As we enter 2006 our thoughts turn to the future: what can we expect from nanotechnology as it reaches its full potential? For a quick introduction, check out Productive nanosystems: the physics of molecular fabrication (pdf, 0.6 MB) by K. Eric Drexler, published in Physics Education. It gets quite technical, but even the less technical [...]

To get a U.S. tax deduction in 2005, visit this page, see how Foresight is doing on our $40,000 Challenge Grant, and give by midnight this Saturday. If taking a 2005 deduction isn’t useful or possible for you, give any time through January 31, 2006, to take advantage of the dollar-for-dollar matching. Thanks for your [...]

Robert Bradbury brings to our attention an article by John Markoff in The New York Times on the inclusion of nanotech into the semiconductor industry’s roadmap: “Nanotechnology is officially on the road map. A handful of futuristic chip-making technologies at the atomic scale have been added to an industry planning effort that charts the future [...]

Many Nanodot readers would like to move their careers in the direction of molecular modeling and design, with the longer term goal of designing molecular nanosystems. But many cannot take time out to go back to school full time. What to do? Consider Molecular Conceptor: multimedia courseware claimed to be the equivalent of 70 hours [...]

Carl Wherrett and John Yelovich over at The Motley Fool investor website take on the purveyors of FUD (a derogatory term implying the unreasonable or excessive promotion of fear, uncertainty, and doubt) on nanotechnology: “We are not advocating simply ignoring basic health and safety concerns as they may relate to nanotech, but we strongly urge [...]

John Bartlett of U.S. EPA has let us know how and when to submit public comments on the recent EPA Nanotechnology White Paper draft: “EPA states in the notice that all comments received by January 31, 2006, will be shared with the external peer review panel that is being convened to review the White Paper. [...]

Multiple press releases received from the North Pole describe current and planned uses of nanotech: (1) A new sleigh made using carbon nanotubes is expected to complete tonight’s rounds in half the time normally required, due to the higher speeds made possible by this strong material, (2) Santa Claus will be wearing a suit made [...]

The Motley Fool’s Jack Uldrich on DuPont: “Essentially, DuPont is publicly acknowledging that there are possible risks in nanoscale material and nanoparticles; and it’s actively working to identify and — if feasible — minimize or eliminate those risks as quickly and efficiently as possible… “DuPont’s stance is a refreshing change from your typical corporate position, [...]

It’s pledge time here at Foresight Nanotech Institute. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000. Give now to support the organization developing the Technology Roadmap for Productive Nanosystems (and sponsoring this blog!). For a higher payoff to you personally from your donation, consider joining as a Participating Member. Member benefits are listed here. For [...]

From the folks who bring you Materials Today (i.e., Elsevier), there’s also Nano Today. It’s an occasional supplement to the main publication, both of which are free of charge to those who meet their circulation profile. Sign up here. Selected articles are available free to all on the Nano Today website. For the December 2005 [...]

California’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology (on which I am privileged to serve) issued its final report today. From Keay Davidson of the SF Chronicle: “In effect, it calls for a nanotech version of the state’s stem cell initiative, another instance in which the Golden State jumped on a high-tech bandwagon that many claim [...]

Criticism from a Nobel physicist seems to be triggering a re-thinking of nanotech strategy in Russia. A decision on the proposed new, more tightly coordinated Federal Target Program is expected by March. Current funding for 2005 is said to be $49 million, and it’s hard to get much done at that level. —Christine

Chuck Jaffe of MarketWatch discourages average investors from investing in today’s early nano fund: “It’s not that nanotechnology is a bad business or that exchange-traded funds are a poor idea. It’s that the combination of the two, at this point in time, can’t deliver what investors like Roger really want, namely an intense focus on [...]

California’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology — on which I am I proud to serve — will hold its final meeting this coming Monday. The public portion of the meeting begins at 1 PM (press at 12:30 PM). Hope to see you there: “California State Controller Steve Westly and Congressman Mike Honda will receive [...]

Iddo Ganuth of IsraCast reports: “An Israeli company has recently tested one of the most shock-resistant materials known to man. Five times stronger than steel and at least twice as strong as any impact-resistant material currently in use as protective gear, the new nano-based material is on its way to becoming the armor of the [...]

In an op-ed in the Ft. Wayne News Sentinel picked up by Knight Ridder, the NanoBusiness Alliance joined with Environmental Defense in calling for increased nanosafety funding by the U.S. federal government: “For a technology as new, untested and potentially pervasive as this, we should be spending at least 10 percent of our research budget, [...]

From EurekAlert: “Looking through his handmade microscope in 1702, it was Anton van Leeuwenhoek who first described the workings of a nano machine. He observed the rapid contraction of a stalk tethering the cell body of a tiny protozoan, Vorticella convallaria, to the surface of a leaf. Little did van Leeuwenhoek imagine that more than [...]

With a focus on near-term nanotech, the Meridian Institute has launched Nanotechnology and Development News, a free daily service delivering news on how nanotechnology can help alleviate poverty: “Each day, you will view succinct summaries of the most pertinent information about the opportunities and risks nanotechnology may present for developing countries.  We provide balanced information [...]

Belle Dume writes at PhysicsWeb: “A simple method to create robust DNA “pyramids” that self-assemble in seconds has been invented by physicists in the UK. Each side of the tetrahedral pyramid is made up of a double helix of DNA…t creates nanoscale tetrahedra of DNA that self-assemble in a single step in just seconds with [...]

Check out CNSI’s 2005 Annual Research Report (PDF format) for summaries of the latest nanotech work out of this cutting-edge effort funded by the state of California. Projects that caught my eye: Powered Artificial Nano-Machines: Molecular Valves and Impellers Synthesis, Control, and Assembly of Molecular Machines Linear Artificial Muscles for Mechanical Nanoactuation Operational Nanovalves Powering [...]