Report on Advances in Nanotechnology

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "NANO Magazine - Issue 20" report to their offering.

Issue 20 of NANO Magazine explores the many facets of nanotechnology: from nanomedicine, to carbon nanotubes to advances in electronics and the possible effects nanotechnology advancements could have on the way we perceive disability.

By being classified as disabled by society, does this condemn so-called disabled people less likely to be able to fully participate in that society? Furthermore, what is the role of nanotechnology, in addressing the needs of the disabled. Is it to right physical or mental deviations from the human norm (in whatever way that norm is defined), or to enable the disabled in other ways to participate fully in society? Laura Cabrera of Charles Sturt University tackles this issue head on, by discussing what defines disability today, and explores the role nanotechnology may have in overcoming what is termed the disability paradigm. She argues that what nanotechnology offers is not about turning disabled people into superhumans, but about providing them with the means to become fully integrated citizens of the planet.

On the subject of nanomedicine, Professor El-Kenawy, working in the University of Tanda in Egypt, describes how we might better treat wounds and burns using nanofibres produced by electrospinning.

Other nanomaterials used for drug delivery include carbon nanotubes, but that is not their only application, by a long shot! Jana Perlet of Nanoposts.com, the well-respected nano market research organisation, reviews the properties of carbon nanotubes and their myriad potential applications, only held back by problems of up scaling, impurities and characterization.

On the theme of accelerating the industrial applications of nanoparticles, Germany is the subject of our country focus. There is no doubt that nanotechnology is viewed as an important facet in maintaining the competitiveness of German industry, and presently Germany is the largest provider of public funds for nanotechnology research in Europe.

The success of the German industrial engine depends on the innovations emerging from its many research Institutions. One of these innovation suppliers which has grown remarkably in status since its founding in 1992 is the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. Much of the success of this particular Max Planck is also due to its founders. Professor Markus Antonietti, one of Germany's leading materials scientists, has been involved since the beginning and is now Director with overall responsibility. Read about his secrets for success, and of the early days of the Max Planck, and why Professor Antonietti sees his research future in better ways of energy generation.

Still on the topic of nanotechnology success in Germany, the development of a Cluster of Excellence (EAM) based on the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, focussing on the Engineering of Advanced Materials exemplifies the level of commitment to and investment in high-performance materials for application in everything from electronic and optical devices to catalytic and lightweight materials.

Printed Organic Electronics is predicted to be the next big wave for the electronics industry. Read about one company, ISORG, spun out of CEA Nanomaterials Technologies at Grenoble, specially created to capitalise on this new technological field.

Also discussed in this issue of NANO Magazine: advances in Inkjet Printing and the 'big brother' nature of nanomedicine,

Countries covered: Germany, USA, UK

Key Topics Covered:

• Editorial
• Events
• What's New in Nano
• Robots with Feelings- Artificial Skin
• Molecular Horses: Trot, Pace or Glide?
• Windows that Double as Solar Panels
• Graphene, Holding the Key to DNA Sequencing
• Nanoporous gas storage that's good enough to eat
• Knee Surgery using Nanosensor Technology
• Nanotechnology and the Disability Paradigm
• Country Profile: Germany
• Interview: Markus Antonietti (Director of Max Planck Institute of Surfaces and Colloids)
• Nanomedicine: O EAM: Excellence in New Material Design
• Printed Organic Electronics ISORG
• Corabon Nanotubes
• Nanoart

Companies Mentioned:

• Kodak, Charles Sturt University
• Tanta University
• Edinburgh Ethics

Source: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/