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Researchers have cleverly devised a way to make paper that is waterproof, bacterial resistant, and magnetic. By wrapping certain nanoparticles around the fibers of the paper, it’s properties can be changed. The researchers point to using iron oxide nanoparticles to make the paper magnetic, and using silver nanoparticles to repel bacteria. The implications this technology has on the future of food packaging and medical applications are astounding.
This is pretty damn cool and I could imagine some important applications, but I really hope they’re doing some studies about potential ecological effects. Cause I am a bit concerned about dumping nano-particles all over the place before we’ve done studies to show it’s ok.
I disagree with the fear of harmful ecological effects here. We are talking about iron and silver both of which are abundant in nature and degrade rapidly in the presence of oxygen. That being said, I am not an expert in materials science and may not fully grasp the potential dangers involved here. Either way, this is a really interesting example of the amazing possibilities we are discovering in the brave new nano world! All Hail the Grey Goo!
