

Die Haftstrukturen an den Füßen von Geckos und vielen Insekten bestehen aus nur wenige hundert Nanometer feinen Härchen. Diese Nanostrukturen haben sich vermutlich im Laufe der Evolution entwickelt haben, um die Haftung der Insekten auf Substraten zu optimieren. Dies zeigen jüngste Forschungen am Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung in Stuttgart: Danach hängt eine optimale Haftung davon ab, dass diese Härchen an ihren Kontaktflächen optimal geformt sind. Doch diese starke Formabhängigkeit kann durch eine Minimierung der Haftkontakte ausgeglichen werden. Denn unterhalb von 100 Nanometer haften die Kontakte optimal - unabhängig von Formveränderungen der Kontaktflächen. Eine optimale, fehlertolerante Haftung lässt sich also über eine Kombination aus Größenreduzierung und Formoptimierung erzielen. Dabei gilt: Je kleiner die charakteristische Größe des einzelnen Haftkontakts, desto weniger wichtig ist seine Form. Das macht auch plausibel, warum Haarkontakte von biologischen Haftungssystemen nur zwischen einigen hundert Nanometern und wenigen Mikrometern groß sind. Diese Erkenntnisse sind wichtig für das Design von Haftsystemen in der Technik. (PNAS, Early Edition, 17. Mai 2004). ...read the wave

Cascade Engineering Revitalizes Brand, Establishes New Commitment to 'Shaping Ideas in Plastics'

Plastics Leader Charts Course for Sustained Excellence in Multiple Industries

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Cascade Engineering has developed trash bins with tracking devices, researched animal-proof plastic waste containers, and utilized nanotechnology to mold parts for automotive seating and furniture components. This spirit of innovation is at the heart of a new brand revitalization program encompassing all aspects of Cascade Engineering's operations.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company is working to translate its 30 years of industry leadership into a new market identity, including a refreshed logo, new corporate website and updated marketing information. The Company said the brand revitalization program was established to provide a cleaner, more understandable definition of products and services to customers....read the wave

Everlasting Fibre-glass Plastic, Nano Magic ?

More durable helmets, vests, ski-sticks and various other fibre-glass plastic products are close to becoming a reality. Provided, of course, the manufacturers apply new technology – the one developed by the Chernogolovka scientists supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE).

When fibre-glass plastic products were first introduced to the market, the applicability of the material seemed truly unlimited. Later there appeared quite a number of disadvantages to accompany the numerous benefits. Helmets and ski-sticks got broken and boats got cracked. The reason is quite trivial for a composite material – insufficiently strong cohesion between the base, i.e. glass fiber, and the polymer matrix. Under loads and especially in the presence of moisture, the polymer gets exfoliated from the glass fibers which results in cracking. Besides, in extreme conditions the reinforcing glass fiber itself is split into separate monofibres, thus, causing the product destruction....read the wave

Innovative ‘self healing’ bandage to help diabetics

A revolutionary type of ‘self healing’ bandage that uses the patient’s own cells is being developed. The technique has already been tried successfully on patients with diabetic ulcers and in the long-term could offer a more effective, quicker and cost efficient way of treating many types of slow-healing wounds such as pressure ulcers. The bandages are already available for patients with severe burns.

The bandages have been developed by CellTran Ltd., a spin-out company from the University of Sheffield. CellTran has grown from fundamental research funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Levels of diabetes in the UK are forecast to rise significantly in the years ahead. Chronic ulcers affect many diabetics, with sufferers often attending clinics for months or years to have their wounds dressed. CellTran offers an innovative but simple approach to healing diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds, based on a combination of surface engineering and cell biology...read the wave

Scaling friction down to the nano/micro realm

Three-dimensional images showing the topography of both round (pictured) and elliptical tips used in making friction measurements

An improved method for correcting nano- and micro-scale friction measurements has been developed by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The new technique should help designers produce more durable micro- and nano-devices with moving parts, such as tiny motors, positioning devices or encoders....read the wave

Why and How to Invest in Entrepreneurial Nanotech vs. Corporate Companies

by Dr. Pearl Chin PhD, MBA

There are some that argue that investing in nanotechnology startups and small companies is riskier because of the higher probability for hype and incidences of scams. However, this past couple of years it seems evident that the larger more established publicly traded companies, like Tyco, WorldCom, Enron, Parmalat, etc. should be no less exempt from this scrutiny. It is expected that wherever there is major money to be made, there will be hype and scams. This does not mean investors should not invest or be more risk adverse. It just means investors need to be more careful about how they decide to invest and be smarter about it. The desire to make money must be balanced by responsibility and accountability....read the wave

Evidence of nanobacterial-like structures found in human calcified arteries and cardiac valves

Evidence could indicate bacteria-like etiology of vascular calcification

May 24, 2004 – Bethesda, MD – Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found they could isolate and culture nanoparticles from filtered homogenates of diseased calcified human cardiovascular tissue. These cultured nano-sized particles were recognized by a DNA-specific dye, incorporated radiolabeled uridine, and after decalcification, appeared via electron microscopy to contain cell walls.

The research paper, entitled "Evidence of Nanobacterial-like Structures in Human Calcified Arteries and Cardiac Valves," has been peer-reviewed and is scheduled for publication in the September 2004 issue of the American Journal of Physiology: Heart and