http://www.nanotechproject.org/news/archive/synbio_poll/
The PEN posted results of a new public poll regarding public understanding of nanotechnology and synthetic biology for those interested.
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=6454.php
For those of you who don't follow Nanotechnology and Public Policy, there is an important piece of legislation that has been introduced by Senators Snowe and Kerry regarding National Nanotechnology Initiative funding priorities. The bill in question - the Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008, sets some new targets and research objectives within the existing framework of the NNI. Namely, this is legislation that will help shape the NNI to help focus research to addresses public safety, worker safety, and toxicology guidelines.
Needless to say, this is very important.
Please take some time to let your respective elected officials and respective spheres of influence know your support of this important legislation, as the number of studies being published about nanotoxicology are growing, and the pressures of commercializing nanoparticles continues to grow. Like any bill, its not perfect. However, the key to not slowing research is ensuring we are doing our due diligence to ensure safety. An uneducated public and the potential for a knee-jerk backlash to nanoscience research is something we need to avoid. This bill is certainly a step in the right direction.
Thanks for all that you do.
In science,
Patocka
EOL
Link there is one thing you read from this Science, its this. You can thank the TED project.
Biofrontiers Link
The first generation of nanotechnology is going to yield breakthroughs in lots of things, including medicine.
Link
Check out this scaled animation of some of our sub-cellular processes that we've managed to model and bio mechanically re engineer. Molecular Self Assembly. Remember that because its coming up again in another article.
Fusion at Sandia Link Link
We need more civil science experiments.
Climate Change Link
I wonder how much it costs to replace glacial ice? Fortunately, the UN says...Link
Hydrogen Cars Link
Talking about a Hydrogen Economy is far more interesting and in my opinion, productive than talking about biofuels and a carbon economy.
Kurzweil & The Science Link
Words do not express my fanaticism for this man's ideas. Oh and he's on mark. IBM just engineered a chip manufacturing process that uses molecular self assembly. Its powerful enough that it just enabled 2 generations of Moore's Law.
Molecular Self Assembly. Already used to create you and every other living thing on earth. Soon used to create just about everything else around you.
Longevity through Biotechnology Link
Now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Bose Einstein Condensates Link
Originally postulated theoretically by Einstein and the Indian Mathematician Bose 70 years ago, and first physically created at the University of Colorado in 1995. Created in a laboratory that uses electromagnets, lasers, and a vacuum to create an environment 1,000,000 times colder than the coldest region of known space - measured by a Nobel winning research project to analyze back round radiation left over from the big bang.... Basically, this environment only exists in laboratories on Earth, or by another intelligent civilizations laboratories elsewhere. In this environment, molecules stop. They reach a base state where they fuse into a 5th state of matter called a Bose Einstein Condensate. What lasers did for science in the 60s, we can now advance matter in a similar way. This will yield quantum leaps in our technology for years to come. You don't even want to get me started on where we are at present day on this research. Its almost magical.
Silicon BrainsLink
The lines between biology and computing are blurring.
Three Generations of Nanoproducts Link
This to a recent interview conducted by the Dallas News. Article discusses the phased rollout of nanoproducts according to Jim Von Ehr (Zyvex) & other nanogurus. It gives examples of what should be hitting store shelves within the next couple of years, and discusses the future breakthroughs related to this technology.
Link Link
These links discuss graphene, a wonderfully thin lattice of carbon molecules that has some tremendous potential for 2nd generation nanoapplications. Whats really exciting is that graphene is being examined for its properties as a transistor. Why is this important? Using silicon based lithography, (the processes used to build microprocessors) Moores Law is slated to terminate in about 20 years or so, as the experts project. This material could yield the potential for Moores Law to hold true well into the future, giving us machines that are capable of processing more information than the collective whole of human consciousness. Right now the fastest super computers already compute with the same number of neural switches that you would find within the evolutionary spectrum between an insect and a small rodent. Watch the Impact that Nano will have on the following fields...: Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Infotech, Robotics, Aviation, Energy, Terraforming.... Hold on tight humans, the 21st century is going to be a wild ride.
Spray on Computers Link
First applications: health care.
Robot Armies & Ministry of Defense Projections Link Link Link
Keep in mind that pessimism is an intrinsic part of being English. Meanwhile in the US: $530 Billion over a 5 year period for the Robot Army. Its in the budget. Its under the DoD's Future Combat Systems initative. Largest appropriation ever in the history of the DoD.
Nanogenerators Link
DARPA funded.
Neutrinos Link
Chances are, you're probably sick of me talking about nanotech and need some variety. Besides, the quantum world is far more fascinating....
Cognitive Drugs Link
Somewhere in the gap between 1st and 2nd generation nanotechnology.
3D Information Metaverse Link
Mmmmm.... Metaverse.
