Today (May 19, 2025) I have two stories, one about a new nano comic from the Czech republic and one with an overview of some nano comic books from the past.
Czech Academy of Sciences and Secrets of the Nano-World
How many nanometres does your hand measure? Why does nothing stand still in the nano- world? And what does atomic force microscopy allow us to do? This and more is revealed in the new comic book Secrets of the Nano-World, published by the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The comic book introduces the frequently mentioned, but rarely taught topic of nanotechnology to (not only) students and teachers.
It was the end of 1959 when physicist Richard Feynman, in his lecture “There is plenty of room at the bottom”, presented visions of the then-unimaginable miniaturisation and its consequences. Today, we encounter nanotechnology at every turn, often without realising it. How did we get here, how can we even imagine a nanoscale world, and where is nanotechnology heading? That’s what Sofia and Alex, high school students on a science internship, find out in the comic, as they are mysteriously transported back in time to the very moments of Feynman’s lecture and try to get back to their own present.
“Taking Sofia and Alex back in time allowed us to introduce the inventions that made the development of nanotechnology possible,” explains Julie Nekola Nováková, the story’s creator and a member of the outreach team at the Institute of Physics (FZU). “We would never have gotten to where we are without, say, the atomic force microscope. And how difficult is it to manipulate individual atoms? Readers can try that out on a larger scale with a little experiment!”
Prokop Hapala, who is involved in computational design of molecular machines at the FZU, consulted on the scientific and technical side of the comic. “I think it’s important for students to think of molecules not as abstract formulas on paper, but real objects that can be touched, broken and built again,” Prokop Hapala explains.
The comic was drawn by the artist Vojtěch Šeda, known mainly for his illustrations of historical books and comics. “What I enjoy about drawing comics is when I learn something new in the process,” says Vojtěch Šeda. “In the case of the comic about nanotechnology, which was a big step into the unknown for me at the beginning, this was 100% true.”
The authors have further plans for the comic book. “If you’ve had a chance to read it, you’ll know there’s room for a possible sequel… There are also plans for using elements of the comic in worksheets, infographics and physics-themed colouring pages,” explains Julie Nekola Nováková.
The comic book is freely available under the Creative Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0, making it possible to translate it to other languages and otherwise use in science outreach and education across the globe.
Provided by Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
The educational comic book Secrets of the Nano- World is intended primarily for pupils of secondary schools and high schools. Its protagonists are two high school students Sofie and Alex, who mysteriously find themselves in the past during their internship – at the very end of 1959 at the time of Richard Feynman’s lecture that essentially launched the field of nanotechnology. And it is the famous scientist who is drawn into trying to help Alex and Sofie get back to their own time. To do so, however, they’ll need considerable knowledge of the world in the nano- dimensions…
h/t May 7, 2025 Google Alert
(Nano)technology in Comics (mostly from the NanoKOMIK Project)
Comic books are popular science communication vehicles that have their up and down cycles. Right now (2025) they seem to be experiencing the up part of the cycle. In doing a little research I stumbled across this article from last year, which critically analyzed the 2016 – 2017 NanoKOMIK Project,
Representations of science and technology, embodied as imaginaries, visions, and expectations, have become a growing focus of analysis. These representations are of interest to normative approaches to science and technology, such as Hermeneutic Technology Assessment and Responsible Innovation, because of their ability to modulate understandings of science and technology and to influence scientific and technological development. This article analyses the culture of participation underlying the NanoKOMIK project and the representations and meanings of (nano)science and (nano)technology communicated in the two nano-fiction comic books created as part of the project: Dayanne and Murillo. The power of nanoscience (2016) and NanoKOMIK #2 (2017). The article argues that despite NanoKOMIK’s efforts to engage the public with (nano)science and (nano)technology, it reproduces non-binding modes of public participation and transmits socio-technical meanings that are instrumental in the social legitimisation of (nano)technology. More specifically, the analysis shows that NanoKOMIK’s comic books, in addition to not problematising the risks and conveying an eminently positive view of nanotechnology, also communicate certain ‘myth-conceptions’ of scientific activity and its products. For example, they convey an individualistic and linear vision of research and innovation and an instrumentalist and neutral (or ‘value-free’) view of technology. These findings highlight the importance of critically analysing the ‘cultures of participation’ that characterise and reproduce ‘participatory’ or ‘collaborative’ projects and the representations of (nano)science and (nano)technology that they perpetuate.
I was particularly interested in this section from the paper’s Introduction, Note: Links have been removed,
A growing body of literature has highlighted the various benefits of comics in stimulating imagination and learning, especially among young people inside and outside the classroom. Comics are expected to help broaden thematic knowledge and promote greater engagement with science (e.g. [14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21]). Although it is recognised that implementing comics as an educational and engagement tool requires appropriate mediation, this creative and communicative medium is seen as a fruitful resource for improving the meaning-making processes in science and technology (e.g. [22]). Despite the limited exploration of comics as a communication tool in the specific field of nanotechnology, there is support for the idea that comics can benefit specific target groups in several respects (e.g. [23, 24]).
