Researchers Target Tumors With Tiny ‘Nanoworms’

Segmented “nanoworms” composed of magnetic iron oxide and coated with a polymer are able to find and attach to tumors. (Credit: Ji-Ho Park, UCSD)

ScienceDaily (May 7, 200 - Scientists at UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and MIT have developed nanometer-sized “nanoworms” that can cruise through the bloodstream without significant interference from the body’s immune defense system and-like tiny anti-cancer missiles-home in on tumors.

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The man who grew a finger

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Groups Demand EPA Stop Sale Of 200+ Potentially Dangerous Nano-Silver Products

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Are multi-walled carbon nanotubes more like asbestos than we thought?

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DOE Inspector General report critical of the Energy Department for failing to follow the recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in protecting workers who work with nanomaterials at DOE facilities.

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Scientific Committee on Consumer Products OPINION ONSAFETY OF NANOMATERIALS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS

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Recirculating Air Filtration Significantly Reduces Exposure to Airborne Nanoparticles

David Y.H. Pui, Chaolong Qi, Nick Stanley, Günter Oberdörster, and Andrew Maynard
doi:10.1289/ehp.11169 (available at http://dx.doi.org/) Online 26 March 2008

http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/11169/11169.pdf

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Airborne nanoparticles from vehicle emissions have been associated with adverse effects in people with pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, and toxicological studies have shown that nanoparticles can be more hazardous than their larger scale counterparts. Re-circulating air filtration in automobiles and houses may provide a low-cost solution to reducing exposures in many cases, thus reducing possible health risks.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effectiveness of re-circulating air filtration on reducing exposure to incidental and intentionally produced airborne nanoparticles under two scenarios: while driving in traffic, and while generating nanomaterials using gas phase synthesis.

METHODS: We tested the re-circulating air filtration in two commercial vehicles when driving in traffic, as well as in a non-ventilation room with a nanoparticle generator, simulating a nanomaterial production facility. We also measured the time-resolved aerosol size distribution during the in-car recirculation to investigate how re-circulating air filtration impacts on particles of different sizes. A recirculation model was developed to describe the aerosol concentration change during recirculation.

RESULTS: The use of inexpensive low-efficiency filters in recirculation systems is shown to reduce nanoparticle concentrations to below levels found in a typical office within three minutes while driving through heavy traffic, and within twenty minutes in a simulated nanomaterial production facility.

CONCLUSIONS: Development and application of this technology could lead to significant reductions in airborne nanoparticle exposure, reducing possible risks to health and providing solutions to generating nanomaterials safely.

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Human health implications of nanomaterial exposure

THILO PAPP1, DIETMAR SCHIFFMANN1, DIETER WEISS1, VINCE CASTRANOVA2, VAL VALLYATHAN2, & QAMAR RAHMAN3

Published in: journal Nanotoxicology, Volume 2, Issue 1 March 2008 , pages 9 - 27

1Institute of Cell Biology & Biosystems Technology, Rostock University Rostock, Germany, 2National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA, and 3Dean Research & Development Integral University, Lucknow, India

Abstract

Nanotechnology presents countless opportunities to develop new and improved consumer products for the benefit of society. However, as the industrial production and use of nanotechnology products continue to expand at a fast scale, potential human health concerns and ecological safeguards for the environment need to be addressed. Health risk assessment involving different animal species for multi-organ toxicity complimented with molecular investigations in cells is essential for investigating the potential toxic effects of nanomaterials. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the potential routes of human exposure to nanomaterials and their biological health effects. Although anthropogenic nanosized particles emitted in the environment are known to produce adverse human health in susceptible populations, much remains to be explored. Exposures can occur from direct exposure or from the use of commercial products made of nanomaterials. Safe manufacturing guidelines for prevention of exposures and recommendations on safe handling and use need to be established on a proactive basis to prevent adverse outcomes.

Majority of nanotechnology companies do not perform any form of risk assessment

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Nanotech Exposed in Grocery Store Aisles

Report finds Miller Light, Cadbury and other brands have toxic risks

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Untested nanotechnology is being used in more than 100 food products, food packaging and contact materials currently on the shelf, without warning or new FDA testing, according to a report released today by Friends of the Earth.

The report, Out of the Laboratory and onto Our Plates: Nanotechnology in Food and Agriculture, found nanomaterials in popular products and packaging including Miller Light beer, Cadbury Chocolate packaging and ToddlerHealth, a nutritional drink powder for infants sold extensively at health food stores including WholeFoods.
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Symposium on nanomedicine in Qatar

in Quatar

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NIOSH Updates Nano Planning Through 2012

NIOSH, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health posted on its website an updated version of its strategic plan for reseach in nanotechnology through the year 2012.
The agency is accepting public comments on the document Research Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research: Filling the Knowledge Gaps until June 1, 2008.
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Nanoparticle Chicken Feed Keeps Birds Healthy

Feb. 29, 2008 — Researchers at Clemson University have fed nanoparticles to chickens, eliminating deadly bacteria and making the chickens safer for human consumption.
The research could reduce the number of cases of food-borne diseases in the United States and one day treat the more than five million people in developing countries who die annually from diarrhea.
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Accident involved nanostructured explosive materials

Chemical & Engineering News - February 27, 2008

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New NNI strategy document on nanotech EHS research

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EU nanotechnology R&D in the field of health and environmental impact of nanoparticles

EU nanotechnology R&D in the field of health and environmental impact of nanoparticles

Compiled by Pilar Aguar and Jose Juan Murcia Nicolas
Unit G4 Nano and converging Sciences and Technologies
European Commission, Research DG
Version: 28 January 08
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Sonic activation of molecularly-targeted nanoparticles accelerates transmembrane lipid delivery to cancer cells through contact-mediated mechanisms: implications for enhanced local drug delivery.

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New test for cancer cells in blood

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Remotely controlled nanoparticles fight tumors

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Lancet Series Takes on Energy, Health

September 15, 2007 issue. morehere