SEMINAR

American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting, Chicago IL

Date: February 14 2009

Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Session Number: 180-037

Location: HRC Crystal B

Synopsis: From the food we eat to the medicines we take, nanotechnology is being heralded as something that will revolutionize our world. The manipulation of matter at the scale of atoms and molecules is leading to new materials and innovative devices. But are these advances truly revolutionary, or do they simply reflect an evolution in our knowledge and abilities? To examine this question, this panel turns to the interface between nanomaterials and humans. Changing the way materials interact with the human body is a truly diverse field. Food researchers are showing that nanomaterials can transform fatty, sugary products into “healthy” foods with the same taste and texture — donuts that are as good as they taste. Similar technologies are enabling functionality to be engineered into ingredients, blurring the line between nutrients and pharmaceuticals. This growing understanding of nano-bio interactions is also pushing the boundaries of medical science. Engineered nanoparticles are allowing the living body to be studied in greater depth than ever before, noninvasively; while nano-engineered “smart drugs” are being programmed to take out cancerous cells while leaving healthy tissues intact. Nano-biosensors are emerging that can detect markers of disease early enough to allow effective treatment. Whether looking at donuts or drugs, nanotechnology is changing the tools of science and how research is done. The underlying knowledge may be evolutionary, but the results are truly revolutionary.

Organizers:

Rod Hill, University of Iowa

Sally Tinkle, NIH/NIEHS

Andrew Maynard, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

Lineup:

Andrew Maynard: Opening Remarks

Sally Tinkle: Moderator

Nanotechnology and Biomedical Imaging Frontiers: Seeing “Less” and Knowing More – Annette Kolodzie, FEI Company, Hillsboro, OR

Nano-Biotechnology: Challenges for Trainees in a Multidisciplinary Research Program – Jessica Koehne, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA

Nanostructures: Imaging and Diagnosis in Biomedicine – Martin Philbert, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Nano-Biotechnology: Challenges for Trainees in a Multidisciplinary Research Program 2 – Christina Kriegel, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA [Presentation – 2.9 MB]

What Nanotechnology Can Do for Your Average Donut – Frans Kampers, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands [Presentation – 6 MB]

Anne Yaktine, NAS: Discussant

Rod Hill: Closing Remarks