On February 1, 2023, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) will hold a webinar on the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of metal nanoparticles in aquatic environments. According to NNI, the focus will be on copper and copper oxide, nickel, and silver nanoparticles. Each expert panelist will provide an overview on the current state
Research
OECD Accepting Comment on Draft Study Report on Applicability of the key event based TG 442D for in vitro skin sensitisation testing of nano-materials
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has published a draft Study Report on Applicability of the key event based TG 442D for in vitro skin sensitisation testing of nano-materials. The study summary and conclusions include the following questions and answers (Q&A):
- Is the Test Guideline (TG) technically applicable?
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EUON Announces Results of Desk Study on (Bio)degradation, Persistence, and SbD of Nanomaterials
The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on December 12, 2022, the results of a desk study entitled Study on (bio)degradation, persistence and safe by design of nanomaterials. The study aimed at providing information on the state of the art, the existing gaps, and the research needs for the (bio)degradation and persistence…
EUON Announces New Study Assessing the Potential Impact of Graphene on Health and the Environment
The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on December 7, 2022, publication of a June 2022 report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) entitled Assessment of the potential impact of graphene, graphene oxide and other 2D materials on health, and the environment. Commissioned by EUON, the report provides a systematic review and…
NNI Reports Its Impact on the U.S. Economy
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) posted a blog item entitled “Impact of the NNI on the U.S. economy: at least $42 billion in one year!” on November 28, 2022. According to NNI, participating government agencies and departments have invested more than $38 billion over the past 20 years in nanoscale research and development…
USDA Scientists Produce Nanobodies in Plant Cells that Block Emerging Pathogens
On November 30, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced that its scientists have determined that plants could be used to produce nanobodies that quickly block emerging pathogens in human medicine and agriculture. The nanobodies are small antibody proteins naturally produced in specific animals like camels, alpacas, and llamas. ARS…
EUON Study Predicts Growth in European Nanomaterial Market
The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on November 7, 2022, that it published a study on the EU market for nanomaterials, including substances, uses, volumes, and key producers, traders, and users. The study also covers the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland. EUON states that according to the study, which was…
NanoHarmony and NANOMET Publish Status Report on Development or Revisions to OECD Test Guidelines and Guidance Documents Applicable to Nanomaterials
NanoHarmony and NANOMET have published a status report summarizing the current status of projects aiming to develop or adapt Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines (TG) and Guidance Documents (GD) for nanomaterials, as well as the outlook for each project as of July 2022. The status report is intended to be a…
EPA Will Hold Webinar on November 1 on Research Funding Opportunity to Develop and Demonstrate Nanosensor Technology to Detect, Monitor, and Degrade Pollutants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a webinar on November 1, 2022, on a new research funding opportunity, “Developing and Demonstrating Nanosensor Technology to Detect, Monitor, and Degrade Pollutants.” EPA states that environmental pollutants such as pesticides, insecticides, dyes, phenols, endocrine disrupters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),…
White House OSTP and NNCO Mark National Nanotechnology Day 2022
On October 7, 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) made key announcements intended to advance the Biden Administration’s efforts “to leverage the promise of science and technology to benefit all Americans.” They also complement the Administration’s ongoing Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors…