Powering Small Smart Devices with Light and Motion

Image via CrunchBase University of Bolton scientists create smart material to generate energy from the elements (ASM International, Nov. 3, 2010) Also discussed here: Scientists Create Photovoltaic-Piezoelectric Fiber To Power Gadgets With Light & Motion (The Green Optimistic, Nov. 2, 2010) And here: Photovoltaic-Piezoelectric Fiber Could Power Your Laptop (Solar Novus, Nov. 1, 2010) And [...]

Life-Cycle Assessment of Nanotechnology and Health

Image via Wikipedia Sustainable Nanotechnology: Through Green Methods and Life-Cycle Thinking (16 page pdf, Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3323-3338, Oct. 25, 2010) Before futurist Jay W. Forrester at MIT, developed the “World” model for the Club of Rome in 1970, he focussed on the same Systems Dynamic approach by applying it to an urban setting.  Many [...]

Engineered Nanoparticles and Human Health

Hazards and Risks of Engineered Nanoparticles for the Environment and Human Health (34 page pdf- Sustainability, Nov. 30, 2009) – excellent review paper of ENPs , “evaluated in the context of the current state of knowledge of the risks of nanomaterials, limitations were identified and recommendations were given on how to overcome them” on this [...]

Traffic emits organic nanoparticles

Traffic emits organic nanoparticles (Environmental Research Web) Abstract at: Roadside aerosol study using hygroscopic, organic and volatility TDMAs: Characterization and mixing state Key Quotes: ” Traffic is responsible for emitting organic particles as small as 10-20 nm in size that are insoluble in water” “to assess adverse health effects, scientists need more detailed information on [...]

Nanotoxicology

This outstanding paper from the field of environmental health focuses on the health risks posed by nanosized particles (NSP) entering the lungs by respiration- such particles are those emitted by many diesel vehicles and present a human health hazard especially in downtown urban areas with heavy traffic (such as the Byward Market in Ottawa) Nanotoxicology: [...]