Print Me Some Bones! Link
Yes its from the Daily Mail. Not exactly Nature, but bone and tissue printing is a path within medicine that is being actively pursued.
Look Computer.... Link
It can also now recognize who you are, what you are wearing, and if your body temperature is consistent with that of humans. It can also see you in the dark. Biometrics are rapidly improving every day...
Plastics Made by Bacteria Link
The FDA's approval of the sutures makes them the first commercial plastics produced by genetically engineered bacteria, Sinskey says. Tepha will begin marketing the sutures this year.
Better Biofuels Link
Sillicon Valley vs. Des Moines in a biofuel kumite to the finish! Key word: re engineered microbes....
Robotic Fleas Link
With news like this, you really got to wonder what one could do with a garage, time, and $225,000 in research equipment.... or in a cave in pakistan for that matter....
Genetically Modified Plants Debate Link
An inevitable course of evolution is the human ability to modify the world around us using technology. Now we are capable of playing with the building blocks of the living world. As time goes on, we will undoubtedly face questions if our altruistic nature causes us to use these technologies for the benefit of life, both on Earth and elsewhere....
DNA Factories Link
DNA Fabrication. Pimp your basic cellular functions. My designer countervirals got my immune response on lock, yo.
Xenotransplants Link
Organ harvesting. Makes you re-examine large scale swine farms, doesn't it? Pair it with methane and energy containment infrastructure and you've got potential to create additional revenue streams.... and bacon.
Spaceports Link
No, seriously.
Ethanol vs Butanol Link
Two man enter. One man leave.
Nanotechnology Risks
A recent Federal Joint Economic Comittee report was issued regarding Nanotechnology. You can read more about the report, here: Link
Is Nanotechnology regulated? Largely, no. Is there reason to be concearned? Link Link
Feel like you to take action? Drop me a line. Lets figure out a way to make this a strategic initative within the campaign. Believe it or not, the next president in office will be at the helm of leading the first fruits of public policy related to Nanotechnology.
Space Weapon Funding Link
I think its fair to say that this is going to be an American and Chinese sponsored pissing contest. Why would we want to reverse standing international treaties and weaponize space?
51 Ways to Go Green Link
For those of you looking for ways to save money and decrease your carbon footprint.
Evolutionary Computing Link
Is technological advancement a by product of evolution? Is it evolution itself? Is my laptop saved by Jesus?
Globalization & Environment Debt Link
Science says: its not fair. The age old proverb comes to mind, 'Where there is famine, there is revolution.' Is America ready? Is our country doing enough to be a leader among nations to address environmental injustice that could potentially destabilize the world?
Frankly, the time for action was 40 years ago.
Body Hacking Link
Transhumanists. Homo-cyberneticus. Nerds.
Metagenomics Link
Increasingly relevant in finding cures for disease, and finding useful bits of DNA to hack.
$0 Energy Bill Link
While listening to the ongoing 'debate' on climate change, its relevant to discuss the vast economic opportunities presented in developing sustainable and carbon neutral technologies. From an entrepreneurial standpoint, there are entirely new industries that are on the horizon. From a personal standpoint, creating a self sufficient and autonomous residence that creates its own energy, purifies its own water, and grows its own food is not just economically sensible but also an investment in national security. Who wouldn't want to turn their home into an additional source of revenue?
Multidimensional Mathematical Modeling Link
Science that pushes the boundaries of our concept of dimensionality. I personally find its resemblance to Tibetan mandalas interesting.
A World First in Medical Robotics Link
Scientists have managed to successfully guide an untethered microscopic probe through blood vessels. If technology trends continue - smaller, cheaper, faster - you don't need me to tell you where this is going in 25 years.
Improved Solar Cells Link
Solar technologies have a tremendous amount of promise. The current roadblock to their implementation has to do with their production to yield ratio. That gap is closing rapidly, especially with the advent of nanotechnologies.
Atomic Vibrations in HD Link
A 500 fold improvement in being able to see atoms in real time... and in HD.
AugCog Link
DARPA is working to get inside your head. After all, who wants to use a keyboard and a mouse these days?
Habeus Corpus Con't. Link
Alberto Gonzalez.
Fires US Federal Attorneys for no good reason, other than to reappoint ranks with ties close to administration officials. Makes sense. There's plenty of talk about investigations buzzing about...
Testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee saying that Habeus rights don't apply in certain situations. All it really takes is an executive decision to label you a terrorist and you are instantly detained without charge and are subject to a 'justice' system that doesn't exist within the framework of the US constitutional court structure. Your rights cease to exist.
Endorses the use of Executive Branch signing statements, intentionally written to give a presidential interpretation of the Constitution. Isn't the Supreme Court explicitly given the power to interpret?
Admits FBI conducts illegal searches under the guise of the Patriot Act.
