Labs-on-chips, nanotubes, and other really...really...small things

…I do apologize for the delay but I had some troubles with my Helixpod as I made my journey west, back to Pennsylvania. As you may, or may not know, my Helixpod runs off of DNA mediated energy transfer, which powers nanoelectronic thrusters in the pods core. When my pod powered down, somewhere along the New Jersey Turnpike, I had to figure out a way to make my pod fly again…then it hit me…when I was plotting my course to central Pennsylvania, I realized that there is nano @ Penn State research facilities…which is geared to nanotechnology and more specifically nanobiotechnology, at Penn State University…and if my Helixbrain serves me correctly, during my research I stumbled across the fact that they are able to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular levels…this size scale, which is about the same as that of biological structures, would enable them to work, and potentially FIX MY HELIXPOD THRUSTERS!! I must get to this institute…immediately….but how? I sent a request to the Grand Centrifugium Assembly to grant me emergency approval for DNA reorganization transportation…which would enable me to travel anywhere I choose…but just one time. If I used this method of transport any more than once my atoms could potentially be scrambled forever and I would never be able to reconstitute myself back to my current, and might I add handsome, state. My permission was granted and I was off…to central Pennsylvania…the location where I would discover much more than just researchers who work on nanoelectric thrusters…

When I was reconstituted, I tasted a sweet nectar I have never tasted before…where am I…surrounded by mint green and little black dots…I couldn’t have been so far off in my reorganization transportation calculation that I ended up in the galaxy of Emeraldion, which has a green sky and black stars…no no no…this must be the famous Berkey Creamery at Penn State…and I am in…a tub of their delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream…

After I cleaned myself off I headed off to find nano @ Penn State research facilities, but was interrupted by my Bio Strength Locator, which was pointing me towards the Huck Institute of the Life Sciences…what is this place?...I asked a scientist who was entering one of the labs and he told me that the Huck Institute is dedicated to strengthening research in the life sciences, preparing students for successful careers, and encouraging new perspectives across disciplinary boundaries…it’s unbelievable to me that once I think I reach a point where it would be merely impossible to impress me anymore, something else does…I quickly got back on track but received a transmission from the Grand Centrifugium Assembly saying they have received coordinates for a location called Strategic Polymer Sciences, and that I should research this place immediately. I have included my transmission below for your review.

Research Transmission to GCA- log 432AZA – Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. I have discovered the coordinates you, the Grand Centerfugium Assembly, had sent me. The following is my investigative report. Strategic Polymer Sciences (SPS) is dedicated to enabling technologies to improve the quality of living. SPS develops new materials and device technologies that are in the process of revolutionizing energy storage, energy generation, and medical therapeutics. The medical therapeutics include implantable cardiac defibrillators and the creation of lower cost, more efficient, and more effective steerable medical catheters for cardiac and other applications. Their areas of specialty range from medical devices, energy harvesting, automotive, communications, and electronics…this assembly is truly remarkable…I feel that Beakeris has much to learn...
Research Transmission to GCA- log432AZA – Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. END

I decided then to resume my original mission, discovering nanobiotechnology labs at Penn State University, where hopefully, I would find someone who would be willing enough to fix my Helixpod…I then discovered that the Huck Institute and the Materials Research Institute work together to provide seed funding for collaborative research in areas such as biological and chemical sensing, drug delivery via nanoparticles, high frequency ultrasound sensing at the cellular level, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and the development of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires, and zinc oxide nanorods for advanced genomics, proteomics and drug discovery…all I knew was that they specialized in all things small…and that’s what just what my thrusters needed…so I traveled to the Materials Research Institute...there they informed me that the application of nano techniques and tools to human health has the potential for enormous returns in the near to mid term, with new methods for delivering targeted anticancer drugs or new medical techniques for the battlefield…all of this information absolutely astounded me! I could not get over the fact that they could develop something so small that had such a gargantuan impact on the quality of human life! The researchers here told me that they work very closely with clinicians at The Penn State Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine and that their collaboration would produce some incredible outcomes within the next decade…amazing…just amazing…

I contracted the help of a scientist who thought he could help get me back to the skies…after a long journey, a few famous Penn State Diner Grilled Stickeys, a few cups of coffee, and an explanation of what a Nittany Lion is, we were back on the Jersey Turnpike, and my new found friend was busy fixing my nanoelectric thrusters, which he repaired in what seemed like a few nanoseconds…I was glad I could safely resume my journey within the safety of my Helixpod…and still make it to Biotech 2009 on time…only 17 days left…I can’t help but wonder if some of my new friends at Penn State will be presenting during the Innovation Corridor at the Symposium…I truly hope they show off their new, cutting edge, and groundbreaking technologies to the region…then the world…and then…BEAKERIS!

Until we meet again.

Helixman