Will Nanobots replace neurons ?

A computer animation of a possible future nanomedical procedure where a nanobot replaces a damaged neuron has been published on YouTube (see below) in 2007.

Although this can look very "cool",  This animation conveys a realistic - nor even a futuristic - concept for the possible applications of nanotechnology. It does not contribute to a constructive education of the public on Nanotechnologies.  Surprisingly, this video scores 318 "likes" and 19 "dislikes".

If you agree with me, can you click here and "dislike" the video.

Coursera: Nanotechnology

Coursera is an online tool to learn about anything: One can go onto the site and search a class of interest. It then brings up related classes that are taking place and are organized by colleges. Cne can then join the course and enjoy learning.

They have two classes in nanotechnologies: One coming from Rice University, and the other from the Israeli Institute of Technology.

Coursera.org : Nanotechnology

To start learning or to find out more, go to www.coursera.org 

NanoWe

NanoWe is a new website that is looking to be the marketplace of nanotechnologies. They want to compile all the products that have to do with nanotechnologies. Their goal is for businesses to come to them with products, and then they put it on their website, with the products of all the other businesses, making a go-to place for anybody who wants to buy anything Nano-related.

If you are interested in adding you products to their site or learning more about it, click here

www.nanowe.com 

Nanobubbles help fight Malaria

Malaria is one of the abhorred diseases in the world. Half of the word's population inhabits lands where they are susceptible to the disease, and over 200 million people are diagnosed with it each year. 600 000 Africans die of it each year. In the last decade, malaria has become less lethal due to artemisnins.

Nanotechnology is pitching in to fighting the disease by trailblazing the way for a highly accurate and precise device that can detect minute traces of malaria. More importantly, it does it notably simply.

Sketch of the device and how it works. (Transdermal - through the skin)

Current methods for detection require a blood smear and several qualified doctors and microscopes. This is expensive, and is often unavailable in third-world countries. This system works by sending a lower power laser pulse onto the skin. The pulse goes through the skin, and does not affect healthy cells. However, if the pulse encounters an infected cell, the pulse makes the hemozoin (which is released by malaria into the infected cell) create nanobubbles. When the bubbles pop, the unique acoustic signal is picked up, thus indicating malaria.

It is a simple technique, that requires no professionals, and is becoming available in a hand-held, battery-powered device that will allow the diagnosis to cost less than 50cents.
This research is being done at Rice university.

To Read more: (source)