The fundamental checks and balances between the Judicial, Legislative and Executive branches of government continue to erode.
Totally Orwellian.
DARPA Chief Speaks Link
Candid discussion on the Department of Defense efforts to create cognitive computing. Formerly referred to as artificial intelligence. Oh, and they have a human enhancement project on the books.
Hey everybody! Congress doesn't want to fund this stuff. Lets rename it!
Government.
Synthetic Biology: Retinas Link
I want a pair made by Gucci.
Danny Hillis & The Semantic Web Link Link
Danny Hillis is one of the worlds foremost AI enthusiasts. After pioneering the microprocessor industry and working for Disney's imagineering - he founded a group of braniacs at Applied Minds, a think tank that works on projects for major defense contractors and the like. The fact that he is making inroads into automated search (basically, you query google and get one link upon return with 100% accuracy... see link numero dos.) is significant. When asked about his lifelong pursuit of AI, he says that he just hopes that the intelligence we create, 'is proud of us.' Today, we can conduct search with image pattern recognition algorithms. We can even search photos and video for specific content. Its becoming far more invasive. Sentient AI is already with us, and its seed is the Internet. The age of privacy is twilight.
Neurons & Nanohealing Link Link
For those of you that might enjoy reading more about the surgical peptide nanogel that instantly stops bleeding upon application....
Ethanol Challenges Link
Why Ethanol is not a magic bullet.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Rat Link Would we erase memories in the name of treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? What other applications might this have in the name of National Security?
Nano Solar CellsLink
My bet is on solar energy being the emergent technology of sustainable, renewable, carbon neutral energy. It has potential to leapfrog renewable bio-fuels , which will probably have a shelf life of 10-15 years before they are completely replaced.
Great article on present state ethanol challenges. Look into the practices used in production, its not as clean as you think. Ethanol based fuels are still burned when consumed, by the way... The jury's still out on their carbon neutrality, their current upside is that they are just renewable. Furthermore when you look past consumer consumption, and into production methods... there are a lot of environmental questions. This stuff does not produce itself. It takes energy to make energy. Coming from a state that is already tilled to to death and is 99% developed, I don't know where this additional production yield is going to come from.
Wang 1 Einstein 3
Another example of light moving faster than Enstein postulated, only this time its accelerating. Despite what the article says, this is not the first instance of a successful experiment pushing the boundaries of lightspeed. Time to re-write the physics textbooks as this gives new challenges to unifiying a 'theory of everything' using quantum relativity.
Stem Cell Orthotherapy
Bone regeneration. Stem cells are fascinating because they are the human body's swiss army knife of tissues. As we better understand RNAi (the process of hacking code sequences of DNA) and proteomics, the goal is to reprogram and design cells to create bone that is lighter, stronger, and engineered for optimal performance.
Reactable
I'm still keeping my vinyl.
Robots: Public Policy
The award for visionary thinking goes to the Hermit Kingdom this week. A valid question: 'Should we be able to purchase robots or adopt them?' This is probably appropriate, considering South Korea has armed robotic sentries on the DMZ, complete with .50 caliber rounds, image pattern recognition algorythims, and the ability to identify, shoot and kill North Korean soldiers across the electromagnetic spectrum.
We would be wise to ask these questions within our own governments.
Nano-Batteries
Increasingly important. How else are you going to fuel your solar powered cars and recharge your iJacket?
Retinal Implants Link
Bionic men and women. The first fruits of whats going to become a lucrative industry. I want a pair made by Fendi.
99942 Apophis Link
A bit of a background on this asteroid. First off, some witty scientist somewhere decided that 2004 MN4 just didn't fit the nature of this Asteroid so they decided to rename it after an Egyptian God of death Apep - 'The Destroyer.' (Really, because they were fans of Stargate SG-1... I wish I was kidding.) On Friday, April 13, 2029 Apophis will actually come close enough to Earth that it will pass below our orbiting geo-synchronous communications satellites. Be sure to join me in giving it the finger as it passes by. According to the lovable bean crunchers at NASA, the physics says it will not strike the moon or the earth but it will come close enough to a 400 mile gravitational 'window' where the Earth's gravity may alter its course for a return visit a few years later... April 13, 2036... when its likely that it could strike somewhere in an a narrowly calculated arc between Russia and Africa, and make a significant hole on this planet.
I know what you're thinking. Lets just send a bunch of oil rig workers up on the space shuttle to drill into its core and seed it with some nukes. Then we can set the lovable antics of said crew on Fox News and to an Aerosmith soundtrack. We'll show that terrorist asteroid what gettin' r done the awesome way looks like.... Besides, America should focus on more important things.... like who's Anna Nicoles baby's daddy...
Autism Research Link
An interesting article on recent genetic findings.
