• Nanosys, US, has teamed up with the University of Texas at Dallas, Penn State University and Sciperio to work on semiconductor technology for making large-area electronic systems on flexible substrates. The joint development project is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and has the goal of producing lightweight and flexible electronically-steerable radio frequency antennas. Nanosys has also signed a multimillion dollar development deal with In-Q-Tel, a group funded by the US Central Intelligence Agency.

• Nano-Proprietary subsidiary Applied Nanotech claims to have made an improved biosensor based on carbon nanotubes. The device incorporates biological enzymes fixed to the multiwalled nanotubes by “electropolymerization in conjunction with conducting polymers”. Applied Nanotech says the biosensors show sensitivities for hydrogen peroxide that are three times higher than equivalent competing devices.

• General Electric has opened a technology centre in Shanghai, China. Scientists at the $64 m facility will work on areas including advanced manufacturing; conductive polymers, organic coatings and nanomaterials for applications in hydrogen storage, electronic devices and medical imaging systems; power electronics and controls for renewable energy systems and power turbines; and medical imaging technologies such as permanent magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital X-ray detector materials.

• Nanophase Technologies, US, has announced its third quarter results. The company made revenues of $1.24 m and a net loss of $1.37 m for the quarter ending 30 September. Sales were concentrated in personal care products and nanodispersions for polishing semiconductors and photomasks. According to Nanophase, continued softness in the manufacturing sector has hampered revenue growth. “Lower than expected revenues in 2003 from established customers due to economic conditions have been largely offset with the growth in revenue from polishing markets,” said Joseph Cross, president of Nanophase.

• The European Commission information service CORDIS has added to its coverage of national research programmes in nanotechnology, materials and production processes. Details of activities in Belgium, Spain and Portugal are now available, bringing the total number of member states covered to 13 out of 15.