Blog@CeNTI - CeNTI - Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials http://www.centi.pt Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:16:38 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.centi.pt/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.centi.pt Blog@CeNTI - CeNTI - Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid= Foram produzidos nos EUA e na Europa os primeiros protótipos de um novo material «omnifóbico» – capaz de repelir substâncias líquidas com uma eficácia nunca antes conseguida. Mais informação em Diário Digital (http://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?section_id=60 id_news=365530 page=0)José Santos Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:17:42 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210&Itemid= Com a ajuda da internet e alguma imaginação, uma dona de casa alemã viu um pequeno hobbie artesanal tornar-se um sucesso comercial. Notícias TSF (http://tsf.sapo.pt/paginainicial/AudioeVideo.aspx?content_id=1057209) Carina Machado Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:54:26 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Itemid= Magellan Systems International, LLC (majority owned subsidiary of DuPont) is developing a new synthetic fiber known as M5®. The developers claim that this new fiber will bear exciting new properties like ultra-high strength, ultra-high thermal and flame resistance. Additionally, it promises to have excellent resin adhesion characteristics that should deliver significant value in uni-directionals, woven pre-pregs, and in mechanical paper applications.Magellan Systems International, LLC claims that this new fiber represents a dramatic improvement over materials currently employed in critical-use applications such as soft and hard ballistics protection, fire protection, non-structural composites, and a host of other applications where premium performance is valued. Magellan relies heavily on its majority owner, DuPont (Kevlar®’s proprietary), for financial, technical, and business management support, and as such, we all are looking forward to see it, test it and use it… For more information: www.m5fiber.com Bruno Jarrais Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:25:02 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=194&Itemid= Instead of steel, aluminum or carbon fiber, the GINA Light Visionary Model (http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/channel/new) has a body of seamless fabric stretched over a movable metal frame that allows the driver to change its shape at will.For more information: blog.wired.com (http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/06/bmw-builds-a-ca.html) José Santos Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:55:05 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid= Launched alongside The Museum of Modern Art “Design and The Elastic Mind” exhibition, the Morph concept device is a bridge between highly advanced technologies and their potential benefits to end-users. This device concept showcases some revolutionary leaps being explored by Nokia Research Center (NRC) in collaboration with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre (United Kingdom) – nanoscale technologies that will potentially create a world of radically different devices that open up an entirely new spectrum of possibilities. Morph concept technologies might create fantastic opportunities for mobile devices:- Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live- Devices become self-cleaning and self-preserving- Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension- Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge- Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choicesIn addition to the advances above, the integrated electronics shown in the Morph concept could cost less and include more functionality in a much smaller space, even as interfaces are simplified and usability is enhanced. All of these new capabilities will unleash new applications and services that will allow us to communicate and interact in unprecedented ways. Read more here: NOKIA (http://www.nokia.com/A4852062)Bruno Jarrais Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:44:40 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=175&Itemid= Nanomaterials are often referred to as the holy grail of next generation materials and devices. However, serious concerns exist relating to the eventual negative effects on human health and the environment posed by these tiny bits of matter. A comprehensive article on this topic has recently been published on the “Scientific American” Magazine. For more information: Scientific American (http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=will-nano-particles-present-big-health-problems) or CDC Niosh (http://www2a.cdc.gov/niosh-nil/index.asp) José Santos (http://www2a.cdc.gov/niosh-nil/index.asp) Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:35:41 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=171&Itemid= Have you ever thought a particular piece of clothing gave you a special feeling, a sort of ‘click’ able to boost your power for the daily activities? Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:27:58 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=166&Itemid= The quote Me, Myself and iPhone is the reflex of the iPhone-boom that is already happening all over the world, especially in USA, and now in Europe: 4 millions iPhone (http://www.latest-mobile.com/) sold in 200 days ! The main characteristics overwhelm who nearly likes technology, design and granted overall capability. It’s your computer on your pocket! Some questions are coming up all over internet, like: when can we see iPhone nano? Or even, iPhone shuffle?! Now, here is my question: How much really nano can/could we find on the iPhone?Multi-touch display, made with special coating techniques in order to deposit nano-layers of conductive polymers?Nano-coated scratch-proof screen? Stereo earphones with built-in microphone with high miniaturization?Built-in rechargeable Nano lithium ion battery? All I know is: this fits in 115x61x11,6mm! Cheap and simple? Well…not yet!Maria José Machado Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:20:04 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=162&Itemid= Thanks to nanotechnology, we might nowadays wonder how black the blackest colour is! Researchers from Rice University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA) have produced the darkest material ever made using carbon nanotubes. According to Pulickel Ajayan, who led the research team at Rice University in Houston, this material reflects only 0.045% of the light that strikes it (or by other words, 99.955% of the light that hits it gets absorbed). The previous record holder for darkness, a nickel-phosphorus alloy, reflects four times as much light. Fashion apart, this material can be used to build advanced solar cells which trap sunlight and convert it to energy. Additionally, it might be used to block radiations in several defence applications. Interested? Dig into (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22690997/) .... Photograph showing the comparison of the blackest material with the current standard for black: the National Institute of Standards and Technology's reflectance standard is at the top of this image, taken with flash illumination. The newly developed nanotube material is in the middle, and a piece of glassy carbon is at the bottom of the image. Carla Joana Silva Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:02:22 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161&Itemid= Self-sustainability is nowadays a hot-spot for some societies, where people look for the ecological/economical way of life. Riding bicycle to work, create own vegetables, bio-based fibres or self-cleaning garments can be few examples for rough but easy self-sustainability. A nice example is given by the designer Joo Youn Paek, that designed a Self-Sustainable Chair: a dress made of 7 trash bags, 2 foot-pumps and a pair of slippers. The dress inflates on each step, turning it to a comfortable resting chair! The deflation happens due to weight of the user, inviting him to walk again “as a loop behavior on the street”. Could we say this is, not only self-sustainable, but also an interactive garment? Why not? It creates an amusing performance on daily routine, not requiring lots of cables, electronic or injecting pumps, like a wearable canoe presented by Yeal Mer, for emergency floods, after the storm in New Orleans. I can say both are nice, easy and useful, but what are actually the world priorities?! Preventing the lack of Earth resources or protecting humans from extreme climate changes? Maria José Machado Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:33:20 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160&Itemid= Have you ever seen an Advent Calendar of the size of a red blood cell? Of course it’s hard to see it in a glimpse, but it’s even harder to built it without the help of precise equipment. A group of scientists, in Germany, created a Calendar that measures 8.4µm by 12.4µm, with nice Christmas images in each day of