nanonews

Marcia Henin asked:


In the recent years, there has been a tremendous development in the field of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a field of applied science, which deals in building machines and bots at microscopic levels. Due to development in nanotechnology, there have been many developments in various fields of science, especially in the field of medicine.

 

With the help of nanotechnology, carrying out a complex heart surgery is very much possible. Doctors have started making use of nanobots to cure certain diseases. These nanobots also help in rectifying certain disorders in the human body.

 

Nanotechnology in Drug Development:

 

Recently, scientists are developing effective and better drug delivery systems using nanotechnology. Scientists are using nanoparticles to design a drug delivery system that may improve the pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties of a drug and help better processes such as Drug screening. Nanaoparticles have remarkable properties that drastically enhance the drug delivery. Due to their microscopic sizes, nanoparticles get an easy access in the cells.

 

There are numerous developments in the drug delivery owing to nanotechnology. One such development using nanotechnology is the transfer of drugs into the cytoplasm of cells through the cell membrane. This is an important development, because to hinder certain diseases from the body, the drug needs to enter the cell membrane.

 

 To make a drug molecule effective in the body, it needs a triggered response. To do so, scientists are using nanotechnology. Scientists are developing drugs using nanotechnology that automatically activate, once they enter the human body.

 

Many researchers believe that it is possible to develop a drug delivery system that may prove beneficial in treating cancer and infectious diseases using nanotechnology. By far, they have identified six types of nano-enabled delivery systems that have considerable potential in treating cancer and other infectious diseases.

 

With the help of nanotechnology, scientists have developed injectable drugs, which are more pleasing for the patients, who receive them and at the same time are easy to administer. Better opportunities are coming up in the development of implantable delivery systems, due to the use of nanotechnology, especially in terms of injectable drugs. 

 

With so much of development taking place in the field of drug delivery systems, researchers believe that in the near future nano-enabled medicines will have a tremendous evolution and will produce true nanomedicines.

Tatiana Velitchkov asked:


Nanotechnology is the science and art of constructing functional and sometimes powerful devices by manipulating single atoms until they are molecularly sized. In order to achieve some relativity on this, one must be aware that a molecule is measured in nanometers, which is, essentially, one billionth of a meter – an atom is ten times smaller than that.

As a revolutionary concept, nanotechnology covers a wide spectrum that can often be a double edged sword. In the right hands, the extreme capability of nanotechnology can be a positive contributor to medical advancements, environmental cleansing, energy conservation and many other areas that can largely improve human existence on our planet. The down side to nanotechnology is that in the wrong hands it can be a destructive force that may ultimately lead to the annihilation of human existence and even of our planet.

There are varying schools of thought on the benefits versus the threats of nanotechnology pursuits. One outlook is that replicating nanostructures could gobble up the entire planet in about three hours flat while another is that nanotechnology as a science could revolutionize medical treatments for conditions that are presently incurable using standard technology.

Nanotechnology has been credited with many beneficial improvements to existing products like fabrics that totally resist staining, scratch resistant eyewear and sunscreen that can endure greater exposure to the elements for longer periods of time. In addition, creating smaller, more powerful devices via this technology has been a positive contributor to revolutionary advancements in computers, more improved diagnostic medical testing and more efficient means of removing toxicity from areas afflicted with environment contamination. Anyone would have to agree that these advantages are certainly not totally useless attributes of nanotechnology.

Additionally, nanotechnology has been credited with creations from a biodegradable plastic made from waste products produced from fruit growing operations to experimental replacement bone tissue that will not be so easily rejected by the human body after transplant. The advantage of such a product will result in easing human suffering while actually contributing to an extended life span. Anybody wanting to improve on humanity would be hard pressed to declare breakthroughs like this as totally useless.

Despite its propensity to do good, nanotechnology could also lead to the creation of more compact and essentially more dangerous weaponry, which, if it fell into the wrong hands could lead to the development of chemical and biological weapons that are far more deadly, harder to avoid and much easier to conceal than conventional warfare.

Naysayers are quick to point out additional negativities of nanotechnology such as the ability of the military or other covert government organizations to conduct continuous, surreptitious surveillance on each and every citizen. Some go even further by concentrating on the hypothesis that nanotechnology, when used to advance greed and power, could result in total physical and/or psychiatric control of one faction over another.

Will nanotechnology ultimately result in ecophaghy – the consumption of the entire worldwide ecosphere – or will all these doomsday predilections just be totally useless fodder for overactive imaginations?

nitesh s chauhan asked:


Search for newer technology has always fascinated researchers. Nano technology is a multidisciplinary field, which recently has emerged as one of the most propitious field in cancer treatment. Nano technology is definitely a medical boon for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer disease. It supports and expands the scientific advances in genomic and proteomics and builds on our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cancer and its treatment. The various nanotechnological approaches in cancer treatment have been encompassed in the current article. One of them includes localized delivery of heat and the localized imaging of biological materials through nanoparticles. The delivery may be in vitro or in vivo and is useful for the localized treatment of cancer and disorders involving over proliferation of tissue. Other approach relates to a novel process of manufacture of nanoparticles of substantially water insoluble materials from emulsions. These emulsions have the ability to form a single liquid phase upon dilution of the external phase, instantly producing dispersible solid nanoparticles. The formed nanoparticles can be used in a wide range of therapeutic treatments of cancer. Additional approach comprises of solid tumors having an acidic extra cellular environment and an altered pH gradient across their cell compartments. Nanoparticles responsive to the pH gradients are promising for cancer drug delivery. Such pH-responsive nanoparticles consist of a corona and a core, one or both of which respond to the external pH to change their soluble/insoluble or charge states, thereby they have therapeutic advantages over the conventional pH-insensitive counterparts. An alternative advancement discloses a method/system utilizing interaction of electromagnetic pulses or ultrasonic radiation with nano- and micro particles for enhancement of drug delivery in solid tumors. These particles can be attached to antibodies directed against antigens in tumor vasculature and selectively delivered to tumor blood vessel wall. A widespread understanding of these new technologies can provide essential breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

Tiny man-made nanoparticles have been used to successfully smuggle a powerful cancer drug into tumor cells leaving healthy cells unharmed. When tested in mice, the Nan structure-based therapy was 10 times as effective at delaying tumor growth and far less toxic than the drug given alone. Researchers believe the therapy could transform many cancers from killer into chronic, treatable diseases.4,5 The major goals in designing nanoparticles as a delivery system are to control particle size, surface properties and release of pharmacologically active agents in order to achieve the site-specific action of the drug at the therapeutically optimal rate and dose regimen. Though liposome have been used as potential carriers with unique advantages including protecting drugs from degradation, targeting to site of action and reduction toxicity or side effects, their applications are limited due to inherent problems such as low encapsulation efficiency, rapid leakage of water-soluble drug in the presence of blood components and poor storage stability. On the other hand, polymeric nanoparticles offer some specific advantages over liposome. For instance, they help to increase the stability of drugs/proteins and possess useful controlled release properties. The purpose of the chemotherapy and radiation is to kill the tumor cells as these cells are more susceptible to the actions of these drugs and methods because of their growth at a much faster rate than healthy cells, at least in adults. Research efforts to improve chemotherapy over the past 25 years have led to an improvement in patient survival but there is still a need for improvement.6, 7 Current research areas include development of carriers to allow alternative dosing routes, new therapeutic targets such as blood vessels fueling tumor growth and targeted therapeutics that are more specific in their activity. Several nano biotechnologies mostly based on nanoparticles, have been used to facilitate drug delivery in cancer. The magic of nanoparticles mesmerizes everyone because of their multifunctional character and they have given us hope for the recovery from this disease. Although we are practicing better drug delivery paths into the body, we ultimately seek more accurate protocols to eradicate cancer from our society.  This review will primarily address new methods for delivering drugs, both old and new, with a focus on nano particle formulations and ones that specifically target tumors.