Limb Regeneration Link
Brings new meaning to the year of the boar. Science says happy Chinese New Year.
Androids in 10 years? Link
The fact that this was published in the Telegraph makes me slightly suspect, but I know where this path of research is headed.... 10 years seems a bit optimistic to me.
Self Assembling Batteries Link
Nanotechnology at work. After all, we have to figure out some way to power nanobots...
Carl Sagan Link
Carl Sagan... what a guy. I like the fact that he is the one responsible for putting a gold record of the world's voices saying hello in hundreds of languages on the Voyager spacecraft, now drifting beyond the very edges of our solar system. Somewhere past the heliosphere there is the music of the human voice. Part of me wonders if we will ever get back to investing our federal buget back into discovery. Right now, budget cuts have not been kind to Science, yet we spend billions each week over a senseless war.
Climate Change 2.0: What You Can Do Link the light of this news look who finally conceded...
Link Hell hath froze over. To celebrate this milestone event, lets see what you can do! My dear friend Liza asked if I would be so kind to pass on some helpful hints on what you can do to help curb your carbon footprint. Thus I give you: Link Please set some time aside this next month to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. I personally like the bicycle example. Healthy, efficient, cost effective and old-school...
Quantum Computer: A 2007 Reality?Link Link What they don't tell you is that this machine uses just over 56,000 parallel universes (yes, thats correct) to perform calculations..... If this proves to be a successful test, things are going to get far more interesting... Link There are however, notable skeptics. Among them Deutcsh. I think the important thing to remember is that with as much time and energy that is being invested in this, sooner or later someone will crack it.
Nanomemory & NanomedicineLink For you lithography nerds.Link For you medicine nerds.
Nanomaterials Link
Nanomanufactured clay particles to polymers and you get science.
Marvin Minsky Link
One of AI's leading thinkers discusses robotics, artificial intelligence, and contemporary approaches in neuroscience. I personally got a kick out of reading his yoda-like rage on contemporary neuroscholarship.
Soft Robots Link
Will robots look like the steel and gold automatons we've come to know and love? Chances are they may look like more like Liea than R2-D2...
The Transhumanist Debate Link
The debate over the conscious choice to to engineer our own biology continues... we may not have a choice in the matter. Read on, but if sea level rises we all might have to hack some gills into our genetic code...
Nanosensors Link
Some of the most promising discoveries in nanotech are in sensors. Strangely, the most disturbing and intrusive applications for nanotechnology are also in this area of research. My personal favorite quote,
Although he will not specify when devices using the sensors will be available, Reed says it should be soon. "I work on a lot of things that I'll never see in my lifetime," he says. "This will happen in my lifetime."
This will only accelerate the speed at which we understand our own biology, the world around us, and how to hack it.
Climate Change Haters...
Ok, newsflash - I'm opinionated.
Lets drill into this a bit further, and to give those who don't have my point of view an equal opportunity to express their voice...
This link will however contest that Fred Singer is a well known contractor for oil and tobacco industries. Go ahead, look at his record. I would use the term Junk Scientist, but that would imply his basis of hypothesis on actual data..)
I don't understand how there are elements of our government that are still willing to accept fallacies regarding the climate change 'debate' considering the astronomical amount of evidence that basically says, 'We're screwed. Pick what you want - screwed at volume 3 or screwed at volume 11.' The National Science Foundaiton, the Petagon and the EPA are on board... three major executive branch agencies. Strangely, thats not the message we get from our leadership. Instead, we get more measures to quiet an overwhelming landslide of evidence...
The deterioration of Arctic ice reserves is happening faster than any scientist has predicted. Furthermore, its accelerating. Science says we need to make changes to our lifestyles today. To procrastinate is at our own peril, and that of future generations. This peril is a global peril. It is not uniquely American. On a more personal and deeply ethical note, I really do feel that ignoring or discrediting this catastrophe is equivalent to saying that the Holocaust didn't exist. I'm at that point people. If the west Antartic ice shelf hits open water, scientists say sea level rises 20 feet. That means 2 billion people displaced globally. Terrorism is dwarfed by the demise we face if this goes unchecked, snowballed, and negligently ignored by our nations leadership.
Take hope, where there is challenge there is also opportunity, and for the capitalists out there - profit. Don't let the Exxons of the world (and their lobbyists) tell you otherwise. Green, carbon neutral, and environmental repair technology is pro-business. Ours is a nation of accomplishing the impossible. Our men and women have given their lives to noble causes in our past. We have sent our countrymen to the Moon. We have harnessed the power of the atom. Today we need to have a new calling. Today we all need to make an effort to save our planet before its too late. We're running out of time.
Wouldn't you like America to lead the world in somehting other than war?
Fortunately, Exxon has finally decided to concede. A good first step, but we have a lot of work to do...