December, where each image can measure about 20 nm. The construction was made with the help of electron microscope, making the etching of a semi-conducting gallium arsenide wafer coated with Poly(methyl-methacrylate - PMMA). Based on a joke, but is serious science! (http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/December/14120701.asp) Maria José Machado Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:36:47 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid= The use of nanodiamonds for delivering of chemotherapy drugs has been reported in the journal Nano Letters (http://pubs.acs.org/journals/nalefd/index.html). Researchers from the Northwestern University (http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/311) demonstrate that such approach has the benefit of avoiding the negative effects associated with current drug delivery agents (e.g. cell inflammation). This study has the potential to impact several areas of Biomedicine. Learn more about it here (http://blog.nanovic.com.au/2007/11/12/diamonds-to-help-with-cancer-treatment/). T. S. Mayor Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:04:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=156&Itemid= Do you miss the radio days? Well, radio might be the next big thing... in nanotechnology. Researchers from the University of California have constructed a wireless radio detector from carbon nanotubes. The device was used to transmit AM music wirelessly from an iPod to a speaker several feet away. This work might impact the construction of wireless Communications Systems at the nanoscale. Read more here. (http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/nalefd/asap/pdf/nl0714839.pdf) T. S. Mayor Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:36:13 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid= Going on with the Workshops that are happening week-by-week, is time to brief you the 2nd workshop about Surface Engineering and Functional Materials (that occurred in 17th October). The first part of the presentation was focused in technologies for surface engineering that will exist in CeNTI and its respective capabilities. The range of technologies is large and, for this reason, some examples were giving, respecting the synergy between processes and the incorporation of (nano)functional materials. The second part was to give attention to the relation between functional materials and functionalities that can be achieved in textile substrates. To explore this area you can click here and here. Maria José Machado Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:56:14 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid= The first CeNTI Workshop was held last Wednesday at V.N. Famalição. Several entrepreneurs had the chance to get an insight into the technologies and equipments CeNTI is about to acquire in the field of non-conventional fibres and functional materials. The atmosphere was very dynamic, which resulted in live discussions between participants. I look forward to the next Workshop (Surface Treatments and Functional Materials, 17th October). Stay tunedhere (component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/lang,pt_PT/) ! (component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/lang,pt_PT/) T. S. Mayor Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:51:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=143&Itemid= ITMA’s fair is still occurring in Munique, until 20 September. I was there and brought some highlights to share! Depending on the sectors, from knitting, weaving, fibres, chemical products or milling, the strategy differs dramatically. Some sectors are looking for “do it faster” and “right at first time”. Others, like dyeing and printing markets, look for “water and energy saving”. Also, non-conventional line-guides are given to Europe market, where new technologies are offered, as well new apparatus for new products building. European Market was not leading all sectors, as some years ago. Asian companies are strongly represented in apparatus building, and it is possible to see also some fusions between companies from Europe and Asia. The new area at ITMA – Research and Education Area presented some new trends for technology in textile sector. Some known institutes and research centers showed R D for areas like wearable electronics, new functionalisations, non-conventional fibres and, of course, some courses in new textile market areas. Scaling-up for industry level is the most sensitive subject to be take into account in the next ITMA. To present R D+I, not only final product need to be presented, but also the manner to achieve the product, with sustainable processes.To finalize, 3 days is not enough to see everything with open eyes, but is sufficient to see where we are and how far we can go! Maria José Machado Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:51:59 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=142&Itemid= Recent developments in nanotechnology will boost the cleaning and conserving of paintings, marble sculptures and other work of art. Chemists in Italy have devised a nanomagnetic sponge which can be loaded with solvents and that can be easily removed after the cleaning using a simple magnet. Read more on this topic (http://www.physorg.com/news108035628.html).T. S. Mayor Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:02:38 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=141&Itemid= Spiderman, the hero that belongs to our imaginary, might not be so far from the real world, according to Nicola Pugno , a physicist of the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. He claims that by mimicking nature, thanks to carbon-nanotube-based technology, humans could soon do the same by donning a sticky Spiderman suit woven. In his article, published last week in J. Phys.: Condens. Matter (http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0953-8984/19/39/395001/), he suggests that a man can theoretically be supported by a transparent cable with cross-section of 1 cm2 and feasibly, with spider material gloves and boots, could remain attached even to a ceiling: a preliminary step towards a Spiderman suit. Nanointerlocking, capillary and van der Waals forces, all potential adhesive mechanisms, are discussed, demonstrating the key role played by hierarchy in the design of superhydrophobic, i.e. self-cleaning and superadhesive materials. If you want to know more, stick to nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/8/27?alert=1).Carla Joana Silva Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:04:31 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140&Itemid= The hunt is on for new non-silicon high performance photovoltaic materials. Non-silicon photovoltaic materials prove to have several advantages in relation to silicon based materials, specifically some non-silicon materials are transparent allowing the photovoltaic material to be used in writ watches or, in the long run, as window panes and wind shields in automobiles. Other materials can generate electricity even at narrow incidence angles and polarized light. Read more… (http://www.idtechex.com/printedelectronicsworld/articles/when_will_organic_photovoltaics_be_viable_00000652.asp) João Gomes Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:28:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139&Itemid= Have you ever wanted to call a friend but your phone battery was dead? Well… very soon you will only have to use your hand to power the phone. Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits have developed a way of harnessing natural body heat to generate electricity. Interested? 'Plug' it here. (http://www.physorg.com/news105200099.html)T. S. Mayor Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:48:34 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid= NanoMission™ is a cutting edge gaming experience which educates players about basic concepts in nanoscience through real world practical applications from microelectronics to drug delivery. On the site from Playgen (http://www.playgen.com/) you are able to find several games, which one of them is a nano adventure in the Nano World – NanoMission™ (http://www.nanomission.org/) with several modules: NanoImaging, Learning Scale and NanoMedicing. Download it…and have fun! Maria José Machado Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:31:34 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid= A water desalination system using carbon nanotube-based membranes could significantly reduce the cost of purifying water from the ocean.The technology could potentially provide a solution to water shortages or where a lack of clean water is a major cause of disease.For more information: techreview (http://www.techreview.com/Nanotech/16977/) José santos Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:16:42 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=136&Itemid= Products like e-paper, displays on sunglasses and maps on car windshields can soon be more than a movie special effect! Scientists from Purdue University have managed to fabricate fully transparent high-speed nanowire transistors, which definitely constitute a major step towards the development of see-through flexible electronic displays. See-through this discovery here (http://www.physorg.com/news104758465.html).T. S. Mayor Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:57:07 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid= The International Textile Machinery Exhibition ITMA 2007, which will take place in Munich from 13 to 20 September 2007, has the main theme of a “Place for Innovation”. A current example of this is nanotechnology, a technology of the future that also enables new properties and saving potential for textiles and clothing, for example in materials and energy costs. Some examples like spider-silk, merino wool achieved on polyester fibres, nanocoatings, self-cleaning textiles will be presented in the hall B2. Hope to meet you there! For further information, go to: www.itma.comMaria José Machado Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:09:43 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=134&Itemid= Sometimes in our life, when sizing is a task from your everyday, sizes, “supersizes” and “nanosizes” are knotty to imagine, or even associate to something we can see, or even touch. A brilliant idea to transport this sizes into images and frames gives a scary information about “How small we are!”