Inspired by the creative potential of comics, several projects have been launched to develop and disseminate comic strips focusing on nanotechnology ‘superpowers’, particularly targeting middle- and high-school students. Examples include (i) Nano BlasterMan (2005), produced by the Taiwanese Ministry of Education; (ii) Dayanne and Murillo. The power of nanoscience (2016) and NanoKOMIK #2 (2017), produced as part of the ‘NanoKOMIK’ project (2016–2017) and co-funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (see https://www.nanokomik.com); and (iii) the comic competition ‘Generation Nano! Superheroes Inspired by Science!’ (2017), funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Nanotechnology Initiative of the United States (see http://nsf.gov/GenNano). [all emphases mine]
I always appreciate learning about comics and science communication efforts even if it happens 20 years after the fact (e.g., Nano BlasterMan from 2005). As for the ‘Generation Nano! …’ US competition, that seems to have run from 2016 to 2018. I have announcements for winners of the 2016 competition in my April 21, 2016 posting and winners of the 2017 competition in my July 10, 2017 posting. There was, apparently, a 2018 competition but all I have is a notice that there be an announcement of the 2018 winners at the 2018 USA Science & Engineering Festival (in my October 9, 2017 posting; scroll down about 40% of the way ) but never followed up with the winners’ announcement—until now! See this April 6, 2018 US National Science Foundation news release on EurekAlert. I can’t find any mention of a 2019 competition.
Getting back on track, this paper is quite accessible (assuming you can stomach some amount of jargon) and timely given what seems to be a resurgence of interest in using comic books for science communication.
One last thing, you can find the NanoKOMIC Project here, although it does not seem to be an active project at this time.
Part 1 of the “Six Great Ideas That Changed the World” took place on October 8, 2024 (as per my October 3, 2024 posting). Now for Part 2, from a May 3, 2025 ARPICO (Society of Italian Researchers & Professionals in Western Canada) notice (received via email),
Just a month has passed since our last gathering, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our final public event before summer, “Six Great Ideas That Changed Science and the World (Part 2),” featuring the distinguished Prof. Douw G. Steyn, to be held on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Museum of Vancouver, History Room, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC.
We are honored to once again host Prof. Douw G. Steyn, Professor Emeritus in Atmospheric Science at The University of British Columbia. Prof. Steyn is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in air pollution meteorology and boundary layer dynamics. His contributions to environmental research, education, and international consultancy have earned him prestigious awards, including the UBC Killam Teaching Prize and the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s Andrew Thompson Prize.
You may recall the first part of his compelling talk last fall, where he explored:
Evolution by Natural Selection
DNA, RNA, and the Mechanism of Heredity
The Periodic Table of the Elements
In Part 2 of this series, Prof. Steyn will illuminate three more revolutionary ideas and the brilliant minds behind them:
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity
Mathematics
See below for more details.
YOU ARE INVITED
Date: Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Location: Museum of Vancouver, History Room, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC
Check-in: 6:30 PM, to get your seat and have a cup of coffee
There is yet more to this invitation including some details as to about the ideas in part 2 of this talk,
Evening Details
ADMISSION TICKETS ARE MANDATORY
Admission Tickets for this event are MANDATORY, but FREE; all wishing to attend are requested to obtain “free-admission” tickets on EventBrite. Click the “Reserve a Spot” button on the Eventbrite page. Tickets are necessary to help organizers plan for room capacity, fire regulations, and refreshment needs. Please be sure to supply the first name, surname and email of each person in your order.
Admission Cost? – We don’t charge for admission to the event. A special thank you to the ARPICO members who generously cover the venue and equipment rentals, speaker travel, and thank-you costs for regular events throughout the year. Their support allows us to offer free admission to all attendees.
Donations for ARPICO’s Scholarship Fund – Your donation helps ensure the continuation of our educational initiatives. If you enjoy attending ARPICO public lectures and appreciate the opportunity to engage with the speaker and fellow attendees, please consider donating to support our Scholarship Fund. Not ready? That’s alright. Decide after you have experienced the evening’s full offering. ARPICO is pleased to accept donations at the venue as well.
Six Great Ideas That Changed Science and the World (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part series, Prof. Steyn will illuminate three more revolutionary ideas and the brilliant minds behind them:
Quantum Mechanics – Einstein single handedly overturned our understanding of energy at a molecular and sub-atomic level. The idea of energy quantization explained the three great outstanding ideas of physics in the early 1900s, and laid open the way for a deep understanding of matter. Today we have LED lights, quantum computing, nuclear power (and bombs).
Relativity – Einstein single handedly overturned our ideas of the absolute nature of space and time. The discovery (together with quantum mechanics) has lead to a deeper understanding of the origins of the universe, but also to essential applications like GPS navigation and satellite orbital dynamics.
Mathematics – All of science is embedded in mathematics, which is both the queen of sciences and the servant of all sciences. As an example, Prof. Steyn will present Fermat’s last theorem, and its 300 year delayed solution.
