They walk. They work. New DNA robots strut their tiny stuff.
For the first time, microscopic robots made from DNA can walk, follow instructions and work together to assemble simple products on an atomic-scale assembly line, mimicking the machinery of living cells.
Wall Street Journal: 13 May 2010
The MSNBC news site also covers the story, but has a more realistic picture. That is, I am pretty sure DNA robots don’t contain metallic exo-skeletons
Nano you: a resource for teachers
Nanoyou web site, an EU-funded project, is an educational portal for secondary teachers to help teach nanotech – contains activities, lab pracs and video.
I have yet to have a thorough look through this site, but for secondary teachers and students, and I guess anyone wanting the basic nanotech 101 intro, then it is a good start.
Nanoyou web site is an EU-funded project and is developed as an educational portal with a bunch of online resources for teachers. There is a virtual lab and other hands-on activities and a video that is pretty good. The video’s content has the same explanation that many other “intro to nano” videos or resources such as our own Access Nano do, but with a slicker production and probably a few more Euros behind them as they have Stephen Fry narrating it. I do disagree with one comment he made that we apparently now have an understanding of how things work at the nano scale and are using this understanding to make stuff useful to us. I would suggest we have but a mere inkling of an understanding. There are plenty of big dreams about nano’s potential, however, and there is no shortage of talk about the potential of nano on this video and site.
Jason
TechNyou
Is DNA to be the backbone of next generation logic chips?
Using DNA, one person, in one day could produce more simple logic circuits than the world’s entire output of silicon chips in a month.
Eurekalert: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-05/du-dcb051110.php
Seeds of discontent
GM canola is in its third season in Victoria and the number of farmers growing it is rocketing, but not all are happy.
The Age: 12 May 2010
Lure of the stem ‘sell’
Monash Uni researchers have launched a study into the global phenomenon of stem-cell tourism to identify what influences patients to travel overseas to pursue unproven stem-cell treatments.
Monash University: 5 May 2010. Media release
Talking Technology – new Facebook page
Got stuff on your mind that concerns emerging technologies, stuff you need to talk to someone about?
Talking Technology is a new Facebook site that can let you have your say, by posting a topic or question of interest, or joining an existing discussion.
What it ain’t
Mention the word technology and most people I talk to immediately think IT, or anything in a Dick Smith or JB Hi Fi store, that is gadgets and widgets.
Talking Technology is not about the latest iPod or computer software, but stuff such as GM foods, human enhancement, stem cells, environmental bioremediation, nanotechnologies and, and….all that. Computing technology might get a look in if someone suddenly develops a quantum computer with the ability to store, mine and synthesize every conversation, movement and social contact we have in our lifetime; and analyse and call up every known medical record and undesirable fact about us including our genetic profile that will reveal our secret susceptibilities such as a tendency to hate Collingwood and our addiction to drugs and chocolate (or is chocolate classed as a drug?). As you can see, it is not simply about the technologies, it includes their associated issues both of which underpin the operation of our now global society.
161 Fans already
Spread the word. The more people involved, the healthier the dialogue. We would like to think this site will play a role in helping inform public debate and encourage greater community engagement in the science. There is the capacity to link videos and podcasts and pics as well. It is early days yet we already have 161 fans and a number of discussions happening including a couple on GM foods and one on carbon nanotubes and bioremediation of the environment.
Creative genius – not
I can’t lay claim to the development of the site. A much more creative colleague of ours (Suzanne Morris) did this for us and it has turned up a treat, I reckon.
Spammers beware
Remember as one of the administrators I will be ruthless in culling anything that is a personal attack or simply some sod trying to flog us a product of dubious origin and quality.
Jason
TechNyou
Stem cells from uterus may help Parkinson’s disease
Stem cells from the lining of human uterus and injected into the brains of mice with a form of Parkinson’s disease appeared to take over the functioning of brain cells eradicated by the disease.
National Institute of Health - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/050610-endometrial-stem-cells.cfm
Microbots square off in Alaska
Sounds like a Transformers war in miniature, but these microbots weighing only a few nanograms will battle it out this week in the Mobile Microrobotics Challenge.
EE Times – http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224700658
Would you like gene tech with that?: Public forum
National Science Week event. Collaboration between TechNyou and Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
Forum for scientists, experts and public to engage on the future of food production. In the face of climate change, growing population, water and fertiliser scarcity, what are the acceptable ways for us to ensure a sustainable food supply into the future?
Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange Bld, 55 Exchange Place, Adelaide
Time: 6pm for 6:15 start
Registration and more information at www.genetechmenu.com
Would you like gene tech with that: Public forum
National Science Week event. Collaboration between TechNyou and Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
Forum for scientists, experts and public to engage on the future of food production. In the face of climate change, growing population, water and fertiliser scarcity, what are the acceptable ways for us to ensure a sustainable food supply into the future?
Venue: RiAus, Adelaide