. I invite you to have a seat and look at here! (http://www.micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/) Maria José Machado Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:22:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133&Itemid= O novo sistema display indoor de grandes dimensões Super Frontech Vision EP series da Fujitsu Frontech para espera contribuir para a criação de uma sociedade cada vez menos dependente do papel uma vez que se propõe a substituir painéis de papel de grandes dimensões em espaços fechados. O novo Super Frontech Vision EP series utiliza painéis de papel de múltiplas cores e funciona em modos de baixo consume energético, tendo entrado esta semana em produção e distribuição comercial.Ler mais (http://www.idtechex.com/printedelectronicsworld/articles/fujitsu_frontech_striving_for_a_paperless_society_00000641.asp)... (http://www.idtechex.com/printedelectronicsworld/articles/fujitsu_frontech_striving_for_a_paperless_society_00000641.asp)João Gomes Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:16:15 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=132&Itemid= Under the overall topic The Chain of Innovation , the new Aachen-Dresden International Textile Conference is poised to become one of the most important textile meetings in Europe and a platform for the international textile industry. Supported by external experts, the compiled programme provides ideas for innovative textile and fibre products and points out to new applications. Also, there will be an emphasis on unconventional product profiles and how these can be generated via the design of surfaces/interfaces and combining materials. Three major areas will be focused:Surfaces and Interfaces: From Physics to Application Combining Materials Innovations: Products – Technologies – Machinery ConceptsKnow more about this event... (http://www.aachen-dresden-itc.de/english/home_en.htm) Carla Joana Silva Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:33:53 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid= Investigadores da CSIRO desenvolvem a camisola Air Guitar - o talento musical ao alcance do comum dos mortais , acrescentando mais um bem-sucedido capítulo à história dos Têxteis Inteligentes. A tecnologia, que é adaptável a praticamente qualquer peça, leva o vestuário para além do seu tradicional papel de protecção e moda, mais precisamente ao mundo do entretenimento e a uma vasta gama de outras aplicações incluindo o desenvolvimento de vestuário para monitorizar alterações fisiológicas. Ler mais... (http://www.portugaltextil.com/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=444 Itemid=2) Carla Joana Silva Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:49:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid= Investigadores no centro Purdue University's Birck Nanotechnology nos EUA afirmam ter criado o primeiro protótipo para um novo design de semicondutores, em que aparelhos poderão ser construídos com electrónica transparente e em cima de bases e substratos também eles transparentes. Este promete ser mais um passo na direcção de ecrãs transparentes e flexíveis para diferentes aplicações. Ler mais (http://www.idtechex.com/printedelectronicsworld/articles/transparent_transistors_to_bring_future_displays_00000634.asp) João Gomes Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:39:27 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=129&Itemid= The small fishing town of Piran, Slovenia, will hold the 12th edition of the International Conference on Environmental Ergonomics, from 19 to 24 of August. The meeting will address the impact of environmental extremes on the physiology of exercise and work, and the interaction of protective clothing and equipment on physiological function. I look forward to meet you there! (http://www.icee07.si/)T. S. Mayor Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:38:34 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid= O Departamento de Física do pólo de Guimarães da Universidade do Minho está a desenvolver uma investigação no domínio dos materiais inteligentes com aplicação em calçado com potencialidades de geração de energia e novos conceitos de teclados e telas. Segundo Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez, um cientista espanhol responsável por aquele departamento, os novos materiais, entre eles os polímeros electroactivos, têm, ainda, aplicação na monitorização de sinais vitais e de dispositivos biomédicos, e na área dos têxteis inteligentes .Ler mais: cienciahoje.pt (http://www.cienciahoje.pt/index.php?oid=22532 op=all)João Gomes Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:49:04 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid= An international workshop on nanosciences and nanotechnologies (NN07) will take place from 16 to 18 July in Thessaloniki, Greece. The aim of the event is to encourage scientific discussions, networking and collaboration between different academia, research and industry players in the field and to stimulate the exchange of educational concepts. The workshop sessions will cover the most advanced topics and subjects in multidisciplinary areas regarding nanosciences and nanotechnologies.For more information (http://nn07.physics.auth.gr/).José Santos Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:25:13 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid= Nanoparticles are known to be excellent carriers for delivering drugs. Yet, because they are quickly removed from the bloodstream, their effectiveness as drug delivery systems was, up until now, fairly reduced. However, a new discovery by researchers at the University of California has the potential to change this scenario. They found that by attaching the nanoparticles to the surface of the red blood cells, it is possible to increase dramatically the in vivo lifetime of these particles. This discovery can boost the effectiveness of treatments for cancer, blood clots and heart disease. Read more. (http://www.physorg.com/news102133695.html) T. S. Mayor Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:48:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125&Itemid= Sometimes, when high-tech or smart materials are created, some characteristics must be sacrificed in order to get the best equilibrium between the desired functionality and boundary features. From time to time, in surface treatments, the looking and touch suffer undesired changes with the purpose to protect the main functionality that can be achieved. This is the case of Lotus-effect on surfaces. This finish, based on nanotechnology, undergoes through optical changes, like scattering or diffraction. A group of researchers at National Taiwan University (NTU) reported the trade-off between optical properties and super-hydrophobic effects. In this way, the limitation restricts decrease and the applications are wider and rewarded. See article here (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/journal/6/6/6/1)Maria José Machado Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:56:44 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid= The Nano 50™ Awards, presented by Nanotech Briefs magazine, recognize the top 50 technologies, products, and innovators that have significantly impacted, or are expected to impact, the state of the art in nanotechnology.For more information: Nanotech (http://www.nanotechbriefs.com/nano50_winners.html)José Santos Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:20:16 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123&Itemid= Common bacteria have been shown to be viable carriers of sensors, drugs or DNA into cellular pre-determined positions. Such capacity can help early diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Interested?Read more here (http://www.physorg.com/news100970000.html).T. S. Mayor Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:40:32 