Omid Jaffari asked:


Cutting-Edge News Room

If we all are right to begin with, that a raw food diet is best, then the future of medicine, reliant on nanotechnology… would not be necessary. What?

An article published in Advances in Anti-Aging suggests diseases and poor-health are largely the result of damage that occurs at the molecular level of the body, and at the cellular level of the body. Many believe that modern medicine is in fact somewhat of a dinosaur, and that most medicinal instruments, especially surgical tools including the scalpel, are at best more likely to injure and harm someone than help or sure them.

So what is a person to do? Turn to nanotechnology.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is a term used to define the manufacturing of technology that occurs during the 21st century. This means creating complex machines capable of interacting with humans on a molecular level, or creating molecular computers.

Nanotechnology suggests it is possible to create molecular tools that are smaller than human cells, and those that can interact with cells at the same level of ability that drugs like antibiotics could. These tools would, theoretically, let modern medical experts control what happens to the human body at the cellular and molecular level, suggesting it would be easier than ever to control what happens in the human body before damage at the cellular level really occurs.

Theoretically one might be able to remove or cure cancer, or create or regenerate the heart.

It sounds like it is almost space age, too good to be true and yet scientists at this very moment are thinking quite the opposite, that it is a real possibility. Nanotechnology would require scientists build systems that would be capable of replicating or reproducing themselves. So, you are basically talking about a computer that is about the size of a cell capable of “thinking” on its own, at least enough to replicate or reproduce.

It’s almost scary if you think about it.

How Does Nanotechnology Work?

How would it work? A device would enter the body, identify harmful cells, and then hit the cells with some chemical it was carrying like the diseases antidote (a drug of some sort) until the diseased cells were eradicated.

The tiny computer could then remain in the body and periodically provide surveillance and updated information to an outside computer or medical health professional. These results could indicate the long-term health of this individual and whether they experience any type of relapse of some sort.

The objects would function somewhat like ultrasound does on the exterior, because much of what they do is reliant on acoustics to computer signals and sounds and pictures. A computer chip could identify cancer cells for example by finding the cell and then attaching a certain acoustic signal to it, based on its genetic make up. It would then survey the rest of the body for cells with the same genetic make up because all cells are different, and then attach the treatment or “cure” to cells in the body with the same genetic make up.

If you think about it, it is truly one of the greatest accomplishments every thought of or created by a scientist. Is it without fault? Not yet. As with any new invention there are quite a few snafus to work out, but not so many that it would be impossible to get done by a committed professional.

Others suggest nanotechnology may be the perfect instrument to support the circulation and metabolism of individuals with metabolic disorders, especially among children that may experience tissue and brain damage if they have a venous problem that inhibits blood flow to any of their organs.

This type of problem however is much more often apparent and common in elder adults unless the child has a rare disease that causes them to age very quickly. One other treatment also suggested for this period includes the administration of oxygen to the patient, which could assist in recovery.

What To Do About Damage

Sometimes you cannot repair the damage that occurs after a serious accident. In these cases you can try providing palliative care and restoring function and independence in the best way possible. If young children are involved they can still play in the same and participate in certain games. Make sure you build strong self-confidence.

The best way to deal with damage is to avoid it. Remember the first sentence? Many illnesses requiring treatment or diagnosis using this modern technology might be prevented if we all ate a little better. You may not have arthritis now if you had eaten less processed food as a child. Of course some children develop this condition for other reasons, but if diet is to blame take a careful look at your diet.

Someone eating raw foods will likely be less at risk for many chronic disease states including diabetes Type II because they will not ingest a lot of high calorie and high fat diets. It is important for the raw foodist to eat enough protein however, so when comprising your menu keep this in mind!

Sincerely yours,

Omid

bharatbook asked:


Nanotechnology Market Forecast Report ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Nanotechnology-Market-Forecast.html ) provides the information about the emerging trends of Nanotechnology Market.

Nanotechnology is going to pave the way for a revolution in materials, information and communication technology, medicine, genetics and so on as it starts moving from the laboratories to new markets. It helps to improve products and production processes with better characteristics or new functionalities. In coming years, products based on nanotechnology are expected to impact nearly all-industrial sectors and will enter the consumer markets in large quantities. Considering the future prospects of nanotechnology, countries across the world are investing heavily in this sector.

The global market for nanotechnologies is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% till 2013. “Nanotechnology Market Forecast to 2013”  report also projects that market for nanotechnology incorporated in manufactured goods will worth US$ 1.6 Trillion, representing a CAGR of more than 49% in the forecast period (2009-2013). This growth will largely be driven by massive investment in nanotechnology R&D by both governments and corporates across the world.

According to our report findings, at the regional level, the Asia-Pacific region will experience the fastest growth in market for nanotechnology enabled goods, with CAGR pegged at around 52% in the forecast period, followed by Europe. The recent moves by the emerging markets such as India, China and Russia in the field of nanotechnology research and development will continue to the most prominent factors behind the growth in these countries.

Our updated and detailed research report evaluates  an overview of emerging trends. The report has segmented the nanotechnology market by application and R&D investment. It discusses the nanotechnology market by key countries showing their prominence in the sector together with the emerging nations in the domain. Besides, the report covers various growth potential areas in the nanotechnology market at the global level.

 

Contact us at :

Bharat Book Bureau

Tel: 91 22 27578668

Fax: 91 22 27579131

Email: info@bharatbook.com

Website: www.bharatbook.com

Tracy Hildreth asked:


Companies are often looking for opportunities to develop their business further. In the nanotechnology area it is important that you have the right staff and the right backing in the region you are moving into. North East England has the largest and best equipped public sector facilities in the UK.

The resources that are all ready located in the North East of England are already huge. INEX is the largest and best equipped public sector micro and nano device fabrication facility in the UK. It was founded in 2002 as the business arm of the Institute of Nanoscale Science and Technology at Newcastle University, but has been an independent organisation since 2004.

The facility has generated millions of pounds worth of new technology since its formation, so far spinning out 11 companies in the process.

The Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology, Micro and Photonic Systems (Cenamps) is funding research and development programmes that will lead to further commercial opportunities and spin-outs in North East England.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider investing in North East England for nanotechnology expertise.

1. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne is the leading UK Higher Education Institute in government contract and the commercialisation of research undertaking work in laboratories including Inex: the largest public sector micro and nano device fabrication facility in the UK providing ample nanotechnology investment opportunities.

2. A cooperation agreement has been established between Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne and NTT Basic Research Laboratories, Nippon Telegraphy & Telephone Corporation conducting research in information technology, microelectronics, submicron technology and bionanotechnology.

3. Key new centres in the region include a Plastic Electronics Technology Centre (PETeC) that will draw expertise from Newcastle, Durham and Cambridge Universities, an open access Flexible Electronics Facility that will establish the region as a focal point for flexible electronics materials in the UK and a National Microfluidics Application Centre.

4. The UK Department of Trade’s University Innovation Centre (UIC) for nanotechnology is in North East England. Newcastle has a 5* Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) rating in biological and biomedical applications whilst the University of Durham was one of only three UK Chemistry departments to be awarded a 5* RAE and specialises in film and surface technologies.

5. Northumbria University’s strengths include advanced materials and surface technologies and the University of Sunderland works on biosensors. The University of Teesside Centre for Nanotechnology and Microfabrication carries out research into manufacturing techniques.

Expertise and support organisations place North East England in a unique position to support companies in the commercialisation of research and getting new products to market through nanotechnology research and development.

Aarkstore Enterprise asked:


Nanophotonics to Revolutionalize the Market

Nanophotonics is born out of the combination of three major sciences: photonics, nanotechnology, and optoelectronics. While photonics and optoelectronics have revolutionized the electronics and semiconductors market, nanotechnology has the greatest potential for further improvement, and hence has emerged as the most sought-after technology by big companies and research laboratories. In spite of it being in the nascent stage, nanophotonics is expected to make it to the mainstream market owing to its higher power efficiency, thermal resistivity, and operational life.

The nanophotonic component market is growing at a robust rate for the last few years and is expected to maintain a very high CAGR for the next few years. The market is expected to reach US$3.6 billion in 2014 at a CAGR of 100.7% from 2009 to 2014 and a similar growth pattern can be expected for the nanophotonics devices market as well. This market is expected to grow from a current market size of US$1.8 billion to US$58 billion in 2014.

Though most of the nanophotonic products are still under research, the available products such as nanophotonic LEDs, nanophotonic PV cells, nanophotonic OLEDs have been very successful in the market. Nanophotonic LEDs has the largest market share of US$106 million in 2009. However, considering the pace of progress in various other segments like near-field-optics, optical amplifiers, optical switches and holographic memory, it can be safely ascertained that holographic memory and optical switches are expected to have the highest growth rate in the next five years. Nanophotonic LEDs will still continue to be largest segment albeit with a slow growth rate.

In the nanophotonic LED market, the high beam LED has the highest market share followed by UV LED. In the fastest growing market of optical amplifiers, it is the optical fiber amplifier that commands the highest CAGR in the period 2009 to 2014 followed by semiconductor amplifiers. HDSS is also expected to grow with a CAGR comparable to that of optical amplifiers. OLED is estimated to be the slowest growing market. Lowering production costs and improving operational efficiencies would ensure opening of new opportunities for the nanophotonics market.

The market is very concentrated with only the market leaders like Osram, IBM, Samsung SDI, JDSU, etc doing extensive research in nanophotonics but as most of the application areas are related to electronics, this market is expected to attract a large number of players that would in turn increase the degree of competition.

Growth of Nanophotonic Products from 2009 – 2014

The graph indicates the forecasted growth rate of nanophotonics products from the year 2009 to 2014. The optical amplifiers are expected to grow at the maximum growth rate followed by the HDSS devices. The growth in the nanophotonics market is primarily due to the increasing demand from the Asian countries.

The key players in the nanophotonics component market are working at developing new products by forging strategic alliances with renowned universities, research laboratories and nanomaterial companies. These developments are focused on improving the operational parameters for the nanophotonic devices and grab the early mover’s advantages in the market.

Our patent analysis indicates that the U.S. has filed the highest number of patent applications in nanophotonics since 2006 followed by Europe. In the products category, nanophotonic LED accounts for the highest number of patents followed by nanostructures while OLED accounts for the lowest number.

 

What makes our reports unique?

We provide the longest market segmentation chain in this industry- not many reports provide market breakdown upto level 5.

Each report is about 250 pages with 100+ market data tables, 40 competitive company profiles, analysis of 300 patents and minimum 50 micro markets, which are collectively exhaustive and mutually exclusive.

No single report by any other publisher provides market data for all the segments viz products, services, applications, ingredients, technology, and stakeholders in a single report for all the four geographies – US, Europe, APAC, ROW.

We provide 10% customization- normally it is seen that clients do not find specific market intelligence that they are looking for. Our customization Our customization will ensure that you necessarily get the market intelligence you are looking for and we get a loyal customer.

15 pages of high level analysis including benchmarking strategies, best practices and the market?s cash cows (BCG matrix). We conduct detailed market positioning, product positioning and competitive positioning. Entry strategies, gaps and opportunities are identified for all the stakeholders.

Comprehensive market analysis for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device manufacturers, pharma-research labs, doctors, physicians and hospitals, medical/pharma associations, retailers and super-retailers, technology providers, and research and development (R&D) companies.

Key questions answered

Which are the high-growth segments/cash cows and how is the market segmented in terms of applications, products, services, ingredients, technologies, stakeholders?

What are market estimates and forecasts; which markets are doing well and which are not?

Where are the gaps and opportunities; what is driving the market?

Which are the key playing fields? Which are the winning edge imperatives?

How is the competitive outlook; who are the main players in each of the segments; what are the key selling products; what are their strategic directives, operational strengths and product pipelines? Who is doing what?

Powerful Research and analysis

The analysts working come from renowned publishers and market research firms globally adding their expertise and domain understanding. We get the facts from over 22,000 news and information sources, a huge database of key industry participants and draw on our relationships with more than 900 market research companies across the world. We, are inspired to help our clients grow by providing qualitative business insights with our huge market intelligence repository.

For more information, kindly visit :

http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/Nanophotonics-Advanced-Technologies-and-Global-Market-2009-2014–16938.html

sharmkan asked:


Introduction to nanotechnology manipulates the atomic properties of nanotechnology materials. Nanotechnology is the broad classification of applied science and technologies evolving around. Nanotechnology comprises of physics, material science, and applied science different disciplines. The characteristic of nanotechnology will be different and it comes up with standard features and techniques. It is designed and produced specifically to meet wide applications. It is used to control, manipulate the molecular level of the scale and it ranges with regards to the fabrication devices.

