The governor rolled out the proposal on Tuesday during a speech to academic, business and government officials in Rockville.

The plan, which is called InvestMaryland, will require approval by the Legislature.

Under the proposal, insurance companies would be eligible for state tax credits, if they invest in Maryland’s venture infrastructure. The money would be directed to Maryland-based venture capital firms to get money to businesses creating jobs in fields like biosciences and nanotechnology.

source: Associated Press

Experts working on the project, called InLiveTox, will be at an international nanotoxicology conference at Edinburgh Napier University on 2-4 June.

The three-year £2m project involves experts from around the world.

They are developing a way of testing the toxicity of ingested nanoparticles that does not involve using animals.

Instead, a ‘test-tube gut and liver’ will emulate the response of cells and tissues to ingestion of the tiny particles.

Scientists believe that nanotechnology, the use of particles a thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair, is one of the most important technologies of the 21st Century.

It promises new materials with enhanced properties which could perform a variety of roles, including cancer treatment in drugs, stain resistance in clothes and preservatives in food.

While there are clear benefits, concerns remain about their safe use.

Dr Gary Hutchison, Edinburgh Napier’s centre for nano safety’s acting director, said: “Given the widespread use of nanomaterials in a variety of everyday products, it is essential for us to fully understand them and their potential impacts.

“We are working with other European specialists on the InLiveTox project to develop a viable, effective alternative to using animals in such testing.”

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_east_and_fife/10208162.stm

The workshop will feature technical talks and discussion from 10 a.m. to noon, lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and product demonstrations and discussion from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will take place in the CNSI Auditorium at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, located at 570 Westwood Plaza, Building 114, in Los Angeles. To register, and for more information, please visit:http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2w8f88a6e0357fb

During the workshop, participants will have access to NanoInk’s NLP 2000 System, which is an easy to use and affordable desktop nanolithography platform in which patterns of nano to micron-sized features can be created with a wide variety of materials from metal nanoparticles to biomolecules. With the NLP 2000 System, researchers can rapidly design and create custom engineered surfaces over large areas, using the proven technique of Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®).

More information about the workshop topics are as follows:

Biomaterials Deposition: Demonstrations will show how to directly pattern hydrogels, both pure and functionalized, in arbitrary sizes and patterns over large areas (40 mm x 40 mm). The NLP 2000 System gives researchers the ability to pattern multiple biocompatible polymers at sub-cellular features sizes with nanoscale precision.

Biosensor Functionalization: The NLP 2000 System can be used to write directly to existing structures, opening up the possibility to functionalize microscale sensor devices with multiple materials.

Parallel and Multiplexed Depositions: Using NanoInk’s multiple tip arrays; demonstrations will show how to pattern complex multi-component protein arrays with sub-cellular feature sizes for use in cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell differentiation studies.

Rapid Prototyping: The generation of new patterns requires a simple change in the pattern entered into the software. This direct write technique can be used to rapidly prototype arbitrary patterns without having to create a new master stamp or mask for each pattern.

Please visit www.nanoink.net or call (847) 679-8807 for more information on the NanoFabrication Systems Division, the NLP 2000 System, and related Application Notes.

About NanoInk
NanoInk, Inc. is an emerging growth technology company specializing in nanometer-scale manufacturing and applications development for the life science and semiconductor industries. Using Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®), a patented and proprietary nanofabrication technology, scientists are enabled to rapidly and easily create nanoscale structures from a wide variety of materials. This low cost, easy to use and scalable technique brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop. Located in the new Illinois Science + Technology Park, north of Chicago, NanoInk currently has over 140 patents and applications filed worldwide and has licensing agreements with Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Strathclyde, University of Liverpool, California Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For more information on products and services offered by NanoInk, Inc., see www.nanoink.net.

NanoInk, the NanoInk logo, Dip Pen Nanolithography and DPN are trademarks or registered trademarks of NanoInk, Inc.

The workshop will feature technical talks and discussion from 10 a.m. to noon, lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and product demonstrations and discussion from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will take place in the CNSI Auditorium at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, located at 570 Westwood Plaza, Building 114, in Los Angeles. To register, and for more information, please visit:http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2w8f88a6e0357fb

During the workshop, participants will have access to NanoInk’s NLP 2000 System, which is an easy to use and affordable desktop nanolithography platform in which patterns of nano to micron-sized features can be created with a wide variety of materials from metal nanoparticles to biomolecules. With the NLP 2000 System, researchers can rapidly design and create custom engineered surfaces over large areas, using the proven technique of Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®).

More information about the workshop topics are as follows:

Biomaterials Deposition: Demonstrations will show how to directly pattern hydrogels, both pure and functionalized, in arbitrary sizes and patterns over large areas (40 mm x 40 mm). The NLP 2000 System gives researchers the ability to pattern multiple biocompatible polymers at sub-cellular features sizes with nanoscale precision.

