Plant-based cellulose nanofibers, as opposed to carbon nanotubes suitable for similar purposes, don’t pose a short-term danger to human lungs, particularly when the fibers are very short. So says a study done as part of National Research Programme “Opportunities and Risks of Nanomaterials” (NRP 64). Rather than experimenting on animals, researchers used human lung tissue in test tubes to develop … Continue reading Plant-based nanofibers don’t harm lungs – unlike carbon nanotubes→
Asbestos was hailed, even many centuries ago, as a material that could be used to create “miraculous” solutions to multiple problems – it was fireproof, it was flexible, it had tremendous insulating properties, it was easy to manipulate, etc. But it had a powerful, long-unacknowledged dark side. It gradually disabled and then killed people who … Continue reading Nanoparticle exposure linked to heart problems→
The first item is about nitric oxide (NO) used in testing, and the rest are all about using nanoparticles for delivering things into the human body, including NO. It’s astounding that scientists have found nanotechnology so helpful in these kinds of applications. I just hope more research is done on how safe it is to … Continue reading 5 news bits – nitric oxide and nanoparticles→
I’ve written about the similarities in asbestos and nanofibers before – and therefore the similar dangers of the two substances. Asbestos was in use – and slowly killing people – for many hundreds of years before the connection was made between breathing it and dying of asbestosis or mesothelioma decades later. Nanofibers are incredibly strong … Continue reading Finally – Official safety standard for nanotech workers→
Nanotechnology has been around for thousands of years, says Nanofilm CEO Scott Rickert in an article for Virtual Strategy Magazine. He wonders how it got tagged as something new and unknown – and therefore, impliedly, worth being careful with. Stating, as Mr. Rickert does, that nanoparticles have been around for four thousand years, and that … Continue reading Nanotechnology’s been around forever. And…?→
Leave it to Seattle, the hotbed of software programming geniuses. Its local North Seattle Community College has invented a new certificate program and a new 2-year degree called AAS-T, Associate of Applied Science in Nanotechnology. They’re collaborating with the University of Washington, which has comprehensive nanotech facilities, to prepare bunches of young people to become … Continue reading Know what you’re getting into – new programs to prep nanotech technicians→
I’ve been worrying about potential danger from these guys ever since I first heard about them. Now comes some research indicating strongly that nanoparticles/nanofibers could be deadly to humans who are exposed to them. This particular research shows that it may be the length of the fibers that’s critical to whether they might eventually induce disease. … Continue reading Danger from nanoparticles may depend on length of fibers→
Reports are all over the Internet about a recent study using nanoparticles as additions to vaccines that target lymph nodes. The study has found that, at least in mice, these nano-loaded treatments can boost antibody- and immune responses against lethal infections. The Duke University team that did the study says their loaded nanoparticles closely mimic … Continue reading Mouse studies say nanoparticle-delivered drugs can be targeted→
As with most things, everybody has an agenda when it comes to nano, according to the former CEO of a Chicago nanomaterials manufacturer. The people who make the materials are concerned of course with profitability and with observing all the laws and regulations governing worker safety. The scientists want funding for research and legislation requiring … Continue reading Getting nanotechnology in perspective→
Interesting to learn that during a certain period (1997 to 2000), many hospitals were giving at least some of the accepted treatment options for brain tumor cancers (gliomas). But according to a 2005 report on the National Cancer Institue‘s site, many of them either didn’t know about the rest or were simply not delivering them. … Continue reading Patients don't always receive all standard accepted treatments→
Looking at how bioscience news affects business, higher education, government – and you and me