Nanotechnology in medicine has been made with regards to nanotechnology research and nanotechnology reports. Generally, Nanotechnologies have been classified under multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary field of science and technology and more nanotechnology materials have been updated constantly. It is confined has mechanical and electrical engineering. The popular nanotechnology among the customer is molecular nanotechnology which is used to operate molecular scale. The main purpose of introduction to nanotechnology is that it produces desire structure or device using principles.

Nanotechnology uses more techniques and tools for its updating. Nanotechnology includes techniques for fabrication such as deep ultraviolet lithography, electron beam lithography, atomic layer deposition, and molecular vapor deposition. With regards to nanotechnology research and nanotechnology reports, it is come to know that it is possible to measure nanostructures and it is functionality. Nanotechnology can be used for wide applications and it has been designed specifically to meet the requirement of the customers around the world. Nanotechnology is an extension of existing sciences which interprets as nano scale or as recasting of existing science using new technology research.

Nanotechnology research has been made continuously to update technology using different techniques and tools available in the world. New technologies have been used to measure the molecular interactions that take place. Two different approaches have been insisted in nanotechnology to control, assist and to manipulate the molecular level of the scales. The fabrication techniques used ranges and the applications of structures differ. The design, devices for nanotechnology used for production to control the manipulation of size and shape of the scale which produces structural and characteristic for the technology updated.

Nanotechnology uses techniques to suit for applications such as field emission, plastics, energy storage, adhesives/connectors, molecular electronics, fibers and fabrics and for other applications. More number of manufacturers is interested in manufacturing tools required for nanotechnology and they provides and update for reasonable price consideration. To use nanotechnology or its updating, more assumption has been created with regards to science and technology which results from nanotechnology research.

Tatiana Velitchkov asked:


Advances in nanotechnology have proven that incredible progress is not only possible today and in the future, it is pretty well inevitable. Fantastic advances in nanotechnologic medical research have resulted in life saving techniques that were unheard of even a decade ago.

Genetic engineering research and development provides a means of revolutionizing agricultural output by enhancing crop yields while encouraging a decrease in the necessity for pesticides. It also holds out a promise of attaining newer, improved species of plants and animals, the ability to someday replace or supplement reproduction with cloning and the hope that cures will be developed for many fatal and debilitating diseases, which can only result in increased life spans and improved quality of life.

Robotic engineers firmly believe that development of a truly intelligent machine that is capable of performing most tasks better than humans will be perfected within our lifetime. They envision a time when a highly organized system of machines will perform all tasks with little or no human input.

It is not hard to imagine the revolutionary advancements that are possible if nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics combine their expertise in future technological advancements. Either the result will be a utopian world free of disease or pestilence or a jumbled chaos of grey goo and confusion.

Regardless of the outcome, it is inevitable that the future holds profound changes because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics, whether the accomplishments are made on their own or as a result of a coordinated effort. Along with the imminent progression, however, we must also be aware of the philosophical, moral and ethical issues that will come about as a result of biological change.

In addition to the potential threat from the unleashed power of nanotechnology based scientific advancements, there is also the promise of an improved future for mankind and the world in which he dwells. The line of demarcation is thin and easily crossed and therefore great care and planning must go hand in hand with technological advances.

Naysayers are quick to point out the many pitfalls of unbridled nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics research and implementation; however, to the chagrin of futurists, these non-progressive individuals fail to fully conceive of the many benefits these scientific advancements can and will provide. Progressive thinkers are quick to embrace the very real possibility of incredibly low-cost solar power, cures for debilitating disease via intensification of the human immune system, the ability to clean up our environment and the overall improvement of human existence that is not only possible but entirely plausible in the very near future because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics.

So, are nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics to be feared as an impending doomsday event or should they be embraced as miracles of the future? Only by carefully reviewing the past while embracing the future will we be able to tell. After all, if we are willing to build an artificial brain, we must be willing to construct one that is able to see what we cannot.

Prof. Dr Michael Benfield asked:


We are all now on a Fantastic Voyage

Do you remember ‘Fantastic Voyage’ – the sci-fi film in which scientists shrank a submarine and crew, injected them into a dying man , and saved him from certain death before being resized for more adventures?

Scripted by Harry Kleiner in 1966 and novelized for Bantam paperbacks 6 months later by Isaac Asimov, it spawned an animated TV series as well as a Salvador Dali painting.  Now, some 40 years later, it is seeing practical application in space and cancer medicine, as well as arguably more prosaic areas like materials science.   

Today it is called ‘Nanotechnology’ and in this series of brief articles we’ll be exploring how it is beginning to influence the world around us.  It begins by linking medical and building science.



Nanontechnology in a Nutshell

The science of Nanotechnology deals with very, very small structures, usually less than 100 nanometers in diameter.  With 1 nanometer being 1 billionth of a meter, you’ll get some idea of how small this is by imagining the earth as having a diameter of 1 meter with 1 billion apple pips (seeds) inside it.  Or, looked at another way, the dimension ratio between a meter and a nanometer is the same as between earth and an apple.  

For the mathematical purists among you 1nm = 10 -09 m, i.e. 1/1,000,000,000

Einstein might have imagined this by building a train wagon in his mind, giving this a length, width and height of 1nm and then fitting this inside a few hundreds of hydrogen molecules.

For scientists and technologists this has special interest because at this size materials reveal unique properties when compared not only with ordinary bulk sized materials, but also their molecules. In essence they take advantages of properties that neither individual molecules nor molecular structures exhibit.

For example, if we could see it a gold nanoparticle deposited on a surface would appear purple, rather than shiny and ‘golden’ that we presently recognize.

Again, if you can imagine a molecule as having a very small atom at it’s core with many electrons spinning around this, all held together by the power of attraction, then you’ll get some idea of the scale of things they are working with.

Another example of particular interest to scientists and technologists currently working, or considering working  in this area is that of Titanium Dioxide (titania).  This is used in paints to give that extremely white, opaque finish.  But nanonised titania is completely transparent.    



Nanomedicine

Drug discovery, drug delivery and continuing miniaturization are three areas in which medicine has joined our Fantastic Voyage. Long-term, in-vivo diagnostics and more targeted therapy without side effects are on the horizon. Being able to look for drug targets on a cellular rather than multi-cellular, or tissue basis can be much more precise. Biosensors and molecule probes allow cellular processes to be examined and drug development aimed at molecular targets.

Latest treatment techniques already allow a drug to be put inside a nanoparticle, like a carbon or silicon nanotube.  This might also hold antibodies to bind the drug, enabling smaller doses to be delivered direct to the targeted tissue. Various nanoparticle drug formulations are already being investigated in animal models and early stage clinical studies in humans.

Treating Cancer & Diabetes

Using such nanobots, i.e. vehicles for carrying treatments, radioactive generators are already being injected.  Going direct to the infected tissue these give small radiation doses to treat the cancer without all the unpleasant side effects of radiation therapy.   

