***SPECIAL EDITION***
March 19, 2002
REMINDER: Today’s nanotechnology symposium
will be webcast from 9 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and 3:45-5:30
p.m.
See: http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/priority/nano/nano_live.htm
For more information, see: http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/ma0218.htm
Nanoscale Science and Engineering: A Priority Investment
for NSF
For more information on these science news and feature
story tips, please contact the public information
officer at the end of each item at (703) 292-8070.
Editor: Josh Chamot
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports
nanoscale science and engineering research as one
of its six agency-wide priority areas that address
major scientific and technological challenges across
multiple disciplines. This year, NSF is devoting
nearly $200 million to nanoscale research; the NSF
FY 2003 Budget Request proposes an increase to $221
million (11.3%). NSF currently funds more than 1000
active grant awards for nanotechnology. The following
individual and team research projects are just a few
that showcase the diverse range of nanotechnology
projects NSF supports. (For guidance on how to search
NSF nanotechnology projects online, see bottom.)
Contents of this News Tip:
Researchers
Use Nanowires to Detect Explosives
Researchers at the University of California at San
Diego have developed a silicon polymer nanowire that
can identify trace amounts of explosives, such as
TNT and picric acid, in both air and water. The fibers,
which can be incorporated into materials ranging from
paper to paints, reveal the presence of chemical residues
when viewed in ultraviolet light. NSF Award 9900034
Top of Page
Nanoscale
Composite Material May Aid Bone Repair
Researchers at Northwestern University have used nanoscale
self-assembly to create a composite material that
is very similar to bone. In addition to future medical
applications, the material may have applications for
nerve repair, nanoelectric wires, and high-strength
materials. NSF Awards 9996253, 9972048, 0108342
Top of Page
Nanoscale Electronics
May be Crafted Using Biological Assembly
Building upon their earlier work demonstrating
that peptides and proteins can guide the interconnection
of semiconductor materials, researchers at the University
of Texas at Austin are developing hybrid biological
- semiconductor materials. Integrating quantum dot
technology and complex nanoscale materials, the eventual
products may impact biomedicine and electronics.
NSF Awards 9986563, 0103473
Top of Page
Researchers
to Determine Behavior of Fluids in Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes have diameters that measure in nanometers.
Researchers at Drexel University and the University
of Illinois at Chicago are attempting to resolve the
fundamental properties of fluids as they interact
with carbon nanotubes. The findings will help engineers
develop the next generation of ink jets, biochips,
and other nanofluidic devices. NSF Awards 0084272,
0196006
Top of Page
Nanoscale Film
Serves as Molecular Filter
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed
a thin-film material with nanoscale cavities that
acts as a molecular gatekeeper. In solution, the
film can also play a role in chemically transforming
molecules. Potential applications include nanosensors
for environmental contaminants and compounds that
reveal biological processes, such as neurotransmitters
and acetone; vehicles for selective drug delivery;
catalysts for synthesizing specialized chemicals;
and new types of photoenergy converters. NSF Award
9811334
Top of Page
Researchers
Developing Novel Method to Synthesize Semiconductor
Nanowires
A multidisciplinary team from Pennsylvania State University
is developing a method to synthesize nanowires comprised
of a single crystal semiconductor sandwiched between
metal contacts. In addition to engineering the devices,
the study will explore how changes in nanowire dimensions
affect fundamental electrical properties. The project
also incorporates an extensive educational sandwiched
between metal contacts. In addition to engineering
the devices, the study will explore how changes in
nanowire dimensions affect fundamental electrical
properties. The project also incorporates an extensive
educational component, including the development of
K-12 education and outreach activities. NSF Award
0103068
Top of Page
Nanoscale
Polymer Yields Extremely Slick Coating
Chemical engineers at North Carolina State University
have developed a technique to group molecules so tightly
that they form a slick surface. The material may
have a variety of applications, including non-stick
cookware, computer disk drives, airplane surface coatings,
and medical implants. NSF Award 9875256
Top of Page
Nanogeoscience:
Earth Processes to be Investigated on the Nanoscale
A variety of environmental contaminants, from mine
wastes to industrial chemical spills, may interact
differently with nanoscale earth materials than they
do with macroscale materials. Researchers from the
University of California at Berkeley will study the
interactions of ions and metal oxide nanocrystals.
The studies may reveal how some contaminants might
become sequestered in the environment. NSF Award
0123967
Top of Page
DNA Molecules
to be Used to Construct Nanoscale Devices
The unique properties of DNA molecules allow them to
be crafted into intricate nanostructures. A team
of researchers from New York University, the California
Institute of Technology, and Dow Chemical are attempting
to create operational DNA-based nanomachines. NSF
Award 0103002
Top of Page
For information related to "Small Wonders," the March
19, 2002 NSF symposium on nanotechnology, see: http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/priority/nano/start.htm
For listings of NSF nanotech research solicitations
and awards, see: http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/nano/solicitations.htm
and http://www.nsf.gov/nano
To search by award number for specific information
on research projects and institutions that have been
awarded NSF grants, see: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a6/A6Start.htm
Nanotechnology Media Contact: Amber Jones (703)
292-8070/aljones@nsf.gov
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