About Our Speaker
Douw G. Steyn PhD, ACM, FCMOS is a Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Science at The University of British Columbia, in the Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. His professional, teaching and research activities are in the field of air pollution meteorology, boundary layer meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, environmental science and interdisciplinary science. His research involves measurement and modelling studies of regional air pollution, especially in regions with complex terrain. He has worked extensively on the statistics of air pollution, air pollution monitoring and monitoring network design. He is winner of a UBC Killam Teaching Prize, the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society Andrew Thompson Prize in Applied Meteorology, and the Canadian Federation for Earth Sciences Mentorship Medal. He has served as Chair of the scientific committee that leads the International Technical Meeting series on Air Pollution Modelling and its Application. He has published regularly in the international peer reviewed literature, and served as Director of Publications for the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. He is an Accredited Consulting Meteorologist, and has international consultancy experience in his areas of expertise, and has provided expert testimony in numerous court cases, appeal board hearings and environmental assessment panels in British Columbia, and Nationally.
This May 10, 2025 article by Salma Ibrahim for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news online website illustrates the timeliness of the upcoming Agriculture and Agrifood Sector panel, Note: Links have been removed,
As Canada’s reliance on U.S. produce hits the spotlight, one Ontario farmer has a pitch: locally grown, year-round produce, grown by artificial intelligence and automation.
In a sprawling two-hectare greenhouse, partially tucked inside a wooden red barn in King City, Ont., an animated Jay Willmot, farmer and entrepreneur, shared his vision.
“From sowing and seeding, all the way through to harvest and packing, no one touches this crop,” he said in front of rows and rows of lettuce shoots.
Instead, multimillion-dollar AI and machinery does the work; the whirring and clicking of conveyor belts, hooks and levers, fills the space that was once part of his family’s horse farm.
Willmot built his business, Haven Greens, to tackle the Canadian winter and a laundry list of obstacles that farmers face — from high labour costs to unpredictable weather. He’s not alone; federal and provincial governments have offered incentives to encourage automation.
Some experts do urge caution though — saying widespread adoption could have unintended consequences.
…
Even before trade tensions pushed Canada’s dependence on U.S. produce back into the spotlight, there was a push to incentivize agricultural technology, to make Canada more self-sufficient.
In Ontario, for example, the government dished out $547,720 in 2021 to Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc, an operation in the heart of Leamington, Ont. — dubbed North America’s greenhouse capital for having the highest density of greenhouses on the continent. The cash was to help the company pilot an artificial intelligence system that would “allow greenhouse operators to remotely grow cucumbers and eggplant crops, reducing in-person contact,” a provincial press release reads.
B.C. also has an On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, offering cost-sharing funding for labour-saving tech like autonomous weeders, harvesters and sorters.
The country is heavily reliant on temporary foreign workers for farm labour. Nearly half of the people working in Canada’s agriculture sector were employed on a seasonal basis in 2022, according to Statistics Canada. It is a gap that Willmot believes automation can fill.
…
I have not done justice to Ibrahim’s May 10, 2025 article, so, if you have the time, I recommend reading it in its entirety as it provides some insight into Canada’s current situation vis-à-vis agriculture and the pros and cons of new agricultural technology.
Getting back to the upcoming panel, here’s more from a May 8, 2025 Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) newsletter (received via email),
Panel on May 21 [2025]: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts: Canada’s Innovation Strategy for Agriculture and Agrifood Sector
The global agrifood sector is facing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by shifting geopolitical landscapes, evolving trade relationships, climate pressures, and the growing influence of digital technologies. These forces are redefining how food is produced, processed, and moved across borders—bringing both significant risks and new opportunities for industry and governments alike.
Geopolitical shifts are transforming industries worldwide, and Canada is no exception. Canadian businesses and innovation ecosystems face new pressures to adapt in order to stay competitive in light of emerging trade disputes and other local and global challenges.
The goal is to stimulate dialogue on innovation challenges and opportunities in the agriculture and agrifood sector under changing conditions and to explore how Canadian industry and innovation policy can adapt to strengthen Canada’s competitive standing and safeguard our citizens’ well-being.
Each panel will bring together sector insiders and broader science, technology, and innovation (STI) stakeholders, ensuring a mix of perspectives. CSPC will publish a final report synthesizing the insights from the panel discussion. There is a planned symposium for the first morning of the conference that will further discuss the challenges and opportunities that present across all sectors.
Moderated by: Senator Mary Robinson
Prince Edward Islander, Senator
A proud Prince Edward Islander, Senator Mary Robinson was appointed to the Senate in January 2024. Coming from a 6th generation family farm operation, she has been a strong voice for industry at the provincial, national, and global levels. She was the first female Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, the first female President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and vice president of the World Farmers’ Organisation. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Business Magazine.
Joe Dales
Cofounder and Partner of RHA Ventures Inc.
Joe Dales has gained 35+ years of agriculture industry experience beginning his career in sales, marketing and management, working with leading companies such as Pfizer, Cyanamid Crop Protection (BASF) and NK Syngenta Seeds (Ciba Seeds).
In 1997, he co-founded with his wife Sandra, www.AgCareers.com, one of the first ag business websites on the internet and in 1998, he co-founded Farms.com, where he helped grow the business for 20 years. In 2019, he co-founded RHA Ventures Inc. and leads their value adding investments in the agriculture and food innovation and start-up sector. RHA (www.RHA.Ventures) has made more than 35 investments and continues to support entrepreneurs with hands on, experienced business mentoring.
Joe has been involved in successfully launching over 40 agri tech innovations ranging from crop protection products (Pursuit, Odyssey), seed varieties, herbicide tolerant canola, biologicals (HiStick), start up companies like Farms.com and AgCareers.com and a range of innovative products and services. He is passionate about bringing innovation to agriculture and helping farmers improve productivity.
Joe has gained extensive corporate governance board experience with several companies such as Canterra Seeds, Vive Crop Protection, Haggerty AgRobotics and as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the Western Fair Association. He has been a supporter of CAMA his whole career. Joe has an Honours BSc in Chemistry from Western University and a Masters in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Ian Affleck is the vice-president of plant biotechnology for CropLife Canada. In this role, Ian works with domestic and international agricultural stakeholders and governments on the development of policies, regulations, and science related to plant biotechnology. Prior to joining CropLife Canada, Ian worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for 10 years, where his work focused on the regulation of novel plants and new varieties. He holds a bachelor of science in agriculture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, concentrating on agronomy and pest management. He also holds a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Guelph, specializing in horticulture and plant breeding and has been involved in agriculture from an early age, having grown up on a potato farm in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island.
Kathleen Sullivan
Vice President, Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods
She brings to the role 30 years of government, advocacy, trade, and food sector experience. This includes senior leadership positions at several industry organizations, including Food and Beverage Canada, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, and Restaurants Canada. She also spent three years as a senior policy advisor in the Ontario government, including to the Minister of Education and in the Cabinet Office.
Ms. Sullivan has a deep understanding of how business is affected by policy and regulatory frameworks and has been a key industry advisor on domestic food laws and on agri-food trade policy. She has also served as a senior industry lobbyist in major Canadian trade negotiations and trade missions.
Rodney Bierhuizen
President, Sunrise Greenhouses Ltd.
Rodney Bierhuizen is the owner and General Manager of Sunrise Greenhouses in Vineland, Ontario. Founded by his parents in 1982, a few years after immigrating from the Netherlands, Sunrise Greenhouses is a second-generation farm that has grown to operate four locations across Niagara, with over 1 million square feet of production. The company specializes in potted plants for retail markets and young plants for other producers across Canada and the U.S.
A key differentiator for Sunrise Greenhouses is its exclusive product lines, with in-house breeding and development of unique plant genetics that are licensed worldwide. Sunrise also has an inhouse automation firm- BOLD Robotics that supplies automation solutions to the agricultural sector.
Rodney is actively involved in the horticulture industry and agricultural advocacy. He currently serves as:
*Member of the Niagara Region Agricultural Action Committee and Vineland Research and Innovation Stakeholder Advisory Council
*President of Flower Canada Ontario
*Director on the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Association, Niagara Greenhouse Growers, and Greenhouse Growers Alliance of Lincoln
Dr. Steven R. Webb
CEO, Global Institute for Food Security
Steven joined the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) as Chief Executive Officer in 2019, following a 23-year career with Corteva Agriscience (formerly Dow AgroSciences) in Indiana, United States. At GIFS, he has led the transformation of the institute to an agri-food connector and innovation catalyst, delivering valuable programs, technologies and services to scale up and accelerate R&D, deliver greater impact for Canada’s agri-food sector and enhance its global competitiveness.
His most recent role at Corteva was Research and Development Director of External Technology, where he led many research collaborations with private sector companies, research institutes and universities around the world.
Tiffany Stephenson
CMO, Protein Industries Canada
As CMO, Tiffany is responsible for member engagement, brand management and strategic communications to support Protein Industries Canada in their goals of growing the value-added processing sector in Western Canada, with a focus on creating plant-protein based products and co-products. With more than 15 years marketing, communication and stakeholder engagement experience in Canada’s agriculture and food industry, Tiffany is a proud advocate for the sector.
Chuck Baresich
President and Founder of Haggerty AgRobotics and Haggerty Creek
Caption: The cover of Understanding Forensic DNA analysis booklet. Credit: Comic credit: artist Mark Brown Funding credit: Leverhulme Trust and Arts Council England Courtesy: SISSA MediaLab
Imagine being summoned as a juror in a murder trial. The expert responsible for analyzing DNA traces at the crime scene has just explained that they match the defendant’s profile. “Then the culprit must be them,” you think.
At this point, however, the expert adds, “The sample, however, is partially degraded.” What does this mean? How does this information affect your judgment? The scientist further explains that there is a one-in-a-billion probability that other people could match the identified genetic profile. How significant is this new information? Is this probability high or negligible? What is your verdict now?