By encapsulating pancreatic cells inside nanoparticles they can be kept alive to secrete insulin without being attacked by antibodies.  It’s not a cure for diabetes, but does avoid unpleasant injections, delivering the insulin in a natural way.

Brain Tumors and Space Medicine

Neuroscientists are developing nanoparticles to cross the brain-blood barrier and could be treating brain tumors within a couple of years.  Meanwhile NASA is pursuing remote diagnostics and treatments for space travelers, like radiation damaged cells.  As Cecilia Haberzettl, founder and president of TechnoMed Strategic Partners, recently wrote in Nanotechnology

“When a cell is damaged by radiation it expresses different proteins on its surface. The nanobot would detect those proteins and then repair the cell, either by giving it antioxidants or by enhancing the natural mechanisms of DNA repair by some technique yet to be defined. Or, if the damage is severe, the nanobot could trigger the cell to die. All of that could happen while the astronauts are up in space, while avoiding communication delays due to the distance from the Earth.”



Next Time

From treating humans to treating the buildings in which they live, how nanotechnology is being used in materials science and how a Greek entrepreneurial scientist has developed products that protect surfaces from stains, moulds, and fungus.  Personally recognised by Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, for the innovative nature of their work, they are undoubtedly delivering cutting edge nanotech inventions and technical excellence to improve and add value to a wide range of everyday products.

Look out for the next article to learn how this little company is experiencing burgeoning international growth by delivering massive advances and technical excellence in surface protections.

Alex White asked:


The disease that is commonly known as cancer is just uncontrolled cell growth caused by a host of factors. This growth may be triggered by several diseases, the common ground for all these diseases is the fact that they share the attribute of unrestrained growth of cells. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The malignant cells of cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system.

It is in a single cell than cancer begins. The body is made up of millions of cells, they divide and grow in a controlled manner to keep the body healthy. Old and damaged cells are replaced with new ones. This is a perfectly controlled process that goes on in our bodies to keep us healthy. But sometimes, things go horribly wrong. The DNA of a single cell can change or get damaged. They may mutate, producing abnormal cells that affect normal cell division and growth. When this happens, cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably. The extra cells form a mass called tumor. Cancer is really too many cells than what the body needs.

Modern technological advances witness breakthrough findings in Nanotechnology and its application in medicine. This field is particularly beneficial for the treatment of Cancer. ‘Cancer Research’ reports therapies based on nanotechnology with targeted small molecules, in treating cancer. The molecules, otherwise known as nanoparticles, improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. Abraxane is the  most commonly used nanoparticle medication. Abraxane, by virtue of being a nanoparticle bound compound, readily dissolves in water.

The many headlines that you read today on cutting edge research and breakthroughs in Oncology may be slightly misleading and could create unrealistic expectations. We are still quite a long way from effective applications of the several promising findings revealed by research. Clinical application of research findings is a typically long drawn out process, it takes years for FDA to approve and millions of dollars in trials and follow up research. Not to mention that for commercially viable production, the market has to accept it.

Besides, most promising research may suddenly find itself at a dead end with no progress in sight. This is the nature of scientific research, it takes dedication, money and time to pursue an idea till it becomes a success in real life.

The positive outcome of all this research is that considerable progress has been made in cancer research. Cancer is now more manageable than ever. We know that the brilliant minds of the research community is progressing in the right direction and hopefully the dreaded disease will soon succumb to a cure.

Bharat Book Bureau asked:


The 2009-2014 World Outlook for Products Incorporating Nanotechnology

Introduction

This econometric study covers the world outlook for products incorporating nanotechnology across more than 200 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/World-Outlook-for-Products-Incorporating-Nanotechnology.html )

These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-à-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the 230 countries of the world). This study gives, however, my estimates for the worldwide latent demand, or the P.I.E. for products incorporating nanotechnology. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the world’s regional and national markets. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business.

HTML clipboardContact us at :

Bharat Book Bureau

Tel: +91 22 27578668

Fax: +91 22 27579131

Email: info@bharatbook.com

Website: www.bharatbook.com

Blog: http://bharatbookresearch.blogspot.com

Dr. Ripudaman Singh asked:


Nanotechnology – the science of the miniature, and the technology of the future – is one of the most exciting and wide area of research which may lead to the greatest technological advances of the 21st century. It is a global phenomenon and an emerging field, that finds its way into a myriad of industrial applications spanning across all areas of science and technology. A form of molecular engineering, it is the technology associated with the creation and scrutiny of minute objects, measuring between 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology can be defined as the application of science, engineering and technology to develop novel materials and devices in different fields in the nano-range.

‘Nano’ in Greek means dwarf. Nanometer (nm) is a unit of measurement used to measure very small particles like atoms and molecules. One nanometer is equal to one-billionth (10-9) of a meter. Entirely different from bulk material, nano-materials are 5,000 to 50,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. These light but strong, transparent materials are very active and aggressive in any chemical reaction. Nano-materials can be mixed with strong or weak materials to make them thousand times stronger and more efficient. Carbon and diamond are super examples of nano-materials. The concept of Nanotechnology originated in 1959 and was founded by the American physicist Richard P Feynmam. But the term ‘Nanotechnology’ was first used in 1974 by Japanese scientist Prof. Norio Taniguchi at the Tokyo Science University. However it was introduced to the world in 1986 by K. Eric Drexler, an American Engineer and the founder of Foresight Nanotech Institute.

Nanotechnology is a unique and special branch of science that essentially combines physics, chemistry, biology, engineering etc. Sometimes known as molecular manufacturing, it deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits and mechanical devices built at the molecular level of matter. The application of Nanotechnology will open new avenues of research in the world of science and engineering in almost every field, from medicine to fabrics. Due to this, the relatively new field is fast emerging as the favorite of all kinds of technological arena and will be one of the most significant enabling technologies in the future.

Even though the field is popular abroad, it is quite recently that Indian industries have started realizing the commercial viability of Nanotechnology. In India, Nanotechnology is at its infancy stage and is targeted towards the main streams like electronics, healthcare markets, and other industrial products. Many scientific institutions have been doing Research and Development (R&D) in this field. The scope and application of Nanotechnology is tremendous and mind-boggling and it is one of the hottest career option available to Indian Engineering graduates. It is an apt career for those who have a scientific bent of mind and a passion for solving mysteries of the minutest molecules. Students with a science and engineering background and even mathematics with physics background can pursue Nanotechnology as a career. Candidates with M.Tech in Nanotechnology are in great demand both in India and abroad.

It is a powerful technology which aids the development of products with futuristic performance. All major sectors of life will be effected by this new area. The two major categories of Nanotechnolgy are Nanoscale technology and Molecular manufacturing. Nanoscale technology covers small structures and can be used for introducing stronger materials, better medicines, faster computers and so on. Molecular manufacturing is an attempt at building mechanical and chemical manufacturing systems that join molecules together.

michaelrussell asked:


Science usually yields scientific results — statistics, formulas, analysis. But what happens when these results are tested in a different environment? What happens when scientists studying methods to improve the globe’s clean water supply put their findings in a social context? For one thing, new insights arise, demonstrating, with greater importance, that clean water is essential to health.