Biosensor Functionalization: The NLP 2000 System can be used to write directly to existing structures, opening up the possibility to functionalize microscale sensor devices with multiple materials.

Parallel and Multiplexed Depositions: Using NanoInk’s multiple tip arrays; demonstrations will show how to pattern complex multi-component protein arrays with sub-cellular feature sizes for use in cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell differentiation studies.

Rapid Prototyping: The generation of new patterns requires a simple change in the pattern entered into the software. This direct write technique can be used to rapidly prototype arbitrary patterns without having to create a new master stamp or mask for each pattern.

Please visit www.nanoink.net or call (847) 679-8807 for more information on the NanoFabrication Systems Division, the NLP 2000 System, and related Application Notes.

About NanoInk
NanoInk, Inc. is an emerging growth technology company specializing in nanometer-scale manufacturing and applications development for the life science and semiconductor industries. Using Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®), a patented and proprietary nanofabrication technology, scientists are enabled to rapidly and easily create nanoscale structures from a wide variety of materials. This low cost, easy to use and scalable technique brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop. Located in the new Illinois Science + Technology Park, north of Chicago, NanoInk currently has over 140 patents and applications filed worldwide and has licensing agreements with Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Strathclyde, University of Liverpool, California Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For more information on products and services offered by NanoInk, Inc., see www.nanoink.net.

NanoInk, the NanoInk logo, Dip Pen Nanolithography and DPN are trademarks or registered trademarks of NanoInk, Inc.

Source – http://iopscience.iop.org/0957-4484/21/16/165501/

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Rare earth minerals are vital for electric motors in hybrid cars, wind turbines, efficient light bulbs and even missiles. China accounts for more than 90 percent of the world’s production of the minerals.

The State Council, China’s highest legislative body, is weighing a proposal to put the government in control of private and unauthorized mines that produce rare earth minerals, China Daily, the government-controlled English-language newspaper, reported on Wednesday.

Some governments and global companies have recently expressed concern about whether China plans to restrict exports of rare earth minerals or require foreign companies to move factories to China to complete production of items using them.

Last year, China distributed a draft policy to foreign executives that called for prohibiting the export of some of the minerals that are in the shortest supply and happen to be mined mainly in southeastern China using some of the most environmentally damaging techniques. That led to a scramble to develop alternative mines in other parts of the world.

But Chinese officials say they want to tighten control over the precious resource because the mining has led to environmental ruin and chaotic development.

Industry specialists in China say large supplies of its rare earth minerals are illegally exported and highly undervalued, and that foreign companies are not paying for the environmental damage caused by mining.

“We want a higher price on our rare earth minerals,” said Zhang Anwen, deputy secretary general of the Chinese Society of Rare Earths, a government-affiliated research organization in Beijing. “Foreign buyers should more or less share our costs, including the high cost of reducing environmental pollution.”

Ian Chalmers, a managing director at Alkane Resources, a rare earth mining company in Perth, Australia, said that China had been planning such a move for years, partly to manage the devastating pollution generated from mining the minerals.

“This could help their environmental credentials and show they’re cracking down on illegal behavior,” Mr. Chalmers said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Bao Beibei contributed research.

Article By DAVID BARBOZA

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/business/global/03rare.html

The university and Lockheed have a long history of collaboration, and on Friday they announced their business relationship will continue to expand. For at least the next three years, academia and industry will come together to provide innovative solutions for global and national security challenges.

“We’ve been working historically together for more than seven decades, but we’ve never really had a strategic partnership that we think we can have in the research area–fundamental research that helps the more applied work that Lockheed does and also helps their products division,” said Darryll Pines, Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

“We have a number of research areas that we’ll be working initially in the logistics and sustainment area, nanotechnology, and some work in energy and climate change,” said Ray Johnson, Lockheed’s Chief Technology Officer.

Pines said this will translate into added benefits for students.

“They’ll see enhanced internships; they’ll see opportunities for future job prospects; they’ll see future opportunities in various divisions at Lockheed Martin,” Pines said.

University President Dr. C. D. Mote says it’s a win-win situation, and that similar partnerships have always been successful. Every year, hundreds of students at the school of engineering find jobs with Lockheed, he said, making the company the school’s top employer.

“The activities together increase. We’ve seen this demonstrated with the Smithsonian Institution; we’ve seen this demonstrated with the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore, and we’ve seen this all over the place actually,” Mote said.

