Thinking ahead to avert a Nano Tragedy

Technology Review, published by MIT, 27th July 2006 reports the following:

Although there is no proof of health risks to humans from nanoparticles, studies do show that materials at this scale behave in some worrying ways, for example, by slipping from the lungs into the bloodstream, and infiltrating other organs, possibly even the brain.

But current efforts at assessing the risk of nanoparticles, including ones already used in sunscreens, face creams, and food supplements, are unfocused and leave gaps in our understanding that "at best...create uncertainties -- and at worst, dangers -- for workers, companies, consumers, investors, and insurers," according to Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor for the Project on Emerging Technologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC.

Today, the center released a new report calling for a systematic approach to risk research into nanotechnologies that would include research in a number of areas: the toxicity of substances, how to handle them in the workplace, possible links to specific diseases, and the long-term ways to predict what nanomaterials are likely to be dangerous -- and how to design them to improve their safety.

The report also calls for more funding: a total of $50 million per year for two years, with more to follow.

The report can be downloaded from the Project's website.

Posted by Amanda McMurray, Cenamps' Commercialisation Manager

Quantum Dots Pose Minimal Impact to Cells

Berkeley National Laboratory, CA, USA has presented data demonstrating that some of the current and understandable concerns about the risks of damage or disruption to living cells by nanoparticles may well be unfounded and opening the way to their being used to monitor cellular processes or the effect of pharmaceuticals in the living cell.

Posted by Amanda McMurray, Cenamps Commercialisation Manager

NanoMed 2006, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

With keynote presentations from UK and international industry and academia, NanoMed 2006 took place on 27th and 28th June 2006.

We were treated to a fascinating discussion of emerging technology for an aging population on Day 1 and, that same afternoon, we heard presentations on a range of new medical technologies, all based on emerging nanotechnologies, and a fascinating discussion of ethical issues relating to the use of energing technologies.

Day 2 began with presentations of research from international speakers and moved on to presentations of technology and business opportunities from regional small and large healthcare companies.

The conference ended with a business plan competition, "Angels' Den", in which three entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of venture funding professionals and to the audience. All entrepreneurs received valuable feedback on their inventions and suggestions for next steps towards funding, and, after much discussion, a winner was chosen.

The winner, Profesor Sudipta Roy, presented "EnFACE", a new technology to be applied to development of new replacement joints and implants. The panel complemented her on her clear focus on the market opportunity, whilst still continuting to develop the technology. She won coaching sessions with two of the panel members, a free journal subscription and entry to next year's conference.

EnFACE was funded by Cenamps, as part of its BioNano Programme, which funded scientists in the 5 NE of England regional Universities to develop innovative solutions to biomedical industry needs.

Nanomed 2006 was sponsored by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, with partner Cenamps and endorsed by The Institute of Nanotechnology. Additional sponsors were the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS), Harrison Goddard Foote, Newcastle City Council - City Technology Office and media partner, Dove Medical Press.

Dr. Amanda McMurray
NanoBio Commercialisation Manager.