NanoJunkie

Elon Musk's Neuralink always gets the spotlight for innovating brain technology, but a smaller company named Synchron may be leading the way. Synchron will be the first company to test implantable brain tech in human clinical trials!Sources:https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/synchron-raises-40m-for-u-s-trials-neurotech-helping-paralysis-patients-text-email-andhttps://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/medical-advances/565347-small-company-beats-elon-musks-neuralink-in-race?amp See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Researchers from MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zürich banded together to create a nano-architected carbon material that was able to block particles moving at supersonic speeds!Source:https://news.mit.edu/2021/carbon-nanomaterial-light-strong-0624 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How small can a robot be? Bionaut Labs, a Los Angeles-based startup, has developed robots at the microscopic scale to treat brain disorders. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health agencies in Canada have banned the sale and distribution of masks containing graphene (a carbon nanomaterial) over health concerns.Article:https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/canada-bans-masks-containing-graphene-101617428707042-amp.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I've been seeing a lot of news and talk about the semiconductor "chip shortage" that's been going on since last year. Here, I explain what the chip shortage is, what caused it, and how it will change the future of US manufacturing.Host: Ari Esters (me) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What’s the big deal with nanotech? Where is it used? Is it worth investing in nanotech at all? All that and more covered in this episode!Host: Ari Esters (me)To learn even more, visit nanojunkie.com or follow NanoJunkie on Facebook and LinkedIn! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’m power-walking on a windy day, so pardon the audio quality. In this episode, I share the plan I’ve put into motion for NanoJunkie: a new website (nanojunkie.com), weekly blogs, and interviews with companies and researchers, to name a few. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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05-11-2019: NanoJunkie episodes will be paused until I get a new laptop. May take a few weeks or even a couple months.. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 7 of Nanotech News, I talk about recent developments in efficient light-based circuits for use in quantum technology, spiral nanobots that improve drug delivery in the body, and flexible circuits made using 3D printing and nanotechnology.Music: "Sunshine" by Iksonhttps://soundcloud.com/iksonNanomechanical router leads to more efficient quantum technology:https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/04/23/Nanocomponent-is-a-quantum-leap-for-Danish-physicistsMagnetic nanobots that improve cancer drug delivery:https://m.phys.org/news/2019-04-tiny-robots-powered-magnetic-fields.htmlFlexible circuits made using 3D printing and silver nanowires:https://m.phys.org/news/2019-04-flexible-circuits-d.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

05-04-2019: I plan on doing weekly check-ins starting today. Today, I was so out of it that I didn't even know what day it is (I say it's May 6th, but it was actually May 4th). And I have failed BOTH my dry month and dryish month as of this week. So you win, alcohol... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

04-27-2019: I finally got a new microphone for audio recording, which seems to work pretty well! Listen to this silky smooth audio which entails me recalling how busy work has gotten in just a week, complaining about how much time I've spent on Netflix, and failing to remember when the movie Hurt Locker came out (it was 2008). New nanotech episodes coming soon! Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I apologize in advance for this audio. I was in a noise-heavy room, so the end result after editing sounds kinda distorted. This episode of Nanotech News includes three recent developments: (1) moving and levitating objects with light, (2) fusing technology with microbial life to clean up the planet, and (3) discovering 2D materials using artificial intelligence.Intro Music: "Sunshine" by Iksonhttps://soundcloud.com/iksonReferences:Levitating or Propelling Objects with Light: https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/03/20/Levitating-objects-with-light?fbclid=IwAR1xxxLO1ui9Z4xVCg4XdmprQ5iMtGzzXfRELyvXBAlwIqOv8iOrLZMHj24Microcyborgs: https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/04/15/Rotibots-Cyborgs-made-of-microfauna-and-microbeadsUsing Deep Learning to Discover New 2D Materials: https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/04/11/Deep-learning-casts-wide-net-for-novel-2D-materials See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What if humans had the same camouflage ability as chameleons? Can we make suits that can shift colors and patterns and allow humans to blend in with any surface? How can we build materials that controllably change color in real time? Actually, I believe that all of these are possible...not with future technology, but with our current technology.Music:"Sunshine" by Iksonhttp://soundcloud.com/iksonExperiment studying chameleon skin:Teyssier, J.; Saenko, S. V.; van der Marel, D.; and M. C. Milinkovitch. "Photonic crystals cause active colour change in chameleons." Nature Communications, 2015. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms7368.pdf Russian program working towards active camouflage:https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/research/a22777736/russia-to-demonstrate-active-camouflage-for-soldiers-tanks/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Will we ever be technologically advanced enough to build Tony Stark's nanotechnology suit from Avengers: Infinity War? Or to make clothing and surfaces that change color like a chameleon? Or to have self-assembling furniture composed of microrobots? These are the types of questions I LOVE to discuss. Very soon, I will make episodes centered around these topics and more!Email me at nanotechjunkie@gmail.com for feedback or ideas for future nanotech episodes! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

