Monday, March 12, 2007

Picture of the day


Eigler's Eyes


Chris Robinson, Eigler's Eyes, NanoArt 2006


From NanoArt 2006. © Copyright Chris Robinson (click to see larger version)

NANOART is a new art discipline related to micro/nanosculptures created by artists/scientists through chemical/physical processes and/or natural micro/nanostructures that are visualized with powerful research tools like Scanning Electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope.

NanoArt could be for the 21st Century what Photography was for the 20th Century. We live in a technological society, in a new Renaissance period, and there is no reason for Arts to stay away from Technology. NanoArt is the expression of the New Technological Revolution and reflects the transition from Science to Art using Technology.


See all of Chris Robinson's NanoArt 2006 entries here, or visit his website.

Please contact me if you would like to submit an image. (rocky at bir-consulting.com)

Quote of the day

"History is a race between education and catastrophe."
~H. G. Wells



"If we don't get in early on nanotechnology, we will miss an incredible opportunity. We must aggressively go after research funding and business investment. If it's going to be a California industry, we must act now and invest in education and our innovation infrastructure."
~Steve Westly, Controller, State of California



"The youth of today are the nanotechnology workers of tomorrow. Beginning science education in college is too late, we need to start early to interest and prepare students in science-related careers such as nanotechnology."
~Aadron Rausch, Purdue Extension Specialist

Education, Pt. I

Preparing the workforce needed to fill all the jobs to be created by nanotechnologies within the next two decades is a daunting task. Predictions suggest that by 2015, more than 2 million workers will be needed to fill all the jobs created by nanotechnologies. Accordingly, educating the workforce now to fill those high paying future jobs has got to be a priority for any country that desires them.

Along with the other previously posted regular features, education will be a recurring posting.

Here is a synopsis covering the period February 24, 2007, to March 09, 2007.

"Aimed at students between the ages of 15 and 19, the IBN Nano-Bio Kits feature interactive experiments and lessons on practical applications in nanobiotechnology, drug delivery, and medical devices."

(From: Singapore's IBN launches Nano-Bio Kits to teach nanotechnology
http://www.smalltimes.com/articles/article_display.cfm?Section=ONART&C=Educa&ARTICLE_ID=286791&p=109)

"According to him, the interest among students for 'pure science' in both India and the U.S. are on the decline. ‘Science is a way of thinking. The focus of science education should be to motivate students to learn the subject with interest and instill a scientific temper in them.’"

(From: On a mission http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030200920200.htm)

"Researchers at ASU have been studying the impact of nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide/oxide (TiO2), which is found in sunscreen and many other products, on aquatic organisms. With so much to study in the way of nanoparticles, they agreed to enlist the help of a rather curious high school student."

(From: High school student starts research career early by focusing on nanoparticles found in sunscreen http://www.asu.edu/news/stories/200703/20070302_sunscreen.htm)

"NanoBioNexus has announced its partnership with UCSD Extension, the professional education division of UCSD, with a 40 year history serving as the catalyst for continued economic, intellectual and cultural growth in San Diego and Baja California. NBN has designed a course,"Introduction to Nanobiotechnology" which will be offered April 24th as part of Extension's "Cutting-Edge Knowledge" offerings in the Spring 2007 catalogue. The curriculum and the lead instructor for the course will be provided by NanoBioNexus."

(From: NanoBioNexus Partners with UCSD Extension for Nanobiotechnology Course
http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=20897)

"Kashmir University is open for students from all over the world and we are continuing to upgrade the infrastructure to match it with other world class universities."

(From: Kashmir University head for 20 pc reservation to PaK students http://www.kashmirnewz.com/n000132.html)

"Meanwhile, the National Assessment of Educational Progress … 2005 scores in science also showed the most progress among fourth-graders at 68 percent having partial or better understanding (of science). By 12th grade, about half the high schoolers passed the basic level, and 18 percent were even proficient. But that means that half the seniors didn't know enough."

(From: Big arguments build on basic science facts http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070303/OPINION04/703030309/1105/OPINION)

"Image Dynamics™ have pioneered the development of miniaturised learning & development modules which lasts between 30-120 seconds. This new learning & development process is already gaining significant interest from leading corporations. The process engages the user at a deep emotional level by combining imagery, reflective questions and keywords within a variety of animation sequences."

(From: Powerful Nano-Learning Process Breaks New Ground in Global Learning & Development http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=20916)

"To receive a copy of the 2007 Small Times University Survey please email Thomas Markley or call 603-891-9307. For questions regarding the content of the survey - please email Barbara Goode or call 603-891-9194."

(From: Information and FAQ on University Survey 2007 http://www.smalltimes.com/articles/article_display.cfm?Section=ONART&C=Educa&ARTICLE_ID=286166&p=109)

"A well-known Chinese institute that issues global rankings on universities around the world ranked this university (University of Maryland) among the top 25 colleges and universities in three out of five broad academic subject areas this year."

(From: Global rankings give university a boost http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2007/03/07/News/Global.Rankings.Give.University.A.Boost-2761715.shtml)

"Immerse yourself in the world of the latest research developments - a walk through the Science Tunnel presented by the Max Planck Society makes it possible. The multimedia exhibition will be officially opened on March 7, 2007 in Brussels."

(From: Nanotechnology part of European cutting-edge research exhibition http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=1582.php)

"Assisting immigrants and their children to prepare for opportunities for leadership in their various fields in the United States is the mission of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship program for New Americans."

(From: LCHS Grad Named a Soros Fellow http://www.lacanadaonline.com/articles/2007/03/08/news/lnws-dang301.txt)

"The USC NanoCenter and Benedict College present the South Carolina Citizen’s School of Nanotechnology for this spring beginning March 7 on the Benedict campus."

(From: USC, Benedict Present Nanotechnology School http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064025693&ShowArticle_ID=11000703073039528)

"…told city school district officials earlier this week that the massive reorganization planned for the middle schools and Albany High is missing crucial input from parents and other community members. The plan also calls for transforming Philip Livingston Magnet Academy from a middle school into one of the high school's academies: the academy of nanoscale science, engineering and environmental science."

(From: Caution urged on school makeover http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=570389&category=ALBANY&BCCode=&newsdate=3/9/2007)

"Windber Area High School faculty members are looking for ways to get students involved in the field of nanotechnology. School administrators recently attended a tour of the nanotechnology facilities at Pennsylvania State University's main campus in an attempt to find a way to expose students to this new technology."

(From: School explores ways to bring new technology to students http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2007/03/09/news/friday/news04.txt)

"'We want to showcase UK Science, raise the profile of science and improve perception of science as a career option.' Though Science is popular, she thinks students should go into the different branches of science and see that it could be interesting and fun."

(From: Young Scientists from UK http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070225/FunDay/fd1.html)

"The Austin Technology Council is launching a new academy focused around science, math and technology to create the next generation of tech experts."

(From: New tech academy launching http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2007/02/26/daily21.html)

"The goal is to develop opportunities for SDSU faculty and students working in partnership with Argonne to pursue fields of science and technology that are of mutual interest and that, importantly, advance science and technology-driven economic development in South Dakota."

(From: SDSU forms partnership with Argonne National Laboratory http://media.www.sdsucollegian.com/media/storage/paper484/news/2007/02/28/News/Sdsu-Forms.Partnership.With.Argonne.National.Laboratory-2749173.shtml)

For custom reports in your areas of interest, contact me at rocky at bir-consulting.com