New wonder material, one-atom thick, has scientists abuzz

so did we just solve the rare metals problem? cause i think we might have. :0 cheers!

"It is the thinnest known material in the universe, and the strongest ever measured"

is one hell of a statement. It's kinda hard to even get your brain around it. One atom thick, that's nothing.

Could this make super trampolines?

Toxicity

Determining the toxicity of carbon nanotubes has been one of the most pressing questions in nanotechnology. Unfortunately such research has only just begun and the data is still fragmentary and subject to criticism. Preliminary results highlight the difficulties in evaluating the toxicity of this heterogeneous material. Parameters such as structure, size distribution, surface area, surface chemistry, surface charge, and agglomeration state as well as purity of the samples, have considerable impact on the reactivity of carbon nanotubes. However, available data clearly show that, under some conditions, nanotubes can cross membrane barriers, which suggests that if raw materials reach the organs they can induce harmful effects such as inflammatory and fibrotic reactions.[26]

A study led by Alexandra Porter from the University of Cambridge shows that CNTs can enter human cells and accumulate in the cytoplasm, causing cell death.[27]

Results of rodent studies collectively show that regardless of the process by which CNTs were synthesized and the types and amounts of metals they contained, CNTs were capable of producing inflammation, epithelioid granulomas (microscopic nodules), fibrosis, and biochemical/toxicological changes in the lungs. Comparative toxicity studies in which mice were given equal weights of test materials showed that SWCNTs were more toxic than quartz, which is considered a serious occupational health hazard when chronically inhaled. As a control, ultrafine carbon black was shown to produce minimal lung responses.[28]

The needle-like fiber shape of CNTs, similar to asbestos fibers, raises fears that widespread use of carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs often caused by exposure to asbestos. A recently-published pilot study[29] supports this prediction. Scientists exposed the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice, as a surrogate for the mesothelial lining of the chest cavity, to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes and observed asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behavior which included inflammation and formation of lesions known as granulomas. Authors of the study conclude:

"This is of considerable importance, because research and business communities continue to invest heavily in carbon nanotubes for a wide range of products under the assumption that they are no more hazardous than graphite. Our results suggest the need for further research and great caution before introducing such products into the market if long-term harm is to be avoided."[30]

According to co-author Dr. Andrew Maynard:

"This study is exactly the kind of strategic, highly focused research needed to ensure the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology. It looks at a specific nanoscale material expected to have widespread commercial applications and asks specific questions about a specific health hazard. Even though scientists have been raising concerns about the safety of long, thin carbon nanotubes for over a decade, none of the research needs in the current U.S. federal nanotechnology environment, health and safety risk research strategy address this question."[31] Video commentary

Although further research is required, results presented today clearly demonstrate that, under certain conditions, especially those involving chronic exposure, carbon nanotubes can pose a serious risk to human health.

Will it cut you if you touch it?

This came up twice to me so I will respond twice...from different people....this is not a problem..and it doesn't matter which came first...the chicken or Current posts...good news I can not get enough of...its the bad shit I am tired of...This is great news...and maybe someone can use Carbon Dioxide to help produce it....all the answers are there if people will just listen...and the answer is to never use a miracle to kill or harm anything.....there are many watching this old cruise ship that goes a million miles each day and wanting to share knowledge and gifts...all we have to do is lower the Pirate flag....Golden Ruler....Will

I think it's interesting that they compare the conductivity to silicon when silicon is not a conductor. Silicon is doped to increase its conductivity for use as a semiconductor. Perhaps they mean that graphene can be used to dope silicon instead of the more rare elements that are currently used.

Is this what Wolverine's claws are really made of?

The toxicity argument is a very surprising one. Thanks for the post I had never thought about that.

If it weren't for the toxicity, I would love to have some clothing made out of this stuff. Imagine, you would feel completely naked. Is it opaque at that thickness? Maybe just a small coating on the sole of shoes would make them never wear out.

Very cool. I think in ten to fifteen yrs. graphene has a chance to be a completely viable use for computers, etc. But, it is interesting to find how it could be potentially very toxic.

So is this material primarily for electronics or can it be used in conventional construction?
If so could we be one step closer to space elevator's?

"Despite its strength, it's as flexible as plastic wrap and can be bent, folded or rolled up like a scroll."

If a sheet of this was layed out on a football field, would you see it?

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but isn't this part of the stolen alien technology from Roswell?

I'm thinking this stuff would make a great bullet proof vest among other things. The major problem is going to be supplanting silicon. As the article states it's a multi-billion dollar industry much like the oil industry. That alone has slowed the growth of better more efficient alternatives. This is one of the major flaws of a purely capitalistic economic system.

Damn im going to have to relocate to graphene valley

Could Spiderman's webbing be made of nanotubes/graphene; it would have to be somewhat "Velcro like" ...(not the organic stuff parker spits out in the movies-but the material he manufactures in the graphic novel milieu )

...I think it should be put on the bottom of basketball shoes....and the tires of flying cars....Disney...you were so ahead of your time...in 10,000 years archaeologists will be pondering....what was this Mouse that these people worshiped and built monuments and cities in honor of.....Golden Ruler without Flubber...Will

IBM has already made ultra-miniaturized 26 GHz graphene transistors, showing that the Moore's law progression of computing power will continue past the limitations of silicon chips using these new carbon-based materials. Engineered carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and the new diamond materials made through vapor deposition are some of the next big things that will help humankind progress, imho.

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Ibm-NYSE-IBM-932092.html

The "killer app" for this kind of nanotech would be for building specialized devices that could be implanted for medical and communication purposes

Humanity. Fucking awesome.

It's hardly new.

Sounds like the material they found at the Roswell crash sight that was supposed to be an "air baloon"
Vedy intedesting! lol

I find it interesting that although graphene may be a better semiconductor than silicon the average person may not benefit from it for another 15 years simply because other companies have too much money invested in silicon.

NASA, the DOD and other specialized entities may use graphene since it's better but not Mr. & Mrs. Smith. How many other great inventions may never be fully utilized for people's benefit because it wouldn't enhance corporate profits and thus it would hurt a country's economy?