NNI publishes bimonthly news alerts from NNCO and NNI-supported research.
E-Newsletter
National Nanotechnology Initiative News for January 9, 2008
From the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office
National Nanotechnology Initiative Releases New Strategic Plan—A new strategic plan for the work of the National Nanotechnology Initiative was released December 31, 2007, describing the vision, goals, and priorities of the NNI to ensure that the derives growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for its citizens and remains a global leader in nanotechnology R&D in the years to come. In a news release, NNCO Director Clayton Teague noted that periodic reexamination of the NNI Strategic Plan is essential, given the dynamic nature of the field. "This strategic plan presents an overview of the NNI for the public and will facilitate achievement of the NNI vision by offering guidance for agency leaders, program managers, and the research community in their nanotechnology R&D investments and activities," said Dr. Teague. He noted that the new plan reflects the consensus of the 25 NNI participating agencies as to the goals and priorities of the NNI and provides a framework within which each agency will carry out its own mission-related nanotechnology programs, as well as a path that will sustain coordination of interagency activities. In addition to specifying high-level goals, the plan identifies activities aimed at accomplishing those goals.
NIOSH Seeks Public Comment on Draft Interim Guidance on Medical Screening of Workers —The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a draft document, "Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB): Interim Guidance on Medical Screening of Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles," for public review and comment. The draft interim document responds to interest by diverse stakeholders for authoritative guidance for the medical screening of workers who may be exposed to engineered nanoparticles in the production and industrial use of nanomaterials. NIOSH is accepting comments through February 15, 2008, and will hold a public scientific meeting on the draft document on January 30, 2008, in Cincinnati , Ohio.
NIOSH Works with International Partners on Nanomaterials in the Workplace—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is providing critical technical input, support, and leadership for international organizations to address the occupational safety and health implications of nanotechnology. "NIOSH's actions help to advance the research that is critical for incorporating safety and health into this advanced technology in its formative stages, developing consistent technical approaches internationally, and supporting leadership in the global market," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.
Recent NIOSH international activities include:
- On November 29, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials agreed to establish a NIOSH-led project to
- 1) exchange information on measuring and controlling exposures to nanomaterials, and
- 2) develop suggestions for further steps by the working party.
- At a December 4-7 meeting, a project group of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 229 voted to approve a draft report of safety and health practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnology. The draft report was based on NIOSH's interim document, “Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology,” and was developed with NIOSH leadership and participation on the project group. The draft report goes to the full technical committee for its review.
- On December 2, at a meeting in Helsinki of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network of Collaborating Centres in Occupational Health, NIOSH staff provided input on the challenges that engineered nanoparticles pose for occupational safety and health. The objective of the meeting was to determine how the WHO Collaboration can develop and support research and cooperation in preventing exposure to potentially hazardous engineered nanoparticles. NIOSH currently is collaborating on five communication and networking projects with various WHO centers. NIOSH projects in the Global Coordinating Centers Network Plan.
Electron Devices Society Honors Government Scientist for Sparking an Interest in Nanotechnology Among Wide Variety of Students —The Electron Devices Society recently honored Meyya Meyyappan, Chief Scientist for Exploration Technology at NASA Ames Research Center and former Director of the Center for Nanotech at NASA Ames, for his dedication and leadership in promoting nanotechnology education to high school, community college and university students. The EDS Education Award was given to Dr. Meyyappan for his decade-long commitment to promoting science to encourage students to explore science, particularly nanotechnology. His achievements include establishing research internship programs at NASA Ames for both high school and university students, developing and teaching an introductory course on Nanoscale Science and Technology at Santa Clara University, and making his course materials available to more than 30 universities across the world. Dr. Meyyappan also raises awareness and interest about the emerging field of nanotechnology through lectures at high school and community colleges across the nation.
Highlights from NNI-Supported Research
Aquatic Environmental Nanoparticles May Play Important Role in Water Quality — Researchers have found that aquatic nanoparticles, which have been detected in virtually all water domains, influence engineered water chemistry and processes differently than similar materials of a larger size. Further understanding of aquatic nanoparticles, from 1 to 100 nanometers, could lead to improvement in water safety, treatment, and remediation. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, researchers at Virginia Tech, led by Michael Hochella Jr, University Distinguished Professor of Geosciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, examined recent advances in identifying nanoparticles in water and in understanding of their properties and reactivity. The Virginia Tech review, which appeared in the December issue of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Journal of Environmental Monitoring, studied nanoparticles formed by both natural processes in water and through mining or water treatment.