Berkeley (CA) - A group of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have set a new miniaturization record by making a fully working radio from one carbon nanotube.

The carbon nanotube, which is a tiny rod made out of carbon atoms, is less than 10,000 times thinner than a single human hair.  The UC Berkeley researchers' accomplishment surpasses a similar feat by the University of California, Irvine.  

At UCI, scientists had previously created a demodulator (to convert AM radio waves into electrical signals) from one carbon nanotube, but not an entire radio.  The UCB device includes the demodulator as well as an antenna, amplifier, and tunable filter.  It can be powered through an attached battery.

The UCB team, led by Alex Zetttl, has reportedly broadcast at least two songs on the microscopic radio: "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys and "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos.

The device is about more than just playing golden oldies in an electrical research lab, though.  The inventors hope the tiny radio could be used in remote-control devices that would be capable of being implanted in a human's bloodstream.

Awesome

Nov 05, 2007 10:26     

The stuff they are doing with Carbon Nanotubes these days are pretty awesome. I wonder when we will finally see the promised Carbon Nanotube Monitors. As far as putting microscopic 'radios' in to the blood stream... I don't think I'll an 'early adopter!'
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What?

Nov 05, 2007 10:42     

"What do you mean you lost the radio again?!?! Where did you put it this time?!!" :)
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wow

Nov 05, 2007 11:54     

That is one small radio. How long until our government wackos use these to aid in spying on their own citizens?
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Really?

Nov 05, 2007 11:58     

Who's going to be the first one in line to have a nanotube injected into their bloodstream. NOT ME.
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The Gonz

Nov 05, 2007 12:00     

"The inventors hope the tiny radio could be used in remote-control devices that would be capable of being implanted in a human's bloodstream." Are you kidding me!?! Keep your remote control blodd devices away from me and my DNA.
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Re: The Gonz

Nov 05, 2007 13:01     

Um, that's exactly what you might WANT one of those in your bloodstream for - messing around with your DNA. More specifically: cancer cells. Imagine if you could inject this thing, and use a local radio signal to tell it to kill just the cancer cells and nothing else. That would be called a cure for cancer, my friend, and you might one day be very happy to have it do its thing...
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Lol

Nov 05, 2007 13:14     

Keep it away from me!
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non-promising...

Nov 05, 2007 13:54     

...as far as body-implanting goes. research is far from complete on the health affects of nano-machines and nano particles. while it is cool that this was done, it doesn't really offer any benefits what-so-ever. and fyi, you dont want nanomachines in your blood...
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make me a Crysis Nanosuit

Nov 05, 2007 14:43     

I'll be the first in line
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this means...

Nov 05, 2007 14:51     

nanobots are just around the corner, i aint one to have radios in my bloodstream, but a bunch of medbots would be a different story. no more cancer, toxins, or internal bleeding, im for it
mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Too Small

Nov 05, 2007 15:04     

I think electronic devices are getting too small. It is difficult to use the small phones as it is and browsing the internet on a small screen is no fun. Since there are mp3 players and satelite radios, why would any want a radio? especially a very tiny one?
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I think they mean...

Nov 05, 2007 15:13     

Pretty sure they mean microscopic submarines that can motor around in your veins to look for cancer and stuff. :-P
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Nanoscale One-Up Manship

Nov 05, 2007 15:30     

LOL....talk about belittling the efforts of Uni of California, Irvine. I'm sure that was no small feat but they've been made to look like ham fisted construction workers....and that's not trying to belittle construction workers either OK but you get the analogy.
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Tech Paranoia..

Nov 05, 2007 15:38     

Why is it whenever someone discovers a potentially cool new technology, people think horrible things? Take this new tech - first two things that come to mind - "Resistance is Futile" aka Borg-ification a-la Star Trek or Orwellian 1984 references to Big Brother? Think about it, this tech could lead to unique identification - radio transmission of your DNA sequence - no more Identity Theft (unless you're cloned). Or better yet, potential cure for all of those horrible neurological medical conditions out there? Hell, you could cure Parkinsons and save liberal actor-turned-spokesmen in one foul swoop.. Don't fear the tech...fear being afraid to use it for the good of mankind..

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Applications...