04-12-2019: Recording from my car after work. I recorded this audio from my phone while on the go, so the audio quality is worse than usual. Nevertheless, I wanted to make sure I checked in, and I briefly talk about my ideas for the future of NanoJunkie. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I finally got to record an episode about nanobots, which is a HOT topic in nanotechnology. Many news outlets have covered nanobots in recent years, particularly because of their potential to target and destroy tumors in the body. But...what exactly is a nanobot? How can we make a nanobot kill cancer cells? We should probably learn more about them before we stick them in our bloodstream. That's what this episode is for!Reference to publication about controlling nanoscale beads in cells:X. Wang et al. "Intracellular manipulation and measurement with multipole magnetic tweezers." Science Robotics, Vol. 4, Issue 28, March 2019. DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aav6180Nanotechnology World article about nanoscale bead control:https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/03/18/Researchers-create-nano-bot-to-probe-inside-human-cellsA free-to-view review about nanorobotics:http://ijpsr.com/bft-article/nanorobots-a-review/?view=fulltextSome random patent from the 2000s involving nanorobotics:https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2008063473&tab=PCTDESCRIPTION&maxRec=1000My contact info: nanotechjunkie@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

03-26-2019: Finally doing another life update. I've been trying to get over this lasting fatigue I've been feeling, which I briefly talk about in this episode. Also, I kind of went off the rails on this episode, since I recorded this right after someone tried to incorrectly explain astronomy to me. Just listen to it. It'll all make sense. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Nanotech News, I cover a bit about batteries and the potential for better energy storage devices using two-dimensional (2D) materials. I'm still kinda sad that I didn't get to take any electrochemistry or battery-related courses while I was in school, so this episode is probably a good way for me to scratch that itch.For ideas, questions, concerns, or whatever, contact me at nanotechjunkie@gmail.com!References:Wang, Xuehang et al. "Influences from solvents on charge storage in titanium carbide MXenes." Nature Energy 4, pp. 241-248, 2019."Right electrolyte doubles novel two-dimensional material's ability to store energy." https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2019/03/04/Right-electrolyte-doubles-novel-two-dimensional-materials-ability-to-store-energy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have not forgotten about this podcast! In fact, I have a quick announcement: the next Nanotech News episode will be coming out within a couple days! In this episode, I will discuss the potential for the next generation of battery technology based on two-dimensional materials.P.S. If anyone has any feedback, questions, or ideas about the content, feel free to shoot me an email at nanotechjunkie@gmail.comKeep your ears open! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

03-16-2019: UPCOMING NAME CHANGE. I will be changing the name of my podcast from "Random Rambles" to "Nanojunkie". Do not be confused. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

03-13-2019: I finally made a life update as opposed to doing more nanotech episodes. I got a bit swept away in my excitement for those topics. Anyway, the title of this episode basically summarizes this update. Not really, but it'll all make sense by the end of this, I promise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Nanotech News, I will be discussing a new paper that may lead to a new form of data storage by controlled phase transitions in atoms or groups of atoms. There are many new and innovative ways of storing bits of informations, but storing data in individual atoms could offer the densest form of data storage to date.(I apologize in advance for some of the bad audio quality in this one. I'm still experimenting to find the optimal recording setup.)References:Ahsan, A et al. "Phase Transitions in Confinements: Controlling Solid to Fluid Transitions of Xenon Atoms in an On-Surface Network." Small, 2019: Vol. 15. DOI: 10.1002/smll.201803169."Data Storage using Individual Molecules". https://www.nanotechnologyworld.org/single-post/2018/12/18/Data-storage-using-individual-molecules"Flash memory's density surpasses hard drive for first time". https://www.computerworld.com/article/3030642/flash-memorys-density-surpasses-hard-drives-for-first-time.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

