Tag: nanotechnology
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Scientists Develop Food-Grade Nanoemulsion
Researchers with the University of Massachusetts Food Science Department have reportedly developed a technique to create transparent, food-grade nanoemulsions using high-pressure homogenization methods. Cheng Qiana and David Julian McClements, “Formation of Nanoemulsions Stabilized by Model Food-Grade Emulsifiers using High Pressure Homogenization: Factors Affecting Particle Size,” Food Hydrocolloids, October 2010. According to the study, “Nanoemulsions are finding increasing…
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New Partnership to Address Potential Nanotech-Related Safety Concerns
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Science Foundation Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN) have announced a partnership to help companies identify and address potential health and safety concerns related to nanotechnology. NIOSH and CHN—a collaboration of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Northeastern University and the University of New Hampshire—will provide…
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EPA Issues Rule on Multi-Walled and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concerned about potential hazards to human health and the environment, has issued a final rule that will require anyone intending “to manufacture, import, or process either [multi-walled or single-walled carbon nanotubes] for a use that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify EPA at…
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Nanomaterials to Take Prominent Role in Upcoming NOSB Meeting; Organic Hops Group Questions Petitioning Process
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has announced an October 25-28, 2010, public meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, to review proposed recommendations for the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, which governs the use of synthetic and non-synthetic materials in organic production and handling. NOSB will accept written comments and requests…
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Belgian EU Presidency Proposes Labeling Requirements, Registry for Nanomaterials
The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) has issued five regulatory proposals to respond to consumer and safety needs regarding nanomaterials found in mass-produced consumer products including food, electronics and cosmetics. During a recent workshop in which representatives from 12 member states met to prepare for a regulatory review of nanomaterials by…
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Industry Takes Aim at Draft UCSF Report on Nanomaterial Regulation in California
Concerned about regulatory coordination issues, the omission of new environmental data and an apparent failure to recognize collaborative stakeholder efforts, nanotech industry interests have reportedly urged Cal/EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and researchers with the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) to revise a draft April 2010 report on nanomaterial regulation.…
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Royal Society Papers Suggest Innovative Solutions to Looming Food Shortages
The U.K. Royal Society has published 21 papers addressing concerns that climate change, water shortages and increased demand will disrupt the global food supply in coming decades. Titled Food Security: Feeding the World in 2050, the compendium challenges citizens, politicians and scientists “to increase food production, but to do so in a way that is…
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EC Research Center Issues Report on Defining “Nanomaterial”
The European Commission’s (EC’s) Joint Research Centre has published a report that explores various definitions for the term “nanomaterial” currently in use around the world in an effort to devise a single definition that could make nanotechnology amenable to regulation. Titled “Considerations on a Definition of Nanomaterial for Regulatory Purposes,” the report observes that nanomaterials…