Synthetic biology nanotechnology future

genetic engineering that focuses on the development of biological systems with new, defined characteristics, assembled according to the principles of engineering. Synthetic biology has the potential to be used for a broad range of applications and has solutions in store for major problems of the future, including the sustainable supply of energy and the elimination of environmental damage. As the current debate on the creation of the first synthetic cell in the laboratory shows, synthetic biology also fuels fears that human beings are playing the role of creators and going beyond natural boundaries, with incalculable consequences for the future, reduced graphene oxide on the nanoscale and thereby allowing it to switch from being an insulating material to a conducting material.

Nano technology tackles heart disease

Professor Robert Langer, one of the authors of the research, said: “This is a very exciting example of nanotechnology and cell targeting in action.” He said the technology could target any condition in which the cell wall was compromised in this way, including certain types of cancer, and other inflammatory diseases. Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said that while the technology was “promising”, there were many time-consuming obstacles to overcome before it could be regularly used in patients. He said: “This is an interesting proof of principle. People have been looking for a long time for ways to target a particular drug to a particular part of the body. “It wouldn’t be able to replace the need for a balloon and stent to open an artery, but it’s possible that one day, it may be able to deliver a drug to treat atherosclerosis itself.” They used a new technique called scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), which gives an image of the surface of the cardiac muscle cell at more detailed levels than those possible using conventional live microscopy. This enabled the researchers to see fine structures such as minute tubes (t-tubules), which carry electrical signals deep into the core of the cell. They could also see that the muscle cell surface is badly disrupted in heart failure. There are two types of receptors for adrenaline. The first, beta1AR, strongly stimulates the heart to contract and it can also induce cell damage in the long term. The second, beta2AR, can slightly stimulate contraction but it also has special protective properties. For today's study, the researchers combined SICM with new chemical probes which give fluorescent signals when beta1AR or beta2AR is activated

Chrysler Courts Suppliers for Technology Boost in Survival Plan

“Chrysler is on track to re-emerge from bankruptcy in 60 days,” Marchionne said in an interview. “I will become Chrysler CEO after that.” The idea has been discussed in meetings with the Treasury, he said. The Italian carmaker, having come to the rescue of Chrysler, is interested in acquiring Swedish carmaker Saab Automobile as Marchionne tries to assemble a global auto group,Chrysler Courts Suppliers for Technology Boost in Survival Plan including GM’s Opel and Vauxhall operations in Europe and Latin America. “Saab is an interesting opportunity, the brand is however too small for the auto mass market,” Marchionne said. “We could combine Saab with another brand. In the U.S., there’s a Saab dealership network. It would be a pity to give that up.” - Philip Green, Chief Executive of United Utilities, comments, "Employee engagement is one of the key drivers of the success of any business. I can't imagine having high levels of customer or shareholder satisfaction without high levels of engagement." - Richard Lambert, Director General, CBI, says, "One of the things that has become really clear in this past recession is that employee engagement and trust between employer and employee has made it easier for people to come through the tough times in better shape." - Representing the Civil Service, Sir Gus O'Donnell comments, "The more engaged our workforce the more likely employees are to be thinking about creative, innovative ways of helping people who need it the most."