“The decisions being taken by members of juries are just so vitally important and often they’re shaped by their understanding of the forensic evidence that’s being presented,” explains Dr. Andy Ridgway, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at the University of the West of England, UWE Bristol, and one of the study’s authors of a study appearing in the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM).
“They often have little to no science background and frequently lack prior knowledge of the forensic techniques they are expected to assess in making their decision.” This is a widespread issue, and scientific literature on the subject suggests that understanding of science in courtrooms is often quite limited.
The Evidence Chamber, the project within which the research described in JCOM was developed, was created precisely to explore how non-experts understand scientific evidence in judicial proceedings, combining forensic science, digital technology, and public engagement. The Evidence Chamber was developed by the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee (Scotland) in collaboration with Fast Familiar, a collective of digital artists specializing in interactive experiences. A team from UWE Bristol, including Izzy Baxter, a student studying for an MSc Science Communication at the time, was involved in analyzing the data collected during the research phase aimed at testing the use of comics as a tool for communicating forensic science.
The study involved about a hundred volunteers who participated as ‘jurors’ in mock trials. The participants participated in an interactive experience that involved different types of evidence; they listened to the expert witness testimony, which focused on DNA analysis and gait analysis (the study of a suspect’s walking pattern for identification). The jury discussion took place in two phases: “First, they received the expert witness testimony. They then discussed it and indicated whether they believed the defendant was guilty or not guilty at that point. After that, they were given access to the comics,” explains Heather Doran, researcher at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, who was involved in the study. “This allowed us to see how the comics might influence their previous discussion and whether they provided any useful additional information.”
“We conducted an analysis of the discussions among jurors, one immediately after the expert testimony in court and another after they had read the comics,” explains Ridgway. To assess whether comics provided an advantage in comprehension, during the experimental phases, one group received only the traditional expert testimony, while the other had access to both the expert’s explanation and the comics.
The analysis confirmed the effectiveness of comics: participants who read the comics discussed the evidence in greater detail, showing increased confidence in their reasoning and conclusions. In the group that read the comics, jurors made more explicit references to scientific concepts and demonstrated a better ability to connect forensic science to their final decision. In contrast, in the groups that received only the oral explanation, more misinterpretations of the evidence emerged, with misunderstandings related to the meaning of probability and margins of error, whereas the comics helped clarify these concepts. Additionally, discussions in the groups with comics were more balanced and participatory, with greater interaction among jurors.
This experience demonstrates that comics can be a valuable tool for explaining forensic science in court, supporting jurors. It is important to emphasize that this type of material must be carefully designed. The scientific comics used in The Evidence Chamber were developed by specialists at the University of Dundee. “The University of Dundee has an historical link with comics, we worked with our Professor of Comics Studies and artists to create them” explains Doran. “Dundee, the city where the centre is located, has a history in comics. It’s the home of Beano the comic and Dennis the Menace. And the University of Dundee also offers comic courses, with which we have been collaborating for a long time.”
I’m not sure how SISSA MediaLab is involved (other than having issued the press release) but I do have a little more by SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies; [Italian: Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati]), which owns the MediaLab. See the International School for Advanced Studies Wikipedia entry for more about the school.
Here’s a link to and a citation for the paper mentioned in the press release,
Can science comics aid lay audiences’ comprehension of forensic science? by Isabelle Baxter, Andy Ridgway, Heather Doran, Niamh Nic Daeid, Rachel Briscoe, Joe McAlister, Daniel Barnard. JCOM: Journal of Science Communication Volume 24 Issue number 1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.24010201 Published – 4 Feb 2025
Should you ever need need or already have a joint (knee, hip, etc.) replacement, an implant (brain, pacemeker, etc.) or other biomedical device in your body, this work from Japan is likely to be of special interest.
Caption: Researchers from Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan develop highly biocompatible apatite nanoparticles by manipulating surface properties through pH changes. Credit: Motohiro Tagaya from Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan
Medical implants have transformed healthcare, offering innovative solutions with advanced materials and technologies. However, many biomedical devices face challenges like insufficient cell adhesion, leading to inflammatory responses after their implantation in the body. Apatite coatings, particularly hydroxyapatite (HA)—a naturally occurring form of apatite found in bones, have been shown to promote better integration with surrounding tissues. However, the biocompatibility of artificially synthesized apatite nanoparticles often falls short of expectations, primarily due to the nanoparticles’ limited ability to bind effectively with biological tissues.
To overcome this challenge, researchers at Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan have developed a method for synthesizing surface-modified apatite nanoparticles that results in improved cell adhesion, offering new possibilities for the next generation of biocompatible medical implants. Led by Dr. Motohiro Tagaya, Associate Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering at Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan, this research aims to enhance the performance of apatite coatings and advance the field of biocompatible materials for medical devices. The findings of this study were published online in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, on January 13, 2025, and in Volume 17, Issue 4 of the journal on January 29, 2025”. Along with Dr. Tagaya, Mr. Kazuto Sugimoto from Nagaoka University of Technology, Dr. Tania Guadalupe Peñaflor Galindo from Sophia University, and Mr. Ryota Akutsu from Nagaoka University of Technology were also a part of this research team.
