The Downside of Nanotech: Do Tiny Particles Spell Big Trouble? December 30, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, product development.Tags: biotech, product development
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Nanotechnology has improved medical treatments, made possible stronger and lighter materials, and has improved energy production, storage, and transmission –among other things. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, and nanotechnology deals with particles that measure 1-1000 nanometers in size. At such an incredibly tiny scale, chemistry isn’t chemistry as normal because the particles do not behave as larger particles do. The unpredictability of these particles causes challenges. Darren Quick over at Gizmag explains:
“Once nanoparticles enter the food chain are organisms able to excrete them or do they remain and accumulate inside the organism – and if they do, how do they behave? Do they affect natural processes and do they pose a threat? Can nanoparticles pass through biological barriers such as skin, mucous membranes or cell membranes to inadvertently enter our bodies? Currently these questions have no definitive answer. But that hasn’t stopped a great deal of money being spent developing nanotechnology, while comparatively little is being put into its potential consequences.”
Among the problems, and potential problems nanotechnology poses, are those with respect to the immune system. Silver “comes into contact with human skin via jewelry all the time and isn’t hazardous,” writes Mr. Quick. Yet silver nanoparticles are bactericidal –like antibiotics –and are used on surfaces and products where germs are not desired –from refrigerators to baby bottles. But research indicates that silver nanoparticles can materially alter a person’s immune system, taking away in some instances, its ability to handle pathogens. More genuine scientific research is needed.
Check out the article here.
The Downside of Nanotech: Do Tiny Particles Spell Big Trouble? December 30, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, product development.Tags: biotech, product development
add a comment
Nanotechnology has improved medical treatments, made possible stronger and lighter materials, and has improved energy production, storage, and transmission –among other things. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, and nanotechnology deals with particles that measure 1-1000 nanometers in size. At such an incredibly tiny scale, chemistry isn’t chemistry as normal because the particles do not behave as larger particles do. The unpredictability of these particles causes challenges. Darren Quick over at Gizmag explains:
“Once nanoparticles enter the food chain are organisms able to excrete them or do they remain and accumulate inside the organism – and if they do, how do they behave? Do they affect natural processes and do they pose a threat? Can nanoparticles pass through biological barriers such as skin, mucous membranes or cell membranes to inadvertently enter our bodies? Currently these questions have no definitive answer. But that hasn’t stopped a great deal of money being spent developing nanotechnology, while comparatively little is being put into its potential consequences.”
Among the problems, and potential problems nanotechnology poses, are those with respect to the immune system. Silver “comes into contact with human skin via jewelry all the time and isn’t hazardous,” writes Mr. Quick. Yet silver nanoparticles are bactericidal –like antibiotics –and are used on surfaces and products where germs are not desired –from refrigerators to baby bottles. But research indicates that silver nanoparticles can materially alter a person’s immune system, taking away in some instances, its ability to handle pathogens. More genuine scientific research is needed.
Check out the article here.
3D Bio-Printer to Create Arteries and Organs December 30, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, new products and technologies.Tags: biotech, new products and technologies
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The American medical field is striding toward another great advancement. Organovo, an American regenerative medical company in California, in collaboration with Invetech, an Australian engineering firm, has developed a three-dimensional bio-printer which could one day create arteries and organs.
Whereas the ancient Egyptians took great pains to store human organs in canopic jars for the owner in the afterlife, the 3D printer would create organs and arteries for use in this life. Having already printed arteries, researchers say these arteries could be used in as little as five years, and they expect to move on to organs, teeth, and other bones.
The printer works by allowing scientists to place cells into a 3D pattern. It includes two print heads –one for the cells, and one for the hydrogel, scaffold, or support matrix. A patient’s own cells are used to develop the artery or organ, so that the part is not rejected by the recipient’s body.
To read the article, go here.
3D Bio-Printer to Create Arteries and Organs December 30, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, new products and technologies.Tags: biotech, new products and technologies
add a comment
The American medical field is striding toward another great advancement. Organovo, an American regenerative medical company in California, in collaboration with Invetech, an Australian engineering firm, has developed a three-dimensional bio-printer which could one day create arteries and organs.
Whereas the ancient Egyptians took great pains to store human organs in canopic jars for the owner in the afterlife, the 3D printer would create organs and arteries for use in this life. Having already printed arteries, researchers say these arteries could be used in as little as five years, and they expect to move on to organs, teeth, and other bones.
The printer works by allowing scientists to place cells into a 3D pattern. It includes two print heads –one for the cells, and one for the hydrogel, scaffold, or support matrix. A patient’s own cells are used to develop the artery or organ, so that the part is not rejected by the recipient’s body.
To read the article, go here.
Lean Biotech Builds on Continuous Improvement Culture January 11, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, Lean Thinking.Tags: biotech, Lean Thinking
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New England Peptide, LLC (NEP) is implementing lean manufacturing at its Gardner, Mass. facility to help identify new ways to standardize best practices, increase yields and reduce production backlogs and work-in-process inventory. Additional results of lean manufacturing include greater employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
Read the full article here.
Lean Biotech Builds on Continuous Improvement Culture January 11, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in biotech, Lean Thinking.Tags: biotech, Lean Thinking
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New England Peptide, LLC (NEP) is implementing lean manufacturing at its Gardner, Mass. facility to help identify new ways to standardize best practices, increase yields and reduce production backlogs and work-in-process inventory. Additional results of lean manufacturing include greater employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
Read the full article here.
Lean Lab Video December 22, 2008
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in Lean Thinking.Tags: biotech, Lean Thinking
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Below is the link to an archive recording Mark Graban made of a web presentation he gave for “The Dark Report,” a leading analyst and information source for the hospital laboratory industry. They and Mark’s consulting company employer have graciously allowed Mark to post his portion of the larger presentation. The video includes some slides that you may be able to see, and about 38 minutes of discussion by Mark.
The link to his description and the video are here.
Lean Lab Video December 22, 2008
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in Lean Thinking.Tags: biotech, Lean Thinking
add a comment
Below is the link to an archive recording Mark Graban made of a web presentation he gave for “The Dark Report,” a leading analyst and information source for the hospital laboratory industry. They and Mark’s consulting company employer have graciously allowed Mark to post his portion of the larger presentation. The video includes some slides that you may be able to see, and about 38 minutes of discussion by Mark.
The link to his description and the video are here.