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=122&Itemid= Measuring the amount of energy dissipated by the vibrating tip in the proximity of the sample surface has enabled Spanish microcopists to equip Atomic Force Microscopes with the ability to characterize compositional variations on the surface of the material as well as the morphology of the surface. These measurements maybe performed in the natural environment of the samples, thus enabling the study of in vivo samples and therefore emphasising the direct applicability of this technique to biological and polymer samples for nanoscale analysis. Know more. (http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/v6/n6/abs/nmat1925.html) João Gomes Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:17:10 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid= Spider silk is known to have exceptional mechanical properties, namely in terms of toughness. For instance, this natural material is known to be tougher than Kevlar, the strong heat-resistant aramid fibre which is used to make bullet-proof vests. Bearing this in mind, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is trying to develop a synthetic material mimicking the structure of the spider silk. The idea is to devise a light and tough material, one that could be used for instance to lessen the bulk of soldiers gear. Take a look. (http://www.biotech360.com/biotechArticleDisplay.jsp?biotechArticleId=100008)T. S. Mayor Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:16:50 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid= A workshop on metrology for nanotechnology will take place on 14 and 15 June in Turin, Italy.The event will be application-oriented, and will incorporate real industrial experiences and needs. It will bring together industrial users and experts from Italy's metrology community, as well as some international experts, to discuss needs in nanometrology and recent developments, particularly with reference to techniques and methods of measurement, instrumentation and standards.Thematic sessions will address:nanofabrication, top-down techniques, nanoelectronics, quantum devices;surfaces, layers and atomic scale metrology;nanostructured materials, nanocomposites, particles analysis;interdisciplinary techniques.For more information: nanotec (http://www.nanotec.it/)José Santos Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:06:59 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=119&Itemid= Everybody working in the scientific field of nanotechnology is thinking: how relevant is ‘nano’ when it comes to the environmental impact of engineered nanomaterials? There is existing a large number of studies for environmental impact related to the use and application of nanomaterials. Most of the studies carried out so far are in-vitro, while the testing in more complex environments is waiting in the real world. The understanding on whole ecosystems is being required in the minds of scientists, regulators and industrialists. A recent plublished study shows the impact of manufactured nanoparticles (fullerene – C60) on ordinary soil and showed no negative effects on it. Read the article over here (http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/esthag/2007/41/i08/abs/es061953l.html) Maria José Machado Thu, 31 May 2007 17:07:08 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid= The stiffness of bovine shin bone was mapped into complex, colourful, two-dimensional contour maps similar to those used by geographers. The work, developed by a team of researchers from MIT, may shed light into the origin of the mechanical properties of these major load-bearing structures. Read more (http://www.physorg.com/news99232902.html).T. S. Mayor Tue, 29 May 2007 12:34:34 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=117&Itemid= EU Project is developing new intelligent textiles for medical applications. The consortium consists of eight partners from four countries: two research institutes of micro and nanotechnology; two SMEs of clothing research, development and production areas; two universities working in wearable bioengineering; and two companies specialized in the manufacturing of textiles for demanding markets. Know more here (http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS ACTION=D SESSION= RCN=27719) João Gomes Tue, 29 May 2007 11:01:16 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid= A promising result has been obtained in the research against prostate tumours. A nanoparticle-encapsulated gene, developed by members of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer and researchers at the Lankenau Institute, triggered a significant reduction in the size of the prostate gland and prostate tumours in mice. This work is detailed in a paper titled Nanoparticulate delivery of suicide DNA to murine prostate and prostate tumors , from PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed cmd=Retrieve dopt=AbstractPlus list_uids=17427200 query_hl=1 itool=pubmed_docsum).T. S. Mayor Mon, 28 May 2007 11:56:58 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid= 'What a beautiful application of supercritical carbon dioxide,' said Martyn Poliakoff, an expert on clean technology at the University of Nottingham, UK. Interested in cultural heritage… and supercritical carbon dioxide?? What do they have in common? A group of Portuguese scientists developed the first environmentally friendly approach to cleaning fragile historic textiles. Find out more here (http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/ChemTech/Volume/2007/06/clean_art_conservation.asp) or at Micaela Sousa, Maria João Melo, Teresa Casimiro and Ana Aguiar-Ricardo, Green Chem., 2007 (DOI: 10.1039/b617543k (http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/GC/article.asp?doi=b617543k))Andrea Carneiro Mon, 28 May 2007 11:24:50 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=114&Itemid= Nanocomp Technologies Inc, USA, has successfully produced a textile material from long carbon nanotubes. The material, which could be used in applications such as structural composites and body armour, is lightweight and strong. It also conducts both electricity and heat.Read more here: jeccomposites (http://www.jeccomposites.com/composites-news/3450/First-ready-to-use-carbon.html), nanocomp (http://www.nanocomptech.com/)José Santos Fri, 25 May 2007 16:41:39 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid= The SENSOR+TEST 2007 (http://www.sensor-test.com/page/en/page_ID/105?PHPSESSID=4df297c32fe64f0de9aefdf3419416a4) Fair, Nürnberg (22-24 May), is a unique opportunity to contact with manufacturers of sensor and testing applications for diverse fields. Presenting wide-spectrum solutions going from fundamental research to automotive industry, the exhibition provides visitors with the possibility to exchange views with professionals from the state-of-the-art technology creators.T. S. Mayor, live from Nürnberg to BLOG@CENTI Wed, 23 May 2007 16:50:06 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid= This graphic of the ribbon structure of the vivid protein with a rising sun signifies the circadian clock (24-hour cycle). Credit: Cornell UniversityAfter all... it's all about chemistry!! Have you ever thought about Jet lag in that way? Circadian clocks (circadian comes from latin circa, around , and dies, day , meaning literally about a day ) regulate the timing of biological functions in almost all higher organisms. Anyone who has flown through several time zones knows the jet lag that can result when this timing is disrupted. A recent study in this issue, conducted by Cornell and Dartmouth scientists, has been published in Science journal this month. You can read more here!Andrea Tue, 22 May 2007 17:10:11 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111&Itemid= Nürnberg will hold the SENSOR+TEST 2007 Fair, covering the entire spectrum of measuring and testing system expertise in a comprehensive and cross-industry form. Read more (http://www.sensor-test.com/page/en/page_ID/105?PHPSESSID=4df297c32fe64f0de9aefdf3419416a4).T. S. Mayor Fri, 18 May 2007 16:38:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid= An extremely powerful adhesive (http://www.physorg.com/news98540556.html) has been developed by a team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic. It is less than a nanometre thick and withstands temperatures of at least 700°C (the adhesive's molecular bonds strengthen when exposed to heat). The new adhesive could impact everything from next-generation computer chip manufacturing to energy production. Well… we will definitely have stronger Post-its!T. S. Mayor Thu, 17 May 2007 11:57:00 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid= Sweating thermal manikins are the state-of-the-art measuring tool for the assessment of in usage clothing performance. They mimic human processes like walking, heat loss and sweat production and allow the evaluation of the garment-induced comfort with more detail than ever before. Some examples are: SAM (http://www.empa.ch/plugin/template/empa/*/26079/---/l=2) from Switzerland, WALTER (http://www.polyu.edu.hk/cpa/polyu/hotnews/details_e.php?year=all news_id=467) from Hong Kong