How cool does that sound? Researcher Steven Novack with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory led the team that developed this material that could draw away heat and collect energy. That energy could potentially be channeled to produce power as well. Energy that gets dissipated as heat is often waste energy. Think about all the cooling fans that your home computer has. Have you ever experienced a warm notebook computer on your lap? This new nanoantenna skin material is very flexible, so it could be used essentially anywhere. Can't wait to start harvesting some of that wasted heat energy!

Photo Source: U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory

Have you ever needed an MRI? Traditionally, gadolinium or GAD is used as a contrast agent during an MRI. This is quite different from the iodine-based contrast agents used for CT scans (or CAT scans). CT uses radiation while MRI uses magnetic technology. Researchers have developed a self-assembled, manganese(III)-labeled nanobialys, a toroidal-shaped MR theranostic nanoparticle. This new contrast material may be safer for patients who need an MRI. Wouldn't it be great if we could have medical imaging without worrying about the risks associated with contrast agents? Source: The American Chemical Society

Have you ever wondered how those invisible threads made by spiders can be so strong? Spiders have an amazing ability to create super-strong webs. Well, that secret could be the key to helping researchers build very strong nanocables. Theoretically, such a carbon nanotube could be created. A single fiber could be invisible, but when multiple fibers are combined, the thread would be visible. Read about the research here in the journal Microsystem Technologies here.

Since I studied mechanical engineering at MIT, this subject hits close to home for me. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) released a report called the "2028 Vision for Mechanical Engineering." The report focuses much on the need for a cleaner, healthier, safer and sustainable global environment. Mechanical engineers will be called to apply advances in nanotechnology to accomplish this. By collaborating and combining resources, engineers working in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and large-scale systems will lead the future of technological development.

Do you know how much an atom weighs? A nano-pound? Maybe a nano-ounce? Physicists at the University of California, Berkeley, have come up with a way to weigh atoms. These researchers have used a carbon-nanotube-based nanomechanical resonator to weigh an atom. The device is a special mass spectrometer that is more sensitive. What's going to be next? Read the article abstract on Nature Nanotechnology here.

The Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics was a spectacular display of "human art." So much has been made possible thanks to advances in technology, including nanotechnology. What did you think about that gigantic LED display? LED technology is becoming more cost-effective, thanks to nanotechnology. It's so great to see technology being displayed at the Olympic Games. What's next?

Many effective drugs never enter the market because of Toxicity and safety issues. An old cancer drug called TNP-470 was being researched in 1990, but clinical studies were stopped when neurologic toxicity was found in patients treated with this agent. Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have created and tested a safer version of TNP-470 in mice. This drug may be one of the most effective drugs against cancer, and it may not re-enter clinical studies thanks to nanotechnology that allowed the drug to be encased in a micelle, a spherical polymer coating that resembles the fluff on a dandelion. This new formulation is being called Lodamin. Read about the story here. Photo Credit: Ofra Benny, Children's Hospital Boston