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Nano Bite: November, 2012

Welcome to the November Nano Bite, the monthly e-newsletter for the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net).


What's new?

New in the Catalog: Nano 101 for Staff Training (New 2012 Version)
A new and improved version of Nano 101, which introduces educators to the NISE Net's four big ideas related to nanoscale science, engineering, and technology is available here: http://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-101-staff-2012-version
 New in the Catalog: Scientist Speed Dating
This facilitated, informal social activity encourages a large group of people to speak with one another, ask questions, and learn about specfic areas of research and practice within the field of nanoscale science and engineering. It also aids in the discussion of the societal and ethical implications of work in this field. /catalog/scientist-speed-dating


→ New in the Catalog: Improv Exercises
Improv Exercises empower educators to facilitate positive, learning conversations with visitors. Included are tips on how to lead Improv Exercises  and guides for 13 separate improv activities you can incorporate into your own staff and volunteer trainings.

 
→ New in the Catalog: 3 Angry Scientists
3 Angry Scientists is a 20 minute film meant to inspire conversation about weighing the risks and benefits of a new technology.


 
What Else?

2012 MRS Fall Meeting
The 2012 MRS Fall Meeting in Boston on November 26-30, 2012 is featuring a number of NISE Net events including the Educational Symposium ZZ - Communicating Social Relevancy in Materials Science and Engineering Education, Nano Coffee Breaks, a Student Mixer, Stage Presentations, and the Public Outreach Booth. Click here for the full list of NISE Net events at MRS this year.

 
DIY Nano App Wins Parents' Choice Award
The DIY Nano App has been awarded a Parents' Choice Silver Honor for mobile apps. The Fall 2012 Parents' Choice Review says, "DIY Nano is a lovely way to provide hands on, accessible science learning to your child." To download DIY Nano from iTunes, go to: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diy-nano/id520611568?ls=1&mt=8.

TED Ed Lesson: Shape Memory Alloys
Magical Metals, How Shape Memory Alloys Work: From robots to braces to the Mars Rover, see how a special kind of metal called shape memory alloys advance technology in everyday ways that we don't always realize.


Partner Highlight

→ A Macro Invasion of the Nano Kind: Summer at the Saint Louis Science Center
This past summer, the Exploradome at the Saint Louis Science Center was taken over by the science of the small. All summer long, visitors to Amazing Nano Worlds! were immersed in the world of atoms and molecules enlarged 100 million times their actual size. Children, families and adult audiences were all given an opportunity to plunge into hands-on programming, live demonstrations by real nanoscientists and museum-wide activities that put "nano" at center stage. For more on the Saint Louis Science Center's summer exhibition and programming, read this Partner Highlight by Christina Akers of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the regional hub leader for the Midwest region.


 
Nano in the News
  • Cheap New Nanoparticle HIV Test Gives Fast Results Visible to the Naked Eye: Researchers at Imperial College London have created a simple and quick HIV test that is both more sensitive and 10 times cheaper than existing methods. The new test, which uses a solution of gold nanoparticles to produce results visible to the naked eye, could be invaluable in areas that lack sophisticated laboratory equipment. Researchers say the test could be altered to detect other diseases as well.
     
  • IBM Reports Nanotube Chip Breakthrough: IBM scientists are reporting they have been able to pattern an array of carbon nanotubes on the surface of a silicon wafer and use them to build hybrid chips with more than 10,000 working transistors. They believe this technology is likely to ensure that the basic digital switch at the heart of modern microchips will continue to shrink for more than a decade.
     
  • Envisioning Emerging Technology for 2012 and Beyond: This infographic that shows potential future technological developments makes reference to a number of breakthroughs relating to nanotechnology including Graphene and Nanomedicine.
     

Questions? Haikus? Contributions to the newsletter? Contact Eli Bossin at [email protected]