Atom-thick carbyne chains may be strongest material ever
Foresight Update 26.08—November 1, 2013
ISSN 1078-9731
Nanotech News
Discuss these news stories at http://foresight.org/nanodot.
In this issue:
Many different types of nanoparticles have been proposed as improved drug delivery vehicles for nanomedical use, ranging from nanoscale lipid vesicles to atomically precise nucleic acid nanostructures. Together they provide various approaches to solving the many challenges involved in efficiently transporting a drug to the right target. Researchers at McGill University have now modified DNA strands with lipid-like molecules to better hold a cargo of drug molecules. …
It has long been noted in discussions of atomically precise manufacturing that biological molecular machinery provides an existence proof for manufacturing complex molecular machinery. However, proposals for mature atomically precise manufacturing systems resemble scaled down conventional manufacturing systems, with gears and other rigid components familiar at the macroscale. In contrast biological molecular machine systems comprise floppy molecules interacting via controlled Brownian motion. Is it possible for evolution to develop machines with gears, etc.? Apparently evolution is capable of inventing mechanical gears, albeit at much larger than molecular scale. …
Eric Drexler’s TEDx talk entitled “A Future of Radical Abundance: Transforming the Material Basis of Civilization” is available for viewing on Youtube as well as on Drexler’s blog site.
As described by the Oxford Martin School, where Drexler is a scholar with the Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology …
Carbyne — a straight line of carbon atoms linked by double bonds or by alternating single and triple bonds — is the next stiff, carbon-based structure with unusual and desirable properties. It has been observed under limited natural and experimental conditions, is expected to be difficult to synthesize and store, and now has been theoretically characterized. …
Materials scientists have pursued the question of why vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests show much lower modulus values than expected. Now researchers from Georgia Tech have found that the nanotubes they fabricate contain kinks that dramatically diminish modulus value. In other words, the nanotubes are not straight; therefore, they are not stiff. …
Nanoscale technologies have the potential to bring immense benefits to developing countries, in areas ranging from water and energy to health and environmental restoration. But the challenges are correspondingly large; required steps include …
—Nanodot posts by Stephanie C. and James Lewis
Foresight Events and News
Two Conferences!
17th Foresight Conference: "The Integration Conference"
February 7-9, 2014
Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
Silicon Valley, California, USA
The Integration Conference will bring together over 20 speakers to present their research and vision within the realm of groundbreaking atomic- and molecular-scale science and engineering with application across a wide range of advanced technologies, including materials, electronics, energy conversion, biotechnology and more. Events will include presentation of the annual Foresight Institute Feynman Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in nanoscale science and technology.
Integration: The development and proliferation of nanotechnology through its applications in diverse fields are dependent upon the successful integration of nano-engineered devices and materials ("nanosystems") into more complex micro- and macro-systems. Thus, this year the concept of Integration is highlighted, for the successful integration of nanosystems can impact the rate of development, application, and ultimately benefit.
Analysis, simulation, synthesis, and mass production are challenges for nanotechnology integration in such diverse applications as biotechnology, medicine, microelectronics, defense, energy conversion and storage, coatings, textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even food and food security.
Conference Co-Chairs
Robert P. Meagley, CEO/CTO, ONE Nanotechnologies
William A. Goddard III, Director, Materials and Process Simulation Center, Caltech
Planned Sessions include:
- Analysis and Simulation
- Bionano Systems
- Commercially Implemented Nanotechnology
- Electronic and Optical Nanosystems
- Self-Organizing & Adaptive Systems
For further details on the conference, speakers, and events, and to register …
Nanotechnology for Developing Countries: the 2014 Foresight Invitational Workshop
February 8-9, 2014
Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
Silicon Valley, California, USA
TO REQUEST AN INVITATION, EMAIL TO developing@foresight.org
Nanoscale technologies have the potential to bring immense benefits to developing countries, in areas ranging from water and energy to health and environmental restoration. But the challenges are correspondingly large. For more information …
Conference Videos Available on Vimeo
Videos of approximately half of the talks given at the 2013 Foresight Technical Conference: Illuminating Atomic Precision, held January 11-13, 2013 in Palo Alto, CA are available on Vimeo. (All postings are with the speaker’s consent only. Some of the presentations contained confidential information and will not be posted.)
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