There have been reports and posts before about the new IBM/Toshiba cell processor but more info was released today.  A couple of things stand out:

- It has EIGHT cores

- It is platform independent

- It runs at 4GHz

- Best of all, it was not released in a super computer at a university; it is making its debut in a home gaming station. Sweet.

More at Tom’s Hardware Guide

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I want a ratbot. Ratbots are being used to test the possibility of transmitting information between a living thing and a computer via implants. A ratbot setup consists of an electronic “backpack,” worn by a rat, and sensors implanted in the rat’s brain. Signals are sent to the backpack and then instructions are sent to the rat’s brain via the sensors, Gantz said.

The ratbot is just one of several developments in this area, Gantz said. For example, Kevin Warwick, a University of Reading professor, implanted a chip in his arm that transmitted information to a computer. When Warwick clenched his hand, a robot would follow suit via a computer connection.

Full Story

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This is a great story from the Washington Post.

“Nanobots” remain imaginary for now, but a number of other futuristic nanodevices are already proving their potential in animal and human experiments. More than 60 drugs and drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology, and more than 90 medical devices or diagnostic tests, are already being tested, according to NanoBiotech News, a weekly newsletter that tracks the field. These examples, drawn from recent scientific publications, offer a glimpse of just how small the field of medicine is getting.

Full Story on washingtonpost.com

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Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed particles that potentially will make it easy, and cheap, to see in the dark.

The nanoparticles–developed under a project directed by professor Ted Sargent–can essentially detect infrared light, unseen by humans because of its long wavelengths. And like a solar panel, they can channel the energy to beneficial purposes.



Conceivably, a manufacturer could mix the particles developed by Sargent into coatings, fabrics or plastics, and devise far less-expensive products. A specially treated camera lens could capture images in the dark by fielding infrared signals. Walls treated with infrared-sensitive paint could detect intruders or animals by intercepting their thermal signature, or body heat. 

Full Story

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In a new report, NanoMarkets LC predicts that the nanotechnology sensor market will generate global revenues of $2.8 billion in 2008 and by 2012 will reach $17.2 billion

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Already, “nanoscience” has produced stain- and wrinkle-resistant clothing, self-cleaning windows, glare-reducing and fog-resistant coatings for eyeglasses and windshields, dramatically increased computer memory, better sports equipment, improved cosmetics and sunscreens, and lighter, stronger auto components.

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ZettaCore is pursuing hybrid memory technology that would use standard memory fabrication techniques to layer its molecular storage media with conventional chip substrates.

In other words they are working on very small ways to specially-design molecules that can store and utilize much more data than typical semiconductors. Since they can be really small and use less power, they can be programmed to assemble themselves during the manufacturing process.

www.zettacore.com

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To understand the “big picture” you have to understand the nanoscale of thing. The makeup of things and the ability to intersect nano technology into current life is already huge. This is big business and you have already been touched by it and didn’ty even know it.

fine-motion controller A design of a fine-motion controller for molecular assembly.

A Must Read

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Nanotechnology startup Nanosys Inc., which planned an initial public offering of stock as early as this week despite having no commercially available products, weak revenue and no profit, said Wednesday it was withdrawing the offer…

But you need to keep your eye on these guys, it’s a small company and they have some heavy hitters on the line.

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As we all Know Nanotech is the next big thing that will change the world but without more development and guidelines very bad things could happen. Huge money is being put into the technology right now and more is coming so how do you manage it? We have to find a way because the technology isn’t going to slow down.

From The Space Elevator to medical bots the future is nano. 

Here are some links on the matter:

Space Elevator

Nano Carbon Tubes

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