This doesn’t just cover physical health, either. It mean stronger social communities and schools, stronger government and health care. Clean water touched so many sides of society that not having it seems remarkable. When scientists use the latest technology and apply it to social settings, we see why.

Recently nanotechnology has emerged as the favorite for science’s efforts to clean the world’s water supply. 

The single most important application of nanotechnology could be solving the global shortage of clean water – benefiting people in both industrialized and developing countries significantly.

A new podcast explores how Eric Hoek and his engineering research team at the University of California at Los Angeles, developed a new membrane using nanoparticles that promises to dramatically reduce the cost and energy needed to desalinate seawater and clean wastewater. In the near term, these membranes could work in municipal desalination plants in water-thirsty areas, such as those planned for the California coastline. In the future, this groundbreaking technology can be adapted to meet the clean water needs of poor countries and people who rely on low cost, decentralized water treatment systems.

Once these technologies are implemented, social groups high and low will enjoy an improved life. Culture and science go hand in hand not just because one makes the other better, but because they both thrive off of each other. They work like two neighbors building a fence — together, sharing resources, anything can be achieved. Through the advancements of science and the strength of social settings, clean water can be achieved — and in our lifetime.

Bharat Book Bureau asked:


Bhatatbook.com included a new report on “Nanotechnology and Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential” this report looks at how nanotech is making possible new developments in the solar PV industry.

Nanotechnology and Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential

Nanotechnology, shortened to “Nanotech”, is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Nanotechnology-and-Photovoltaics-Trends-Market-Potential.html )

Nanotechnology is very diverse, ranging from novel extensions of conventional device physics, to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, to developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale, even to speculation on whether we can directly control matter on the atomic scale. Although nanotechnology is a relatively recent development in scientific research, the development of its central concepts happened over a longer period of time.

Photovoltaic (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sun energy (sunlight or sun ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years. The coming together of these two technologies has become the talk of the town lately. This report looks at how nanotechnology is changing the field of photovoltaic innovation. From the basics of nanotech to the basics of photovoltaic, this report looks at how nanotech is making possible new developments in the solar PV industry.

Contact us at :

Bharat Book Bureau

Tel: +91 22 27578668

Fax: +91 22 27579131

Email: info@bharatbook.com

Website: www.bharatbook.com

Blog: http://bharatbookresearch.blogspot.com

Marcia Henin asked:


Nanotechnology is an applied science, which deals in microscopic engineering of machines, bots and drugs. Nanotechnology mainly deals with structures that have measurements in nanometers. With the help of nanotechnology, it has become possible to control and make changes at the molecular levels of any compound.

 

Due to evolution in nanotechnology, it has become possible to develop various techniques that may help people in the future. There are several developments taking place in the field of medicines, physics, chemistry and other such fundamental sciences due to nanotechnology.

 

Nanotechnology and Solubilization:

 

Various biotech companies are now developing and commercializing unique water-based resources. These companies are trying to develop such unique water-based resources for various industries related to biotechnology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They are trying to patent this technology. This water-based resource has the ability to alter the properties of water. The ability to alter the properties of water is due to the presence of nanoparticles. Thus, this technology will help in creating unique water-based biomaterials. 

 

These companies have started commercializing such water-based products and solubilization services. These companies are trying to target the research and molecular diagnostic markets of the life science industry and are offering various solubilization services too. The new water-based material is soluble in water and other fluids.

 

The companies with the technology of water-based material also offer various solubilization services to the pharmacy and biotechnology companies. These services help the biotech and pharmacy related companies to improve the solubility and bioavailability of new and existing drugs.  

 

These solubilization services are nothing, but water-based nanotechnology, which are very much beneficial in drug delivery applications. They also increase the stability of a drug. One of the best advantages of this technology is that, it has the ability to change the physical properties of water and the nanoparticles in the technology have the capability of organizing the water molecules in its surroundings.

 

With the help of such a technology, it is now possible for many fields of science to develop bio-friendly technologies in the future. In the near future, scientists may help in preventing water crisis too. In short, this is the technology of future.

 

Mayer Fitoussi asked:


Green Nanotechnology

Water treatment system

Removing hazardous levels of arsenic from drinking water

Inventor and entrepreneur’s Mayer Fitoussi .Briefly, Aqua Soft Natural ®

It offers better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer, and smarter products for the home, for medicine, for transportation, for agriculture, and for industry in general.

Most water is used for industry and agriculture; Aqua Soft Natural ® A high-performance products; powerful modern ceramic magnets; Structurally Modified and Molecularly Infused Water; maximum Contact time to water treatment systems; Green Nanotechnology; inexpensive method for removing hazardous levels of arsenic from drinking water ; reduce harmful levels of arsenic in recycling water; reduce Infectious disease; reduce the risk of cancer; has biochemical function and slows aging; increase in 2-3 DPZ Enzyme levels; increase hemoglobin levels; reduce lactic acid levels; has no chemicals; has no salt and/or Siliphos (phosphate) for softening water ; dismantling chlorine; enhanced water; improves taste ; destroys bacteria; destroys coliform ; destroys algae; destroys virus’s in dairy barn; stimulation of immune system; prevent and cure mastitis in milk cow’s ; increase milk production ; de-scales all pipes/water heater/cooling system/fixtures; preventing salt water to be stick an “mattress” radiator / cooling system for agriculture green hothouse in the desert; no maintains cost;

Because the treatment requires no electricity, residents of developing nations where high levels of arsenic occur naturally in water supplies will be able to easily use it. That would help reduce the risk of cancer for tens of millions of impoverished villagers in China and Southeast Asia, where high levels of arsenic occur naturally in many water supplies. Arsenic contamination is also a threat to water supplies in parts of Latin America, Africa and the United States, where the Environmental Protection Agency this year (2006) reduced allowable levels in municipal water systems to 10 parts per billion, down from 50 parts per billion.

New York Times: A simple way to remove arsenic. Vicki Colvin, director of the university’s Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, said ” researchers were surprised to find that we didn’t need large electromagnets to move our nanoparticles, and that in some cases hand-held magnets could do the trick.”

Scientist; Professor; Researcher, Dr. Klaus Kronenberg: Permanent magnet materials have been developed in recent decades to be 100 times as strong and much more durable than the old-fashioned magnets made out of steel. In contrast to steel magnets, which weaken with age, modern ceramic magnets do not show any changes with age.

bacteria/algae : under “open loop” (exposed to air, such as cooling towers) brought the bacteria count down from over 4,000 per milliliter to only 4 count per milliliter. Open loop systems are the most difficult. When in a “closed loop” system (pipe), bacteria/algae is much easier to control. Dr. Klaus Kronenberg: “Magnetic Water Treatment can actually make naturally polluted lakes and streams fit to drink and safe”.

