Atomically precise quantum dots by STM
Foresight Update 27.04—July 9, 2014
ISSN 1078-9731
Nanotech News
Discuss these news stories at http://foresight.org/nanodot.
In this issue:
One of the iconic milestones in the history of nanotechnology was the 1989 feat by Eigler and Schweizer at IBM … of using an STM to arrange 35 xenon atoms on a nickel surface to spell IBM. The demonstration was done at 4 K and the atoms of the nickel crystal acted like an “egg carton” to hold the xenon atoms in place. For these and other reasons, although the symbolic impact of the accomplishment was enormous, it was not obvious that this could lead to practical atomically precise manufacturing. However, the recent accomplishment of using an STM at 5 K to make atomically precise quantum dots may turn out to have near-term practical applications. …
In general one would not expect a close correlation between the nanoscience and nanomaterials R&D leading to near-term applications in medicine, energy, computation, and other fields, and the molecular nanotechnology that will eventually lead to productive nanosystems and atomically precise manufacturing. A counter example in which the correlation is looking close is structural DNA nanotechnology. …
A collection of photos from the 2014 Foresight Technical Conference that highlighted the integration of nanosystems across a range of advanced technologies is now available. In addition to the speakers listed on the conference schedule, the photos present a who’s who of principal players in space-, biotechnology-, and life extension-related startups and research organizations. …
As we have frequently pointed out (for example), RNA has several properties different from those of its close cousin DNA that provide unique opportunities for RNA nanotechnology. One disadvantage of RNA nanostructures is that they are relatively easy to dissociate. RNA nanotechnology pioneer Peixuan Guo has now used rational design to further improve the stability of the unusually stable pRNA-3WJ3 motif to create new RNA triangular nanoparticles. …
In keeping with the theme of February’s “The Integration Conference”, integration of two different types of nanostructure promises greatly improved functional devices. In research described at KurzweilAI.net from 2008 Feynman Prize winner James Tour’s group, a composite of carbon nanotubes and graphene has improved mechanical and electronic properties, and may provide an inexpensive substitute for a rare and expensive material. …
Five years ago this blog pointed to progress in using DNA scaffolding to organize functional modules for use in the modular molecular composite nanosystems (MMCNs) route to atomically precise productive nanosystems. In another advance along this pathway to atomically precise manufacturing, researchers have arranged two enzymes on a DNA scaffold to replicate the organization of an enzyme cascade inside a cell, passing a substrate molecule from one enzyme to the next. …
—Nanodot posts by James Lewis
Foresight Events and News
2014 Foresight Institute Feynman Prize Nominations Are Open
Nominations for the 2014 Foresight Institute Feynman Prizes: Experimental and Theory are due on September 30, 2014. More information and details for nominating yourself or someone else can be found at http://www.foresight.org/prize/feynman.html.
The winners of the 2013 Feynman Prizes …
Media Partner Events
Rejuvenation Biotechnology Conference
August 21-23, 2014 · Santa Clara, California
Conference brochure (pdf)
Registration details
We are in the midst of a transformation in the way we search for cures to the diseases of aging. The prevalence of age-related diseases is spiraling and the socioeconomic impacts are a constant source of debate. Subsequently, interest in preventing such diseases through novel approaches to drug development is at an all-time high.
The Rejuvenation Biotechnology Conference is the latest SENS Research Foundation Conference and will be held on August 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, California. Join the growing rejuvenation biotechnology industry and hear the latest scientific and policy developments from leading experts in research, industry, policy, finance and regulatory fields.
25% discount for the longevity research conference from SENS Foundation this Aug. 21-23 in Santa Clara, CA. Early rate Extended Until July 14th.
To Foresight members and friends,
Ever since the longevity research conference series called SENS — Strategies for Engineering Negligible Senescence, chaired by Aubrey de Grey — began in 2003, I've longed to attend, but never could, because it's held at Cambridge University in the UK, putting the cost out of reach.
Now, finally, SENS Foundation has started a conference in the U.S., with the first one this August 21-23 here in Silicon Valley!
To get your costs down further, do two things:
- Register by July 14 to get the early rate.
- Use the discount code FORESIGHT25 to get an additional 25% off.
This is a ground-breaking meeting featuring true "rock stars" of longevity research, including George Church, Judith Campisi, Michael West, and 37 others.
To round out the event, there's a keynote by Ajay Royan of Mithril Capital Management, and even appearances by leaders from the entertainment world: comedian Hal Sparks, actor Edward James Olmos, and Cecilia Noel, the "Latin Tina Turner."
This promises to be the most informative and engaging longevity research event ever held. I wouldn't miss it, so please join Foresight president Paul Melnyk, Gayle Pergamit, Tanya Jones, myself, and other friends this August in Santa Clara.
Hope to see you there!
—Christine
Christine Peterson
Co-Founder, Foresight Institute
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