Nanotechnology cancer risk found

The LA Times reports some disturbing news of health risks associated with nano-tech.

Certain types of carbon nanotubes -- microscopic graphite cylinders used in a small but growing number of Space Age applications -- could pose a cancer risk similar to that of asbestos if inhaled. Researchers found that mice injected with nanotubes quickly developed the same biological damage associated with early exposure to asbestos fibers, a known carcinogen. The nanotubes posed the greatest danger to workers who could inhale the dust-like particles during manufacturing. In finished products, the nanotubes are embedded in other material and thus pose less risk to consumers. Precautions (are) now in place in many factories, usually requiring workers to wear respirators.

Nanotubes Make Synthetic Skin Feel Your Pain

I would say that this kind of developments mean that something like "bionics" ever so much closer to reality. Plus my money says that this is a jumping off point for a true android.

Carbon nanotubes can conduct sensations through artificial skin back to the brain, making prosthetic limbs feel like the real thing. A nanotube like this one, delicately balanced on top of gold filaments, is threaded through a rubbery polymer. This nanotube-infused polymer generates electricity in response to pressure or force, creating signals that can be routed to your brain. That's why this synthetic skin can "feel." Researchers want to build a prosthetic limb out of this stuff by 2010. Click through for more images of carbon nanotubes, the artificial nervous systems of tomorrow.

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Nanotube textile could make super-light armour

A lightweight material made from carbon nanotubes that is stronger than steel, and conducts almost as well as aluminium, has been unveiled by Nanocomp, a start-up based in New Hampshire, US. Nanocomp representatives said about the new technology, "The trick is that our nanotubes are much longer than usual - millimetres in length rather than micrometres". This will lead to much lighter and stronger textiles as well as a possible ultralight electrical wiring technology.

click here for the complete story in NewScientist

Thanks to Shaun Saunders for the post