Apatites are a class of calcium-phosphorus-based inorganic compounds, with hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring form found in bones. These compounds are known for their high biocompatibility. Recent studies have foundthat coating artificial joints and implants with apatite nanoparticles is a plausible solution for improving the biocompatibility of these biodevices. However, the artificially synthesized nanoparticles often show reduced binding affinity to biological tissues in vitro. According to Dr. Tagaya and his team, this difference could be linked to the nanoscale surface layer of the apatite nanoparticles.
Dr. Tagaya’s research was driven by a desire to unravel the complexities of biocompatible materials, leading his team to develop an interdisciplinary framework that controls the intricate interactions between apatite and biological systems. “The properties of the nanoscale surface layer of apatite nanoparticles are crucial when considered for medical coatings,” adds Dr. Tagaya. Adding further, he says, “In this study, we successfully controlled the nanoscale surface layers of apatite nanoparticles, paving the way for advanced surface coating technologies for biodevices.”
The team synthesized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles by mixing aqueous solutions of calcium and phosphate ions. The pH of the solution was controlled using three different bases, which included tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The precipitated nanoparticles were then evaluated for their surface layer characteristics and were further used for coating via electrophoretic deposition.
The results revealed that pH was a key factor during synthesis, since it affected the crystalline phases, surface properties, and electrophoretic deposition. On analyzing the crystalline phases of the nanoparticles, it was observed that the choice of pH influenced the formation of different calcium phosphate phases like calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) and carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite (CHA). Higher pH favored the formation of CHA, leading to better crystallinity, and a higher calcium to phosphorus (Ca/P) molar ratio.
The surface of the apatite nanoparticles shows three different layers. The inner apatite layer/core is characterized by the presence of the crystalline structure of the apatite. Above the apatite layer is the non-apatitic layer, which is rich in ions like phosphate ions and carbonate ions. This layer reacts with water molecules and forms the hydration layer. Analyzing the surface characteristics of these layers revealed that pH adjustments facilitated the formation of the non-apatitic layer rich in reactive ions, enhancing hydration properties, which was confirmed.
Importantly, the study revealed that while higher pH facilitates the formation of the non-apatitic layer, the presence of Na+ ions reduces the concentration of phosphate ions, leading to decreased reactivity of the layer. The introduction of substantial ions by NaOH also affected the uniformity of electrophoretic deposition, as observed in scanning probe microscope studies. This effect was not observed with KOH, indicating that KOH was more suitable than NaOH for forming the non-apatitic layer and ensuring uniform coating.
Emphasizing the significance of the study, Dr. Tagaya says, “This study focuses on the critical interfacesbetween bioceramics and biological systems and could inspire designs of biocompatible surfaces with preferential cell adhesion.” These findings can be potentially useful for surface coating of a wide range of biodevices that are implanted in the human body, including artificial joints and implants.
Going ahead, the team intends to push the boundaries of nanobiomaterials, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in medical materials and devices that could revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
A January 30, 2025 news item on phys.org announces research from Sweden and Estonia that could lead to a new way of disinfecting surfaces against the coronavirus and other similar viruses,
A new way to neutralize coronavirus and other membrane-surrounded viruses has been discovered by researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences [SLU] and the University of Tartu [Estonai]. Certain mineral nanoparticles were found to damage the membrane of the virus, making it less able to enter human cells. The mode of action that is demonstrated has not been discussed in previous research. The technology works at room temperature and also in the dark, offering a range of benefits for disinfecting surfaces, air and water.
”Using this new knowledge, it should be easy to create surfaces with antiviral properties by simply spraying them with aqueous solutions of suitable nanoparticles* and letting them dry. It should also be easy to design cost-effective filters to purify contaminated air and water,” says Professor Vadim Kessler from SLU who has led the work.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has led to an intense search for new types of treatments and disinfection methods that can be used in outbreaks of viral diseases of this type. One area that has received much attention is nanotechnology, as tiny particles of certain metals and metal oxides have been shown to have anti-viral properties.
Now, researchers from SLU and the University of Tartu in Estonia have studied the outcome when certain types of mineral nanoparticles come into contact with a coronavirus, and they discovered a mode of action that has not been proposed before.
“We now understand what properties such particles need to have to be effective against the coronavirus, and this is a very important step forward,” says Vadim Kessler.
Coronaviruses belong to a type of virus that has an outer envelope, a lipid membrane. It turned out that nanoparticles of sand minerals such as titanium oxide bind very strongly to phospholipids in this membrane. This damages the membrane and leads to the release of viral genetic material, thereby making the virus less able to infect cells.