Lockheed and university officials said they expect the initial commitment of $1 million per year to grow well beyond that.

http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0610/742960.html

Supervisors: Dr Paul Watts and Dr M. Grazia Francesconi, University of Hull – Department of
Chemistry

The main objective of this project is preparation and functionalization of metal oxide nanoparticles in a microfluidic reactor. The advantages of
this
innovative approach are numerous. Firstly, synthesis of nanoparticles in
micro
reactors assures better homogeneity of the particles size and favours
the
production of monodisperse particles, compared to more traditional “on
the
bench” synthetic approaches. Secondly, the use of a micro reactor
provides
a process for continuous production and functionalization (e.g. via
surface ligand exchange or surface coating with organic or inorganic
polymers) of
nanoparticles, which is set to be matched with the requirements for an
industrial process, in view of scaling out the technique. Thirdly,
within these
production processes, environmentally friendly solvents (e.g.
water-based media) and reagents will be used to minimize environmental
impact.

One of the applications for the nanoparticles prepared in this project will be heterogeneous catalysis of industrially relevant organic reactions.
There
are many advantages associated with the use of heterogeneous catalysts,
ranging
from ease of handling to increased stability and isolation from the
resulting
reaction mixture. However, their use on a production scale is precluded
by the costs associated with the catalytic material itself and the
reduced
lifetimes that can be experienced due to mechanical degradation when
employed
in stirred tank reactors. In fact, many organic reactions,
conventionally, are catalysed by expensive metals such as Au, Ag, Pt and
Pd.
However, it has been found that cheaper compounds such as Fe₂O₃,
Fe₃O₄, MnFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄
are also catalytically active when appropriately functionalised. This
project
will focus on establishing robust synthetic routes to obtain and
functionalise
nanoparticles of catalysts in a microreactor reproducible and,
subsequently to
test their catalytic activity by carrying out a series of synthetically
important.

For further information contact either:

Dr Paul Watts Dr M Grazia Francesconi
Department of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
The University of
Hull The University of Hull
Cottingham
Road Cottingham Road
Hull Hull
HU6 7RX
HU6 7RX

Tel: +44 (0)1482 465471

Tel: +44 (0)1482 465409
Email: P.Watts@hull.ac.uk

Email: m.g.francesconi@hull.ac.uk

The studentship will start in September 2010 (or earlier if required).

Dr M. Grazia Francesconi

Department of Chemistry

University of Hull

Cottingham Road

Hull, HU6 7RX

UK

Tel 0044 (0)1482 46 5409

Department Code E552

Purpose To collaborate and show leadership in laboratory research and in program planning toward the development of operational nanotechnology-enabled power and energy systems, as well as in a variety of other ongoing, nanotechnology projects within the MITRE Nanosystems Group (Dept. E552).

Security Clearance Level Secret

Key Functions The successful candidate must be prepared to collaborate effectively and to show leadership in conducting laboratory research and program planning involving the design, fabrication, and/or laboratory testing of nanotechnology-enabled systems for the more efficient storage and generation of power and energy—esp., batteries, capacitors, solar cells, or other electrically-based systems. The position will involve extensive collaboration with senior staff in this and also in other ongoing, nanotechnology projects within the MITRE Nanosystems Group (Dept. E552). The major emphasis and responsibilities of this position will involve nanotechnology-enabled power and energy systems. However, collaboration, engagement, and involvement in areas of nanotechnology beyond nanopower will be essential to success in this position. Strong abilities in writing and in delivering clear oral presentations also are absolutely essential.

Required Education/Experience: BS or equivalent and 5 years of related experience or MS or equivalent and 3 years of related experience or PhD and 1 year of related experience
Desired Education/Experience M.S. or Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science, with a very strong academic record. It is preferred that the candidate have at least 2 years of experience working in the field of nanotechnology-enabled power and energy systems (to include graduate or postdoctoral work), with specific hands-on laboratory experience in the fabrication and testing of applicable nanotechnology-enabled devices and systems. Prior focus on batteries, capacitors, solar cells, or other electrically-based systems is preferred. Candidates having a Ph.D. in an area of nanotechnology applied to power and energy systems also are preferred.

Required Skills: Must be very knowledgeable and proficient in the hands-on design, fabrication, and testing in the laboratory of nanotechnology-enabled electrical power and energy systems. Strong abilities in the laboratory and interest in continuing to work in the laboratory are absolutely essential, as are knowledge of the specialized equipment necessary for nanotechnology-enabled electrical power and energy systems experiments. The ability to collaborate effectively, to write clearly, and to deliver clear oral presentations also are required.

Desired Skills The ideal candidate will exhibit extensive experience and expertise, including recent publications, in the design, fabrication and laboratory testing of state-of-the-art nanotechnology-enabled electrical power and energy storage and generation systems, as well as their packaging and integration with other types of devices. Also, he or she will have experience in and thorough familiarity with fundamental developments in the wider field of nanotechnology, esp. as they apply to the design, fabrication, and development of nanotechnology-enabled power and energy systems.

Travel Statement *This position will require overnight travel up to 5 % of the time.

Clearance Statement *Applicants selected for this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance. For this position, MITRE will consider only applicants with security clearances or applicants who are eligible for security clearances.,

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