and NEWTON (http://www.mtnw-usa.com/thermalsystems/vehicle.html) from United States of America.T. S. Mayor Wed, 16 May 2007 12:39:04 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid= University of Cincinnati researchers, using techniques that could revolutionize manufacturing for certain materials, have grown carbon nanotubes that are the longest in the world. While still slightly less than 2 centimeters long, each nanotube is 900,000 times longer than its diameter. Read More here (http://www.physorg.com/news98026698.html)João Gomes Tue, 15 May 2007 20:21:15 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid= From wood to nanotech, plastics are not just a 'one-word' productThe Journal of New England Technology - April 20, 2007 by Read more... (http://masshightech.bizjournals.com/masshightech/stories/2007/04/23/focus1.html?page=1) New Bioplastics Composite for Electronic Application (May 2007) A new composite that uses the bioplastic PLA with heat conductivity greater than stainless steel, and tackles heat release issues in electronic devices has been introduced by Japanese electronics group NEC Corporation. Used in the housings of electronic products, the material releases the heat generated from electronic parts through whole housing surfaces, and slows down the increase in the temperature of the housings near parts. The high heat composite, carbon fibre is cross linked with a unique biomass-based binder. The creation of a cross-linked structure of carbon fibre in the PLA achieves high heat diffusion. With carbon fibre content of 10%, the heat diffusion ability of the PLA composite is comparable to stainless steel, and with 30% carbon fibre heat diffusion is double that of stainless steel. Mass production of these bioplastic composites is expected by the end of the fiscal year ending March 2009. This is one of the many performance enhancements for PLA……. Read more (http://www.plastmart.com/plasticnews_print.asp?news_id=10141 mode=1)...Ana Ribeiro Tue, 15 May 2007 14:00:54 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=106&Itemid= A team of researchers from Universidade Federal de Pernambuco and Wright State University has proven that a single nanometre-scale pore in a thin membrane can be used to accurately detect and sort different-sized polymers chains that pass through the channel. This technology ( single-molecule mass spectrometry ) can one day be incorporated into lab-on-a-chip molecular analyzers. Interested? Read more here (http://www.physorg.com/news98097633.html). T. S. Mayor Tue, 15 May 2007 13:44:17 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid= A new podcast from NISEnet (http://www.nisenet.org/publicbeta/podcasts/index.php) is available. Learn about 'nanocars' and 'nanofactories' here (http://qt.exploratorium.edu/podcasts/nise/NISE-SmallTalk-Nanocar.mp3). T. S. Mayor Mon, 14 May 2007 13:26:02 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid= The cost benefits of incorporating nano-scale ingredients into polymer-based products … Behind much of the hype surrounding nanopolymers is a real opportunity for companies to produce superior, sustainable materials faster, cheaper and more efficiently. With this in mind Rapra Technology is pleased to announce the fi rst international Nanopolymers Conference, taking place in Berlin from 12th - 13th June 2007. This inaugural conference will provide up to the minute data on the rapid growth of nanopolymers and will demonstrate, via a range of case studies, their use in different industry sectors. Read-more (http://www.rapra.net/downloads/Nanopolymers07.pdf)Ana Ribeiro Mon, 14 May 2007 11:16:25 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid= Scientists from the University of Cambridge have successfully produced video footage showing how carbon nanotubes form. 10,000 times smaller in diameter than a human hair, carbon nanotubes will allow engineers to improve and further miniaturise everyday electronic devices like computers and mobile phones. Watch one of the movies here (http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/stories/2007/Nanotubes/HofmannS1.mp4) and another here (http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/stories/2007/Nanotubes/HofmannS2.mp4). Read more about this issue here (http://www.physorg.com/news97943572.html).T. S. Mayor Thu, 10 May 2007 12:24:51 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid= The possibility to stimulate the self-healing of damaged organs in our body is fuelling the efforts of researchers in the BioNanotechnology field. Take, for instance, the findings of Dr. Samuel I. Stupp, from Northwestern University, who has obtained very promising results regarding the regeneration of spinal cord injuries. Here is an excerpt from NanoTechWire (http://nanotechwire.com/news.asp?nid=4569): In a dramatic demonstration of what nanotechnology might achieve in regenerative medicine, paralyzed lab mice with spinal cord injuries have regained the ability to walk using their hind limbs six weeks after a simple injection of a purpose-designed nanomaterial. A video of Dr. Stupp discussing his research is available here (http://www.nanotechproject.org/114). T. S. Mayor Wed, 09 May 2007 13:18:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid= Imagine being in a cube made of opaque glass, on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower in Melbourne. Suddenly, you hear the sound of smashing glass and the cube becomes fully transparent, to reveal the Melbourne cityscape 285 m below… Well, you better have a strong heart if planning to go for it! This dramatic experience is one of the first applications of the low-cost switchable glass, recently developed by iGlass (http://www.iglass.biz/). Read more about The Edge (http://www.nanovic.com.au/index.php?a=news.news p=51 id=298).T. S. Mayor Mon, 07 May 2007 12:15:33 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=100&Itemid= Put on some clothes to prevent a cold has gained a whole new meaning… thanks to the work of fibre scientists at Cornel. By treating a cotton dress with silver nanoparticles, scientists took advantage of the antibacterial qualities of such metal to give the dress the ability to deactivate many harmful bacteria and viruses. Further, the silver infusion also reduces the need to wash the garment since the small size of the particles prevents soiling and stains. Well… the garment's price might still need some adjustment before going to the market… one square metre of the nano-treated cotton should cost about 10,000 USD. Read more here. (http://www.physorg.com/news97384337.html) T. S. Mayor Fri, 04 May 2007 17:24:29 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99&Itemid= MIT researchers have developed a new technique to measure the mass of single living cells with high accuracy. The technique could allow researchers to develop inexpensive and portable diagnostic devices to mimic, for instance, the cell-counting capabilities of flow cytometers, which are often used to monitor CD4 cell numbers in AIDS patients. Considering flow cytometers typically cost more than 20,000 USD, the alternative inexpensive devices can have a tremendous impact on AIDS testing in rural areas of Africa and elsewhere. Read more here. (http://www.physorg.com/news96824959.html) T. S. Mayor Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:40:19 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid= Researchers from Gergia Tech have found that water flows through nano-sized channels (smaller than 2 nanometres) behaving much like a solid, exhibiting high viscosity and organizing itself into layers. This indicates that water could be used as a lubricant at the one nanometre scale... Interested? Read more here (http://www.physorg.com/news96694671.html).T. S. Mayor Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:43:23 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid= NanoSMat 07, the International Conference on Surfaces, Coatings and Nanostructured Materials will be held in Algarve - Portugal from 9th until 11th July, and will cover a wide range of topics related to nanotechnology. This is the second conference of this series and it is expected to bring together state-of-the-art developments on all aspects related to the processing, characterization and applications of surfaces, coatings and novel nanostructured materials. Find out more at NanoSmat 07 web page.Andrea Carneiro Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:06:40 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid= The Swiss NanoConvention 2007 (http://www.empa.ch/plugin/template/empa/986/*/---/l=2) will be held in Kursaal Bern (http://www.kursaal-bern.ch/) on June 28th and 29th 2007. The event organized by EMPA (http://www.empa.ch/)will promote talks, interaction and discussions on the topic Nanotechnology – A Key Technology of the 21st Century and its Effects on Science, the Economy, Health and Society . I look forward to attend the Event!T. S. Mayor Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:50:27 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid= A Course on Modelling, automation and control of physiological variables will be held at the Science Faculty of Porto