A major advantage is that this happens at room temperature and that it does not require any kind of activation. Previously, it was believed that mineral nanoparticles could only destroy viruses by producing so-called reactive oxygen species, which would require illumination with UV light.
The study thus suggests that surfaces coated with titanium nanoparticles can destroy enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses without needing to be activated by UV light, and thus can work in dark spaces. Other small metal oxides that bind strongly to phospholipids, such as iron and aluminum oxides, could work in the same way. Another possible application could be to purify contaminated water in emergencies by adding a nanopreparation and allowing the resulting gel to settle.
“The particles we produce are not dangerous to the human body,” adds Angela Ivask, who is Professor of Genetics at the University of Tartu. “We have tested them on several cell lines to assure this.”
*Nanoparticles are extremely small and can sometimes have properties that are completely different compared to larger particles of the same material.
This May 9, 2025 Perimeter Institute (PI) for Theoretical Physics announcement (received via email) involves an event being held on May 21, 2025 with free tickets for in person attendance available as of 9 am ET (6 am PT) on Monday morning, May 12, 2025,
Quantum Chemistry in the Universe’s Coldest Test Tube
Dr. Alan Jamison
Wednesday, May 21 [2025] at 7:00 pm ET
Join us for a lecture with Dr. Alan Jamison, an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, jointly appointed to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).
How do chemical reactions change when they’re run at temperatures a billion times colder than a Canadian winter? What can we learn when we have perfect quantum control of the reactants? Before answering these questions, we’ll discuss the fascinating techniques of laser cooling that allow us to cool atoms and molecules to within a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero. We’ll then look at how molecules prepared at such temperatures allow us to control chemical reactions at the quantum level, beginning to open a new understanding of chemistry and new possibilities for technologies of the future.
Don’t miss out! Free tickets to attend this event in person will become available on Monday, May 12 [2025], at 9 am ET.
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics 31 Caroline Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5
Agenda
6:00 p.m.
Doors Open
Perimeter’s main floor Atrium will be open for ticket holders, with researchers available to answer science questions until the talk begins.
6:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Doors Close
Theater doors close to ensure all guests have enough time to enter and be seated by our ushers.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Public Talk
The talk will begin at 7:00 PM, offering a live stream for virtual attendees. This will include a full presentation in the Theatre as well as a Q&A session.
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Atrium (Optional)
After the talk, head to the Atrium to mingle with other attendees and meet the speaker.
…
About the Speaker
Dr. Alan Jamison is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, jointly appointed to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). He leads the Jamison Lab, which investigates ultracold atoms and molecules to explore quantum many-body physics, quantum chemistry, and quantum information science. Dr. Jamison earned his B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Central Florida in 2007, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Washington in 2008 and 2014, respectively.
After completing his Ph.D., he joined the group of Nobel Laureate Wolfgang Ketterle at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a postdoctoral researcher. At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Jamison’s research centers on using ultracold atoms and molecules to investigate complex quantum systems. His lab aims to achieve precise control over chemical reactions at ultracold temperatures, providing insights into quantum chemistry and enabling advancements in quantum computing and simulation.
An article published in the scientific journal Optica describes the development of a new experimental device that explores the boundary between classical and quantum physics, allowing the simultaneous observation and investigation of phenomena from both worlds. The instrument was developed in Florence and is the result of collaboration within the extended partnership of the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI), involving the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Florence, the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council (CNR-INO), as well as the European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS) and the Florence branch of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN).
It is well known that the study of matter, as we progress to increasingly smaller scales, shows radically different behaviors from those observed at the macroscopic scale: this is where quantum physics comes into play, helping to understand the properties of matter in the world of the infinitely small. While these phenomena have been studied separately until now, the instrument developed by CNR-INO researchers allows for the experimental exploration of matter’s behavior from both perspectives.
The device takes advantage of the phenomenon of levitating nano-objects within a tightly focused laser beam, that is, the surprising ability of light to “trap” individual microscopic particles, a phenomenon first observed in the 1980s and further refined, in particular, by the American physicist Arthur Ashkin, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018.
The Italian team, led by Francesco Marin (University of Florence and CNR-INO), has applied this technique to simultaneously trap, using beams of light of different colors, a pair of glass nanospheres. Within the optical trap, these spheres oscillate around their equilibrium point with very specific frequencies, allowing for the observation of both “classical” and “quantum” behaviors, the latter often being decidedly counterintuitive.
“These nano-oscillators are among the rare systems in which we can investigate the behavior of macroscopic objects in a highly controlled manner,” says Marin. “The spheres are electrically charged and interact with each other, so the trajectory followed by one sphere is strongly dependent on the other. This opens the way for the study of collectively interacting nanosystems in both the classical and quantum regimes, thus allowing the experimental exploration of the subtle boundary between these two worlds.”
The study is also made possible thanks to the support of two initiatives financed by the Ministry of University and Research with European Union funds as part of the #NextGenerationEU program (PNRR – National Recovery and Resilience Plan): the “National Quantum” partnership Science and Technology Institute” (NQSTI) and the “Integrated Infrastructure Initiative in Photonic and Quantum Science” (IPHOQS) infrastructure.
