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Using Cinnamon In the Production of Nanoparticles

Posted by samzenpus on from the what-about-the-brown-sugar? dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists at the University of Missouri used cinnamon to replace almost all toxic chemicals needed for making gold nanoparticles used in electronics and healthcare products. Nanoparticle production requires the use of extremely dangerous and toxic chemicals. While the nanotechnology industry is expected to produce large quantities of useful nanoparticles in the near future, the entire production process could be detrimental to the environment."

4 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. 21st century alchemy by UBfusion · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Something tells me that this is going to end like the biofuel scam, where forests are vanishing to produce a more pollutant fuel than gasoline... Killing natural spices to produce gold in some industries' pockets.

    1. Re:21st century alchemy by Bigjeff5 · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I happen to have a birthright to drive two ton machines two hours between work and my gated community, thank you very much.

      *shows you his birthright certificate* :D

      PS: Just because the number key is there it doesn't mean you should use it any time you want to write a number. Save it for the really big numbers - when you use it for a number with three digits or less your perceived IQ drops by roughly 10-15 points per digit less than four - i.e. typing 300 drops your perceived IQ by ten to fifteen points, typing 30 drops it by twenty to thirty points, and typing 3 drops it by thirty to forty-five points. You should always type out three hundred thirty-three, but for 3,333 it is fine to switch to numerals.

      --
      Security is mostly a superstition... Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. - Helen Keller
  2. I hope it's true but: by geekoid · · Score: 2, Insightful

    “Our gold nanoparticles are not only ecologically and biologically benign, they are also biologically active against cancer cells,”

    A) How can you be benign AND active?.

    B) everything is poisonous. It's the dose them makes the poison.

    C) I can't see how this process uses no electricity. How does the cinnamon and gold particles get together? how is the cinnamon remove?

    D) How much energy will go into harvesting more cinnamon?

    I hope is true because Oz. to Oz Cinnamon will be a safer product to use in the process, but it's not magic.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  3. Not likely by Charliemopps · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Real Cinnamon is rare and expensive, toxic chemicals usually aren't. Which do you think China's going to decide to use?