Pool & Spa News: Magnetically altered water kills Algae. Algae is controlled, PH is stabilized, minerals are polarized and water is soft and silky”.

Better tasting water: Dr. Klaus J. Kronenberg: ” the chlorine odor of chlorinated water is greatly reduced by effective magnetic treatment. In fact, slight chlorination may become unnoticeable to the average user. Water that comes with a slight sulfur odor loses this smell after being treated with magnetic devices”.

Health News: Scientist, Researcher Professor Israel Lin, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology stated: “the change of water’s properties is the key. The magnetized water increases the solubility of minerals to all parts of the body, making the organism work more efficiently, because of breaking minerals down to the smallest particle size, and reducing “surface tension” of water, makes it a better “carrier” of food and minerals. Testing on Dairy Cows proved a 15% better TDN (total digestible nutrients)”.

The recent investigations have indicated that there are a more number of hexagonal structure at a lower temperature (cold water), 22% at 10% AND 26% at 0 C . The hexagonal water can exist almost 100% at super cooled temperature of –30C to –40C. Also, another factor to increase hexagonal structure of water when the water was magnetized by a powerful magnetic field.

Experiments on magnetized water under various magnetic fields AND various flow conditions of ionic solutions indicate that the effects observed in magnetized water are related to the effects shown by the addition of structure-making ions OR by lowering the temperature.

Most people think we take oxygen only through the air we breathe, but foaming oxygen increased by magnetized water activates the kinetic energy, stimulates the mucous membrane while passing through the stomach, small AND large intestines AND promotes blood circulation to the blood vessels. The oxygen also takes out the toxic gases AND waste in the intestines, which provide a clean intestinal environment as well as clear blood stream.

An excess amount of oxygen existing in the magnetized hexagonal water can easily be absorbed AND penetrated in the blood within 30 seconds, to the brain tissues AND genitals after one minute, to the skin after 10 minutes and, to the liver, heart AND kidney after 20 minutes. The brain accounts for 20% to 30% of total oxygen consumption in our body. Lack of oxygen to the brain may cause one to be lethargic, have a lower attention span, AND over an extended period of anoxemia will certainly lead to dementia AND eventual death.

Lemon juice, vitamin C powder OR other health aid, mix with hexagonal water will be more effective.

Hexagonal water is believed to activate the enzymes that remove the harmful free radical oxygen in the body.

Hexagonal or magnetized water is not a medicine but is an effective medium against certain diseases, playing a preventive medical role in enhancing the resistance AND immunity of the human body AND as such, has the natural healing properties against diseases.

Human Studies (Japan)

A study with the Japanese Olympic Scientific Research Team to test the enhanced water’s ability to remove waste byproducts … in particular, lactic acid. In the study, 25 members of the Japanese Olympic swimming team (13 men and 12 women) were required to swim at an accelerated pace until their heart rates were highly elevated (i.e., 180 beats/minute to 200 beats/minute). Each swimmer was then allowed to rest and given a controlled quantity of either enhanced or tap water to drink. Lactic acid levels were then monitored over time until they had returned to normal. This trial was repeated several times in a crossover, double blind fashion so that each athlete was tested with both enhanced water and tap water but without knowing which water they were drinking. During two months of additional training, the athletes were given the enhanced water on an exclusive basis and monitored for 2-3 DPZ Enzyme (an enzyme critical for the ability of blood to absorb oxygen) and blood hemoglobin levels.

In all test subjects, swimmers were observed to quantitatively reduce lactic acid levels by an average of 50 percent greater with the enhanced water versus tap water. The lactic acid removal rate was also approximately 50 percent faster with the enhanced water than the control tap water. During the testing period, all athletes showed an increase in 2-3 DPZ Enzyme levels and hemoglobin levels when compared with the baseline levels.

“Water that has been Revitalized through Magnetic Treatment is restored to its natural energy”. retains valuable minerals and converts them to a form that increases digestibility. No other system will do this. Improves digestion. Some individuals have a stomach trouble involving digestion. in most cases eliminates this problem. Since this treatment reduces “surface tension” of water, it becomes a better carrier of nutrients”.

“Naturally Soft Water”. Dr. Klaus Kronenberg states: “The positive effects were described as making the water appear to “behave” as if the mineral content was lowered”. Water feels soft and silky.

Reduces the need of soaps ; detergents; shampoo/conditioners; chemicals; chlorine for pools/spa. Dries quicker, eliminates water spots; ends chlorine irritation. Magnetic Water Treatment reduces the surface tension and makes water a better “wetting agent”. It takes about 75% less to do the job because it increases the solubility of the treated water.

De – Scales Pipes and Equipment. Magnetized, by Dr. Klaus Kronenberg: (New Technologies) Not only was formation of scale totally eliminated, the removal of scale deposits in old water pipes could be accomplished in relatively short time.

Michael Keefe (Magnetic Water Conditioner): Every private home can be relieved of water problems by utilizing permanent magnets. The thermal efficiency of hot water heating systems is impaired with scale build-up and corrosion problems. The magnets can thus save energy by keeping heat transfer surfaces free from insulating scale.

Air Conditioning, radiator, Plumbing and Heating: As the water flows through the Aqua Soft Natural ® the hard water minerals are polarized and remain in liquid suspension eliminating the problem of the particles clinging to water pipes, cool radiator and water heater, Essentially, scale forming minerals end up suspended in the water and all prior scale is magnetically attracted to the water. This descaling process is known as the stabilization period and lasts from two to six months.

Reduces Heating Costs: National Air Conditioning; Plumbing and Heating Contractors: 3/8 inch of scale in hot water heaters uses 48% more fuel to heat. When the scale is removed a more efficient water heating system is created. U.S. Bureau of Standards: On the third year, your 40 gallon water heater only hold about 30 gallons (10 gallons of scale) and costs about five times as much to heat. One half inch of scale has a 70% increased fuel cost. Magnetic Water Conditioning, by Michael Keefe: The tangible benefits to the user are preservation and improvement of thermal efficiencies in hot water heaters, which results in energy savings and a reduction of the economic impact of steadily soaring heating costs.

www.aquasoft-natural.com

Subhash asked:


At any given moment, millions of scientists, researchers, programmers and others, are working for the common good. Some have selfish motivations, and others may not understand the import of their work but in the end we may all benefit from their endeavors. Since we do not know what the future holds, it is difficult to accurately predict which projects will turn out to be the most significant; it is likely that many ventures will end in failure, and in retrospect, we may even be surprised that some were even undertaken. We can, however, uncover some leading candidates for most critical projects currently underway.

Medicine – We’ll start with the most obvious. Medical improvements can benefit all of us, either directly or indirectly. Cures to epidemics, or new medical therapies, perhaps genetic, can improve the quality of our lives. A cure for cancer or AIDS can end up saving millions of human lives and elevating the quality of life for millions more. Perhaps the most important work in this area is being performed by those trying to come up with new and faster methods to cure communicable diseases; there are many teams preemptively working on systems and techniques to quickly determine the root causes of new diseases and to devise the plans to eradicate them.