University (http://www.fc.up.pt/), on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2007. Experts from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, UK and USA will come together to discuss different tools to address physiological systems. Why don't you join me at the Course (http://www.fc.up.pt/hippocrates)?T. S. Mayor Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:56:29 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid= The firts report on Green Nanotechnology will be released by the Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies on April 26, 2007. Potentially of great interest for those working on nanotechnology-related issues, the report highlights the research breakthroughs, industry perspectives, and policy options in this exciting field. Read more here. (http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=3982)T. S. Mayor Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:14:35 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid= Where should we look at when searching for simple solutions? Nature is always a good bet! This could be thought of Bradley Nelson (http://www.mavt.ethz.ch/research/professoren/nelson), a professor of robotics and intelligent systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, whose team has developed a novel form of propulsion for microrobts by mimicking the way bacteria zip about using corkscrew-like appendages called flagella. The nanopropellers could be used to propel autonomous biomedical microrobots… Interested? Read more here (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18532/).T. S. Mayor Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:47:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid= Vacuum is an environment where the gas pressure is less than the ambient. Plasma is a ionized gas in which there are enough ions and electrons with high electrical conductivity. Vacuum coating is the deposition of a film or a coating in a vacuum (or low-pressure plasma) environment. Normally, the deposition of atoms (or molecules) one at a time such as physical vapour deposition (PVD) or low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (LP-CVD) processes or plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) are considered Vacuum Coating. Some applications afforded by Vacuum Coatings are:Thermal Control CoatingsElectrically Conductive FilmsTransparent Electrical ConductorsPolymer FilmsElectrical InsulatorsBase Coats for ElectroplatingReflector CoatingsFreestanding StructuresSolid Film Lubricants/Low Friction CoatingsCorrosion Protective CoatingsMagnetic Storage MediaElectrically Active FilmsHard and Wear-Resistant CoatingsDecorative and Decorative/Wear CoatingsPackagingOptical Films Maria José Machado Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:40:10 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid= According to two occupational health experts (Andrew Maynard and Robert Aitken), new methods and tools for measuring exposure to airborne engineered nanomaterials will be required to protect the health of workers in nanotechnology-related jobs (estimated to total 10 million people by 2014). The article Assessing Exposure to Airborne Nanomaterials: Current Abilities and Future Requirements can be viewed online here (http://www.nanotoxicology.net/).T. S. Mayor Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:21:25 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid= Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a way to produce direct current from ultrasonic wave vibrations. They took advantage of the fact that zinc-oxide nanowires are piezoelectric (i.e. they can convert mechanical energy into electricity). This is a big step toward a practical nanoscale power generator. Read more here (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18496/)T. S. Mayor Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:22:43 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid= Science fiction? Not anymore... Investigators from University of Tokyo have found a way to build molecular-scale scissors (only 3 nanometers long) and control them with light. They are small enough to deliver drugs into cells or manipulate genes and other biological molecules... curious? Read more here (http://www.physorg.com/news94042930.html) T. S. Mayor Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:01:24 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid= Organic crystals change shape and then go back to their original shape when exposed to light of different colours Researchers in Japan have discovered organic crystals that change shape when illuminated with ultraviolet light and then return to their original form under visible light. In an April 11 Nature paper, they show that the crystals can go back and forth between the two different shapes up to 100 times before cracking. The crystals could lead to tiny machines that are driven by light; similar to today's microelectromechanical systems used in microfluidics chips and optical communications systems, which are driven by electricity. Technology Review by MIT (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18525/) Ana Ribeiro Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:28:52 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86&Itemid= Vladimir Shalaev (http://cobweb.ecn.purdue.edu/~shalaev/), a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University, has devised a new theoretical design using nanowires which provides a way to hide devices from visible light... interested? Read more here (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18514/) T. S. Mayor Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:53:44 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid= Imagine living in a house that alerts you in case of emergency (e.g. Wall stresses and vibrations, peaks in temperature, humidity and gas levels)... Such possibility is already being developed by a consortium led by the German building manufacturer Knauf. The work is due to be completed in December 2010. Read more here (http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=3930) T. S. Mayor Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:19:21 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid= Do you want to win $25,000 worth of cutting-edge nanopositioning products from Physik Instrumente? Well, you must be a researcher developing innovative processes or products that benefit from nanopositioning devices, you should apply until April 30 and... be North American... Read more (http://www.pi-usa.us/nanoinnovat.htm) T. S. Mayor Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:57:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid= Listen to the new podcast (http://www.azonano.com/podcasts/nano.mp3) on the potential health, safety and environmental implications of nanotechnology! T. S. Mayor Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:17:30 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid= Now I know why a cup of tea feels so nice in the morning... It's the nanobubbles (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/4/2/1?rss=2.0)! T. S. Mayor Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:01:42 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid= In the future, wearable electronics will go far beyond just very small electronic devices. Not only will such devices be embedded on textile substrates, but an electronics device or system could become the fabric itself. Electronics textiles will allow the design and production of a new generation of garments with distributed sensors and electronic functions. Such e-textiles will have the revolutionary ability to sense, act, store, emit, and move (think biomedical monitoring functions or new man-machine interfaces) while leveraging an existing low-cost textile manufacturing infrastructure. Reporting a novel approach through the construction of all-organic wire electrochemical transistor devices (WECT) , researchers in Sweden show that textile monofilaments can be coated with continuous thin films of a conducting polymer and used to create microscale WECTs on single fibers. They also demonstrate inverters and multiplexers for digital logic. This opens an avenue for three-dimensional polymer micro-electronics, where large-scale circuits can be designed and integrated directly into the three-dimensional structure of woven fibers. Read more: Nanowerk (http://www.nanowerk.com) Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:28:06 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid= Synthetic nanoparticles do not harm soil ecology, according to new experiments by researchers at Purdue University in the US. The result was obtained by adding fullerenes (or buckyballs) to samples of soil and observing any changes. Read more: Nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/3/31) Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:06:32 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid= Solar cells, camera lenses, and LEDs could benefit from new antireflection coatingsUnwanted reflections limit the performance of light-based technologies, such as solar cells, camera lenses, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In solar cells, for example, reflections mean less light that can be converted into electricity. Now researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), in Troy, NY, and semiconductor maker Crystal IS, in Green Island, NY, have developed a new type of nanostructured coating that can virtually eliminate reflections, potentially leading to dramatic improvements in optical devices. The work is published in the current issue of Nature Photonics. Read more: Technology Review (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18265/) Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:04:13 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid= A new adaptive polymer coating combines unusual chemical properties to help maintain a clear view A new coating that changes its structure depending on whether it's in contact with oil or water could prevent windshields from fogging up or accumulating oily deposits. The coating was developed at Purdue University and reported at last week's American Chemical Society meeting. Read more: Technology Review Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:59:59 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid= A world textile conference hosted by the Association of Universities for Textiles (AUTEX) network, will take place in Tampere, Finland, from 26 to 28 June. AUTEX brings together universities internationally renowned for their work in textile education and research. It involves institutions from Europe, both within and outside the EU, and a few from further afield. This year's conference will focus on 'emerging innovations to global business', and will include parallel sessions on smart and medical textiles, plasma and textile chemistry, and nanofibres and fibre structures. For more information: TUT (http://www.tut.fi/autex2007) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:33:14 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid= Researchers in the US have succeeded in making the first hybrid bionanodevice that electrically links nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films. The development paves the way to applying the unique properties of nanoparticles to a variety of light-stimulated nerve-signalling devices, including the possibility of making a nanoparticle-based artificial retina Read more: Nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/3/3/1?rss=2.0) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:30:01 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid= Experts and the public generally differ in their perceptions of risk. While this might be due to social and demographic factors, it is generally assumed by scientists who conduct risk research that experts' risk assessments are based more strongly on actual or perceived knowledge about a technology than lay people's risk assessments. In the case of nanotechnology, surveys show that most people are not familiar with it. The public perception of an emerging technology will have a major influence on the acceptance of this technology and its commercial success. If the public perception turns negative, potentially beneficial technologies will be severely constrained as is the case for instance with gene technology. It seems plausible that the evaluation of new technologies, such as nanotechnologies, is guided by people's theories and values. For instance, people for whom the technological revolution is associated with positive outcomes - and who are not afraid of possible negative side effects of technological progress - may assess nanotechnology applications more positively than people for whom negative effects outweigh positive effects. Researchers in Switzerland conducted two studies which examined how lay people and experts perceived various nanotechnology applications and how companies address the public's concerns. Read more: Nanowerk (http://www.nanowerk.com) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:15:44 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid= Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have captured the imagination of many scientists and engineers as a result of properties of individual tubes ( e.g. very high electrical and thermal conductivities, high stiffness). Things often get 'messy' however, when one tries to make them work collectively, e.g. in composites. Three-dimensional networks of carbon nanotubes are usually made within a supporting material, such as in polymer composite or liquid dispersion. Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:07:41 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid= Different nanomaterials behave very differently depending on their size, type and the environment in which they are dispersed. Two new studies from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the US have revealed that while carbon nanotubes inhibit growth in mammalian cells, they sustain growth of a commonly occurring bacterium, Escherichia Coli. The results could help scientists better understand the impact of nanomaterials on the human body and in the environment. Read more: Nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/3/29/1?rss=2.0) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 12:09:55 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid= Researchers report using metamaterials to make devices that could transform computing, data storage, and optical microscopy. How small one can fabricate transistors, the detail that can be seen in an optical microscope, and the amount of data that can be squeezed onto a DVD--all these things are limited by the way light moves through materials. But several separate advances reported this week in Science describe new materials for manipulating light in exotic ways, potentially leading to vastly improved electronic circuitry, microscopy, and data storage. Read more: Technology Review (http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/18428/) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:55:53 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid= CeNTI is referred in PortugalTextil, a website for textile industry (Portugal Têxtil (http://www.portugaltextil.com)), as a carrier of emergent technologies for nanotechnology and smart materials, in Portugal. CeNTI is working with several research groups, from universities and technological centres (see CeNTI (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=46 Itemid=59)) and, “more than a centre, is a platform for innovation”, said António Vieira (CEO). This Centre aims to have a collaborative technological platform near industrial environment, in order to develop of micro/nanotechnologies, smart materials and innovative processes for textile and leather industries. See full text here (http://www.portugaltextil.com/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=210 Itemid=2) Maria José Machado Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:21:48 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid= Designing active nanostructures whose form and properties can be changed remotely is an important challenge in nanoscience. Now, researchers in the US have developed two types of biological nanoparticles complexes, made of nanoshells and quantum dots, that can be controlled by near-infrared light. The result could be used to actuate devices in difficult to access locations, such as inside the body, and to make photothermally-driven devices and switches. Read more: Nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/3/28/1?rss=2.0) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:17:29 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid= Researchers in the US have found a new way to control the flow of water through carbon-nanotube membranes with an unprecedented level of precision. The technique, which relies on applying a small voltage to the membranes, could be used to purify drinking water and in genetic research. Read more: Nanotechweb (http://nanotechweb.org/articles/news/6/3/27/1?rss=2.0) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:39:31 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid= Life cycle assessment (LCA), the cradle-to-grave assessment of the health and environmental impacts of a product or substance, is vital for the successful and safe commercialisation of nanotechnologies, according to a new report drawn up by European and American experts. However, they add that further research is urgently needed to fill the gaps in our understanding of the toxicity of many nanomaterials. Read more: http://cordis.europa.eu (http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=FP7_NEWS ACTION=D DOC=5 CAT=NEWS QUERY=1174987655392 RCN=27341) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:02:49 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid= A material inspired by a desert beetle's trick for extracting water from the air could have a range of novel engineering applications, its developers say. It could be used to make self-decontaminating surfaces, keep computer chips cool and make pocket-sized chemical testing devices, they suggest. For more information: Newscientist.com (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9129-beetles-wings-inspire-watermoving-materials.html); Cohengroup (http://web.mit.edu/cohengroup/index.html); ACS Publications (http://pubs3.acs.org/acs/journals/doilookup?in_doi=10.1021/nl060644q); Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:55:25 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid= Quando se trata da segurança dos automóveis, a parte frontal dos carros evoluiu muito nos últimos anos: pára-choques mais flexíveis e resistentes, air-bags, cintos de segurança mais firmes e mais rápidos, etc. Toda esta tecnologia parece não surtir efeito numa situação muito simples e muito comum: nos casos das colisões laterais. Os air-bags laterais são construídos para proteger apenas a cabeça e pouco, ou quase nada, fazem pelo restante corpo. O Instituto Fraunhofer (Alemanha), em colaboração com as empresas Siemens VDO e Faurecia, encontraram uma solução altamente eficiente. Sendo as portas o elo fraco na estrutura lateral do carro, possuindo poucos pontos de fixação, os engenheiros alemães criaram um sistema de pré-crash , ou pré-acidente. Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:33:34 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid= 30 April - 1 May 2007, The Sage Gateshead, England NanoCentral is delighted to be launching Europe's first annual conference on the commercialisation of nanomaterials. This will be hosted at the The Sage Gateshead, the world renowned building designed by Lord Foster. In contrast to other events, which focus on technology or theoretical benefits, NanoMaterials07 will feature a variety of national and international companies active in the nanomaterials revolution. Leading industry experts from the markets of Personal Health Care, Materials for Electronics, Plastics, Polymers Composites and Coatings Inks will talk about the opportunities and challenges facing different markets in the commercialisation of nanomaterials. Read more: http://www.nanomaterials07.com/ (http://www.nanomaterials07.com/) Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:28:14 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid= Jan. 30, 2007, MIT Technology Review — Researchers have used clay nanoparticles to modify a polymer material, making it 20 times stiffer, 4 times tougher, and able to withstand temperatures that are more than twice as hot. The new materials could eventually be used in rugged lightweight fabrics, less-bulky packing materials, and much lighter car parts. The work is part of a growing effort to design materials with nanoscale structures that mimic those found in nature, such as those in ultra-strong seashells. Read more: Technology Review Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:40:50 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid= University of Michigan scientists have created the nanotechnology equivalent of a Trojan horse to smuggle a powerful chemotherapeutic drug inside tumor cells - increasing the drug's cancer-killing activity and reducing its toxic side effects. Previous studies in cell cultures have suggested that attaching anticancer drugs to nanoparticles for targeted delivery to tumor cells could increase the therapeutic response. Now, U-M scientists have shown that this nanotechnology-based treatment is effective in living animals. This is the first study to demonstrate a nanoparticle-targeted drug actually leaving the bloodstream, being concentrated in cancer cells, and having a biological effect on the animal's tumor, says James R. Baker Jr., M.D., the Ruth Dow Doan Professor of Biologic Nanotechnology at the University of Michigan, who directed the study. We're very optimistic that nanotechnology can markedly improve cancer therapy, says Baker, who directs the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and the Biological Sciences. Targeting drugs directly to cancer cells reduces the amount that gets to normal cells, increases the drug's anti-cancer effect and reduces its toxicity. Results of the study will be published in the June 15, 2005, issue of Cancer Research. http://www.nano.gov (http://www.nano.gov/) Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:21:22 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid= The main nanotechnology and smart materials advantages for the textile, clothing, leather and footwear industry are: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:47:04 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=61&Itemid= We are a private non-profit institution founded by CITEVE (Technological Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal), University of Minho, University of Porto, University of Aveiro and CTIC (Technological Centre for the Leather Industries). Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:16:02 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid= Researchers in the US have made a new type of pipette that has a carbon nanotube attached to its tip. The pipette has many advantages over the traditional glass pipettes routinely used today and could become an important tool in cell biology in the future. At the moment, scientists use glass micropipettes to perform tasks such as cell-fluid transfer, therapeutic cloning and pharmacological investigations. However, these pipettes, which work by capillary action, can rupture cell membranes because they are so big and can fatally deform crucial organelles. Although attempts have been made to overcome these difficulties by making nanoscale glass probes, these nanopipettes are fragile and can break easily. Carbon-nanotube-tipped probes could be a solution to this problem because they are mechanically robust, rigid and can be made as small as just a few nanometres across. Until now, such pipettes have only been used to transfer fluids on a cell's surface because the quantity of fluid that adheres to the tip was limited. Now, Adam Fontecchio and colleagues at Drexel University in Philadelphia have made the first carbon-nanotube-tipped pipette that can transfer fluids from inside a cell. To make their new device, the researchers began with 200 nm diameter carbon nanotubes, grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), that had their inner walls coated with magnetic nanoparticles. Next, they injected a solution of the magnetic carbon nanotubes and optical glue into an ordinary glass pipette and used magnetic forces to pull the nanotube out into the pipette tip. The pipette was then sealed around the carbon nanotube by polymerizing the glue with UV light. The researchers reported their work in Appl. Phys. Lett.. Source : www.nanotechweb.org (http://www.nanotechweb.org/) Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:28:15 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid= Cientifica, a world’s established nanotechnology information and consultancy company, showed a white paper about the importance about NanotechCleantech in order to reduce CO2 emissions. It is important to focus on Aerogel text, the Frozen Smoke for Superior Insulation. Aerogels are in the market since 2003, on applications like architecture, liquid natural gas transportation and even protective textiles, due to their excellent insulating properties and low weight. The key players at the moment, on aerogels business, are Cabot (USA), Aspen Aerogels (USA), Kalwall (USA) and TAASI (USA). To understand how aerogels can induce low CO2 emissions, it is important to know their capabilities on energy efficiency: - aerogels have 99,9% of porosity, making them the lightest solid substance in the world; - porous inside the aerogels are between 5 to 150 nm, making this material two to eight times better than fibreglass or polymer foams, regarding insulating performance; - their transparency let them to be used in roofs, to let sun shine coming in and entrap heat from coming outside. This feature avoids the use of solar cells, artificial light and air conditioning; - their use on natural gas containers regards the specific insulating property of aerogels, meaning that less energy is needed to keep the gas liquid and more gas can be transported aboard ships. http://www.cientifica.eu/ (http://www.cientifica.eu/) Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:19:03 +0100 http://www.centi.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid= Bearing in mind the increasing number of demanding applications, MATERIALS in different sizes, shapes and combinations should be well understood at Scientific and Technological level. Hence, the biggest challenge in the XXI Century, both for Academia and Industry, is a global understanding of each other’s role and a clear communication among all actors. New materials will have to be discovered, whilst the existing ones have to be optimized for each new application regarding characterization, processing, design and modelling. This will have to be done from nano to macroscale, and to consider life cycle analysis. The Conference will be run under the auspicious of Sociedade Portuguesa de Materiais, which has active groups in all class of materials: metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers and composites. For more information: FEUP (http://paginas.fe.up.pt/~mate2007/) Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:07:12 +0100