General company news
• CBp Carbon Industries says that its nanotechnology will allow the automotive industry to meet EU recycling directives for end-of-life scrap tires. Plans are being drawn up for additional CBp Carbon plants in Europe, North America and Australia.
• The London Centre for Nanotechnology, a joint enterprise between University College London and Imperial College, has appointed David McComb as its co-director. McComb joined Imperial College London in 2003 and is an expert in the development and application of nano-analytical electron microscopy techniques.
• ShengdaTech, a manufacturer of nano-precipitated calcium carbonate, has received approval for listing on the NASDAQ. The Chinese firm's products are used in tires, paints and PVC building materials to increase strength, heat resistance and stability.
Financial
• ShengdaTech has reported first quarter revenues of $22.2 mn (€16.5 mn), up 36% on the first quarter of 2006 and down slightly (4.3%) on the preceding quarter (the fourth quarter of 2006). According to the firm, 40.5% of its revenue comes from nano-precipitated calcium carbonate products, with the remainder being generated by its chemical segment.
• Nanogen, a developer of nanotechnology-based diagnostics and bio-defence products, has announced that its revenues for the first quarter of 2007 grew to $9.7 mn (€7.2 mn) from $8.7 mn in the fourth quarter of 2006. The firm expects its total revenue for 2007 to reflect a 50% increase on last year's figures.
Medical implants and analysis
• BIOMET 3i has introduced a dental implant featuring nanoscale calcium phosphate crystals. According to pre-clinical studies, the biologically neutral deposit plays an important role in helping the implant to bond with human bone.
• NIST scientists are also looking at ways of using nanotechnology to benefit dental procedures, specifically tooth fillings. The US institute has developed a nanocomposite that it says is more effective at releasing decay-fighting agents, which leaves more room for reinforcing fibres to strengthen the filling.
• Bioident Technologies, a subsidiary of Nanoident, has unveiled what it claims is the industry's first complete, functional lab-on-a-chip system. Featuring printed semiconductors, its PhotonicFlow system comprises a multi-well chip, a handheld device controller and readout software.
Carbon nanotubes
• NSTI's NanoTech 2007 event will include a special symposium on carbon nanotubes chaired by Clayton Teague, director of the Nanotechnology Co-ordination Office, US. The programme aims to deal with core issues such as purity, cost and material properties, and will include scientists from Boeing, NIST, Dupont, NASA, Zyvex, MIT and Lockheed Martin.
• Carbon nanotubes almost 2 cm in length have been grown by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, US. Using an EasyTube 3000 furnace, a novel substrate and a layered metallic and ceramic catalyst, the group managed to produce a 12 mm thick "carpet" of aligned nanotubes.
Courses and events
• NanoBio-RAISE is organizing what it describes as an intensive training course for nanotechnology researchers on public communication and the ethical implications of nanotechnology. The program consists of a mix of expert lectures, case studies, media training, role play, group discussions and debate.
• Veeco has announced its 5th annual nanoscience conference to be held at the University of California, Santa Barbara, 24–27 June 2007. The three-day event will look at extending the limits of scanning probe microscopy, tackle next-generation materials and polymer systems, and examine new tools and techniques for nanoscience, to name just a few topics.