To provide some context, this was the first day of me using the free Audacity software to record my podcast episodes. For some reason, the audio playback would have crackling sounds in it about 1.5 to 2 minutes into the audio track. So, I had to record random junk for at least 2 minutes to see if the crackling noises would pop up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

03-09-2019: In this episode, I briefly talk about a book I just started called Tales from Both Sides of the Brain: A Life in Neuroscience by Michael S. Gazzaniga. I'm really excited about this one. I follow this up with short snippets of other things: work, life in Boise, and keeping up with the Random Rambles podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this installment of the nanotech series, I discuss a new development that I've been hearing a lot about recently in nanotech circles: holey graphene. Why would you want to purposefully make holes in graphene? Doesn't that lower its quality and effectiveness? What's the deal? It turns out graphene in holes can be really useful as well, as I discuss here!References:Moreno, Cesar, et al. "Bottom-up synthesis of multifunctional nanoporous graphene." Science, 13 Apr 2018: Vol. 360, Issue 6385, pp. 199-203. DOI: 10.1126/science.aar2009C&EN article: "Holey graphene translates to working transistor." https://cen.acs.org/content/cen/articles/96/i16/Holey-graphene-translates-working-transistor.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

02-15-2019: Today, I’m covering an article about a graphene-based innovation developed by researchers at the University of Manchester. This new nanotechnology has the potential to turn plain old ocean water into freshwater, providing potential solutions to water security and sustainability worldwide. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

02-08-2019: I’m finally able to pick up some assignments on my new Micron job, even if it’s just a little. I deployed a strategy of asking random co-workers what they were working on, which led to discussing opportunities for me to contribute. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A short episode where I announce my plan to upload short discussions of new and budding nanotechnologies. Now that I’ve said I’m gonna do it, I have to do it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

01-28-2019: I check in briefly in the morning before work. I have a better idea of what my job responsibilities entail and set a new goal accordingly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

01-20-2019: After a long ass (and moderately unsafe) road trip, I’ve finally made it to Boise, Idaho! In this episode, I talk about what I’ve been up to for the few days I’ve been in Boise, mention my new beef with Google Maps, and share how I feel about this new milestone in my life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

01-15-2019: I promise I will find more time to talk in the upcoming days. But for now, here’s a quick update. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

01-10-2019: I’m in the middle of a road trip, and I’ll try to keep checking in. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

12-30-2018: This episode has a more serious note than usual. Someone mentioned to a friend of mine that “the black race is lazy.” This is my response. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

12-26-2018: This episode actually has segments from a few consecutive days. I check in every now and then while I’m visiting my hometown in Mississippi. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

12-19-2018: The title says it all. I’ve officially finished grad school. Here, I talk about what’s next. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

12-18-2018: Decided to check in after finishing a full-body workout at the gym. Also, I’m in the home stretch of my master’s program. Just one more exam and I’m DONE. Can’t wait to post an I’M DONE episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

12-10-2018: Fell behind on my work, but now I’m back on top of it. Can’t wait to get back in the podcast game for my 8 (maybe fewer) listeners. I start with apologizing for “being too busy” to make more episodes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-11-05: After months of searching, I’ve finally decided which company I wanted to work for. I discuss my thoughts about the new job and get pumped for entering the realm of nanotechnology. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-10-26: I got bored at the hotel in Sacramento, so I decided to record an episode after watching more bullshit on Shark Tank. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-10-17: I started thinking a lot after listening to a podcast about meditation and states of mind. I share thoughts and personal experiences here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-10-12: Update on current job prospects, ending with a promise to not talk about jobs in the next episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-10-10: Instead of doing coursework or working on my thesis, I’m anxiously waiting to hear back from Texas Instruments or Micron about a job offer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-09-24: Here, I talk about the status of my job applications to Intel, Texas Instruments, and others. I also articulate my professional goals and my interest in nanotechnology. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-09-18: My voice is a little scratchy since I got sick after the career fair. Today, I talk about my personal experience with the UIUC Career Fair and the results of attending. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-09-01: Lazy day as I recall a moment when I visited one of my favorite restaurants. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-08-24: I was walking pretty fast so I was a bit out of breath. Fairly short briefings about getting ready for the final semester and applying to the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-08-21: Trying to get out of the office and grab some food See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

2018-08-18: Starting now, I'll be using podcasts to document, not create. I'm starting my last semester of grad school, so I'm close to the onset of a new journey, which is the perfect time to start seriously documenting my life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.