Thanks to the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) May 7, 2025 “Welcome the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration!” announcement (received via email and visible here for a limited time),
Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration May 9 – May 25 [2025]
From bird nerd to bird curious, there is an event for everyone during Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration. This May, join us at 50+ events to celebrate the diversity and importance of birds for our ecosystems and global environmental health. During Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration, there will be bird-related workshops, walks, talks, exhibitions, and lectures across the Lower Mainland!
The Celebration is organized by a committee consisting of Birds Canada, Stanley Park Ecology, Stewardship Centre for BC, and Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association in collaboration with cities, municipalities and organizations in Greater Vancouver to celebrate birds throughout the region.
Bird Celebration Hatching: 2025 GVBC Opening Register Here! Friday, May 9th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Coal Harbour Community Centre Join us for the opening event of the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration (GVBC) on the eve of World Migratory Bird Day for a keynote presentation and the opportunity to meet local birding organizations. Learn about local crows and their unique personalities from local crow enthusiast and photographer June Hunter, and get ready for the dozens of events happening across the Lower Mainland from May 9 – 25 [2025].
Presentation:
Crow Watching with June Hunter Vancouver-based photographer, June Hunter, has been watching and photographing crows daily for 15 years, leading to insights into their personalities, nesting habits, family ties, seasonal behaviour and some hilarious individual quirks. June’s talk, accompanied by her photographs, will pull back the curtain on the crow world and help you understand some of that seemingly inexplicable crow behaviour. You’ll also gain tips on how to tell one crow from another, and how to start following the fascinating crow stories going on all around you.
June Hunter is a Vancouver-based photographer of birds, particularly crows and ravens. She regularly shares her stories and crow observations in her blog, the Urban Nature Enthusiast, in her annual City Crow Calendar and in her new book, City Crow Stories. You can find out more on her website (junehunter.com).
You can find the Greater Vancouver Celebration website here. Enjoy! and note that lat least one 2025 event, specifically, “Discovery Days: Bird Brained” on May 10, 2025 from 1:00 am – 2:30 pm already has a WAITLIST.
A February 4, 2025 news item on ScienceDaily announces an analysis (meta analysis) of over 40 studies into using nanomaterials for cleaning up pollution,
Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region’s ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world’s Arctic region, where newly opened sea lanes will expose remote shorelines to increased risks due to an anticipated rise in sea traffic.
Current mitigation techniques even in heavily populated regions face serious limitations, including low oil absorption capacity, potential toxicity to marine life and a slow remediation process.
However, advances in nanotechnology may provide solutions that are more effective, safer and work much faster than current methods. That’s according to a new paper in Environmental Science: Nano by a Concordia-led team of researchers.
“Using nanomaterials as a response method has emerged as a promising sustainable approach,” says lead author Huifang Bi, a PhD candidate in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.
“This paper synthesizes, reviews and analyzes between 40 and 50 studies on the subject to give us a big-picture look of the status of nanotechnologies in coastal oil spill response. At the same time, we are also presenting our own suggestions and identifying research gaps between using nanomaterials in the lab and how they can be used in real-world applications.”
She adds that nanomaterials are being widely studied to combat marine oil spills, but she is focusing specifically on coastline remediation. She estimates that more than 90 per cent of the papers she reviewed were exclusively lab-based and not yet available for field use.
Encouraging results need field testing
The unique properties found in nanomaterials can help mitigation across different remediation efforts. These include surface washing agents, dispersants, sorbents and bioremediation. Each method has its own strengths and drawbacks that can be improved with the use of nanomaterials.
For instance, replacing synthetic surfactants and organic solvents with bio-based nanomaterials has shown to be both highly effective at removing oil and to produce less toxic substances that can harm coastal biotas.
Nanomaterials can also be used in dispersants. Clay-based nanomaterials can stabilize oil particles in an emulsion, resulting in a larger area for oil-eating bacteria to grow and accelerating oil disappearance. In sorbents like aerogels or foams, nanomaterials can improve the removal of oil from water by absorption, adsorption or a combination thanks to large surface areas and a high number of sorption sites.
Finally, they can also be used to accelerate bioremediation, a technique that uses microorganisms to break down harmful pollutants like oil into less harmful or harmless substances.
“While these lab-based results are encouraging, we need to exercise caution,” warns Bi, winner of a 2023 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. “We should prioritize the use of sustainable and eco-friendly nanomaterials to minimize environmental risks and ensure the responsible application of nanotechnology in coastal oil spill response. We also need to scale up testing to measure this efficacy in field tests.”
According to Bi’s thesis supervisor Chunjiang An, an associate professor in the same department, the emergence of nanomaterials as oil spill remediation tools is coming at a critical time.
“We are facing many new challenges, with threats of oil spills now affecting both traditional and new regions, including the Arctic,” he says. “We need to work with governments and the private sector to ensure that they are aware of these technologies and can further include them in their future remediation guidelines.”