Diplomacy – The population of our planet has been steadily increasing, but living space and available natural resources remain finite. Tensions are likely to flare, and there are many people working to make sure that the various power structures in the world will function cohesively in the future. Major discord between competing entities can lead to unprecedented harm. Those that are working to eradicate terrorism at its source, and those that work toward international accord may be involved in today’s most important work.

Spiritual – There are many people that dismiss the importance of physical practicalities of our lives, and focus their efforts on more grandiose ends such as personal fulfillment, enlightenment and moral living. They urge us to strive for meaningful lives as opposed to merely comfortable ones; others try to shift attention to the afterlife as opposed to the here and now. It is possible that the work done in promoting these spiritual ends will accomplish the most for humanity in the long run.

Alternative Energy – Just a few hundred years ago, the issue of energy was mostly irrelevant. People collected wood for cooking and heat, and maybe used sunlight to warm water. Modern society, however, is entirely different, and much of what we do is directly or indirectly based on energy. Energy is used for transportation, industrial production, communications – even the harvesting and transportation of fruits and vegetables relies on a surprising amount of energy.

Nanotechnology – Nanotechnology is a field of applied science and technology covering a broad range of topics. The main unifying theme is the control of matter on a scale smaller than one micrometre, as well as the fabrication of devices on this same length scale. It is a highly multidisciplinary field, drawing from fields such as colloidal science, device physics, and supramolecular chemistry. Much speculation exists as to what new science and technology might result from these lines of research. Some view nanotechnology as a marketing term that describes pre-existing lines of research.

Computing, Internet and Artificial Intelligence – As processing power improves, the functionality and value of computers tends to increase significantly. The best computers of just a decade ago could not even handle tasks that the average desktop computer now handles with ease. The networking of these computers has expanded the possibilities even further. Computing and the internet has already changed many of our lives. We plan trips, research products, and explore our history in entirely new and more efficient ways. It seems clear, however, that the impact of the internet has just begun its influence on our lives.

Robotics – The field of robotics has been around for many years, and although there have been plenty of advancements, robots do not seem to affect our daily lives in any significant way. Of course robots make great toys, many are used in manufacturing facilities, and others are used for sea exploration or bomb detonation. It is likely, however, that all of this will change. As computing power improves and becomes less expensive, robots are given the ‘brains’ that they need to become very useful.

Space Travel – To some, this may be the most perplexing entry on this list. Suppose that the medical researchers described above are not able to stave off some future viral plague. Or imagine the nightmare scenario of a huge asteroid colliding with earth. What if drastic climate change ends up rendering our planet inhospitable to any form of life.

It is clear that some important issues were omitted from the list above, but it was not intended to be exhaustive. It may turn out that the most important work isn’t even on the radar right now. What is clear, is that although we are faced with unprecedented issues and problems, we have the technology and capacity to solve them; it is certainly a very exciting time to be alive!

Ben Lardes asked:


Penny stocks are an attractive proposition for many investors because they cost a lot less to invest in. But while they can offer good returns if the company does well, they can also be risky and involve a higher risk of loss. As such, you’ll have plenty of penny stocks to watch and consider as time goes by.

With every week that passes there are fresh stocks to consider and new ones to watch, but a promising one at the moment is the Dynamotive Energy company. One of the reasons why this could be a good pick is the fact that the company is devoted to green issues. It produces fuels for cars and other vehicles that are kind to the environment, and it has plans to keep on producing better, cleaner fuels into the future as well.

Incidentally it is worth watching out for other young and upcoming companies whose stocks are worth pennies if they have some connection to the environmentally friendly brigade. This is a hot area to get involved in and it could reap some nice rewards in the future. There are lots of penny stocks to watch in this area

Another hot stock available on the NASDAQ at the moment is listed as being Arena Pharmaceuticals. This is a typical example of a company in the medical field whose shares are low enough to make the NASDAQ Penny Stocks list, but are equally holding plenty of promise for the future. The medical field is always a good one to watch for promising penny stocks, since the advance of medicine is always met with a lot of interest. They currently have a drug being tested which could help in the fight against obesity. If it works, their shares may well shoot up to reflect that success.

Some people focus on specific areas of penny stocks, such as green issues, medical and technology. Others however are content to focus on anything if it feels like the right deal to try.

Perhaps the key word in the title however is ‘watch’. If you are new to this type of trading, the best penny stocks to watch initially will be all of them. See how things develop and move over time, and work out if there is a particular area you would like to get involved in. Then you just need to decide which stocks to sink your money into.

Tatiana Velitchkov asked:


The overwhelming disparity in riches between third world countries and the more developed nations has never been more poignant that in today’s modern society. While the technology exists, in the form of rapid strides in nanotechnology, its access is limited to and concentrated on the more affluent power brokers of the world.

The innovative strides in nanotechnology have the potential control poverty, eliminate hunger, and provide safer and cleaner water for the poor as well as providing a ready cure for tropical diseases in those areas where human suffering is the hallmark of existence.

But, will this technology ever reach those who need it the most? This is the burning question that must be addressed by the controlling agents within the government, military and private sectors.

Unfortunately, history has a disquieting way of repeating itself and, traditionally, the poorer nations of the world have been last on the list for technological advances that contribute to easing their innate suffering. Rather than focusing on enveloping poorer nations within the bosom of caring and just actions, far too often the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ is ever widening.

Nanotechnology, with its promise of hope and renewal could be the solution to drastically improving the quality of life for all, if it is distributed fairly and evenly.

Nanotechnological strides are being developed in some third world countries like Brazil, India, Thailand and South Africa where millions of dollars has been earmarked to encourage the progression of research and development of nanotechnology and its promise of overwhelming advancements in environmental, agricultural, medical and sustainable natural resources. The hope is that the resulting developments will benefit rich and poor alike, thus satisfying the Millennium Development Goals as set out by the United Nations in their bid to eliminate, or at least control poverty in the poorest nations.

The more powerful scientific communities, like those in the United States, Britain and Japan lead the universal thirst for nanotechnology perfection. Yet there are those who decry the seeming objectives of these more powerful nations. They say the nations who are able to encourage the rapid strides in scientific research in nanotechnology appear to be allocating more effort into using it for military gains and covert surveillance than in benefiting the poor and disadvantaged.

It is said that if you want to see into the future, you need only look to the past. In previous decades, humanitarians put a lot of faith and hope into burgeoning technologies in biotechnology and its promise to solve world hunger via genetically modified organisms. However, the proposed benefits to the poorer nations have yet to materialize. It appears the developed nations are reaping the rewards of widely grown and readily available GMO enhanced foods which are being consumed in countries that do not have the abject poverty of the under-developed worlds.

The promise of dramatic improvement to the quality of life for the poor has yet to come to fruition. It can only be hoped that saner minds will take precedence in the development of nanotechnology and that its benefits will be shared by both rich and poor throughout the entire world.