The definition of the nanoscience is a strange one. Its counters are – at least partly – dictated by size: objects below one micron are currently called „nano“. Often the use of the nano-label is mainly motivated by financial interest.
Nonetheless, after yesterdays discussion about scaling, it becomes clear today that size does matter! This becomes evident at first glance at the 36 contributed posters. Independent on the classical disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology) size is the primarily adjusted parameter in order to observe revolutionary phenomena in a perhaps quite common material.
Innovations presented on the stylish posters include (without claiming completeness):
- A new cancer drug consisting of paramagnetic iron oxide nano-particles that serve both as sensing tools for NMR and to destroy the cancer by locally heating it through magnetic resonance.
- To increase the durability and storage density of lead batteries it was proposed to use carbon nano-tubes as scaffolds coated with the lead compound. By that the surface is increased enormously whereas the battery weight is simultaneously decreased.
- Collagen as an indicator of the degree of mummyfication in Ötzi.
- Selectively gating nanopores based on the nuclear pore complex.
- A novel approach to drug delivery using DNA carriers. Their size and shape is controlled through distinct folding mechanisms (keyword: DNA origami).
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