Nov 05, 2007 15:56     

"The inventors hope the tiny radio could be used in remote-control devices that would be capable of being implanted in a human's bloodstream." Great. We will finally have hard evidence as to who "dealt it".
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Can't Wait

Nov 05, 2007 16:30     

I can't wait to get good vibrations playing on miniature radios all through out my blood stream. That'd be awesome.
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Ummm... Borg

Nov 05, 2007 17:04     

one step closer to Resistance is Futile...
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Paranoid until...

Nov 05, 2007 17:05     

Sure, you say keep it out of your blood today - but what if it could be used to detect illnesses such as cancer way before the current technology allows? What if it would help science discover more how the circulatory system works in order to improve surgical techniques? What if this device could be used in children to track them in case of kidnapping? How about making the tubules bond to specific proteins and then tracking their production and flow? As with all technology, it is how it is used that matters. So if they want to inject my bloodstream in order to track how specific red blood cells might flow throughout my body, then I'll gladly volunteer. If it means that I can easily be tracked, then I'm blessed that I am easily found should anything happen to me. I'd rather be found than be listed a missing person presumed dead.

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All for it

Nov 05, 2007 18:49     

Just think, a nanobulldozer to clean out your arteries so no more bypass surgeries.....If they make a nano-crane then I can throw away my Viagra pills :)
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Nano everything these days

Nov 05, 2007 20:12     

man this is great .. all i hear about these day's is nano techology .. it sounds great im jst waiting for all the cool and crazy stuff to come out.. like some bs t-shirt that can change colours with a small battery .. how cools that ..
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LOL

Nov 05, 2007 20:12     

"If they make a nano-crane then I can throw away my Viagra pills" ROFL, I think that this can cure some narrowing of veins as well with some more innovations. I would love this to be the new "blue tooth", whereas your cell phone can be communicated to via the nanotube, that is powered via the normal electrical energies that flow through your body normally. To be able to hear it within your ear, rather than from the outside will bring superior sound quality, as well as the convenience of no more lost headsets.

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CRAZY SCIENTIST !

Nov 05, 2007 21:49     

Believe it or not...it may be start of what we afraid...TERMINATORS ! Who will control and monitor this such act of GOD ? I strongly believe that the Govevernment take extra safety about this technology because its Crazy ! Scientist should research how to enhance our planet Earth and its existence and not create dangers to society.
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IO

Nov 05, 2007 22:41     

It will be interesting if they ever start using short range FM as an IO bus of the future for really crammed chip solutions
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well... think of this

Nov 06, 2007 05:35     

Better have a nano tube in your bloodstream, than Mega tube up your.... you get the drift!! (since one day we will all be monitored in one way or another!)
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NANo tech

Nov 06, 2007 16:59     

Just imagine a nanocellphone injected in ur brain, in which u can talk and see in your mind all information! SICK!
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Lousy math

Nov 07, 2007 01:19     

How can you multiply something 10,000 times and it ends up smaller? Doesn't anyone know how to multiply? Isn't it 1/10,000 as large as a human hair?
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SNNNAAAAAAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!??????

Nov 07, 2007 05:47     

The era of Codecs implanted into the inner ear or upper jaw is upon us! "OTACON! THIS IS SNAKE!" ["Allow me to introduce you to Ceti Alpha Five's only remaining... *indigenous* life form." -Rick]
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Still no cure for cancer...

Nov 07, 2007 07:46     

...but maybe soon with this kind of technology? [The micro-radios could be doped with a chemical which causes them to be particularly attracted to the cancer cells. Then, after attaching themselves the doctor remotely turns on Twisted Sister, KISS or some other rock group that's been shown in the lab to kill even healthy cells. -Rick]
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Clarification

Nov 07, 2007 09:12     

1984 happened, but backwards: The private companies are the ones spying... and we are paying them to do it. Things like OnStar is paying to have Big Brother in your vehicle. If you have a cell phone, you can already be spied on by someone with a signal amplifier: The mic acts as a magnetic mic that can be listened in on by anyone with the right equipment. As far as having nanobots in your body: I have news for you, they are already there, and we call them bacteria. How could a man made machine be any worse than TB? You conspiracy theorists out there are buying way too much into movies. Besides, until we learn how to mask them, any foregin object input into the body will simply be viewed as a thread, and will be attacked by a normal immune response. Keep in mind, also, that people will use these devices to spy back on anyone that may try and spy on you. It will simply promote freedom of information.

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heartfelt, heartbeat

Nov 07, 2007 20:54     

If the heart surgeon drops his tiny hair radio, no doubt the the patient more than a beat to his heart.
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@#$%!!

Nov 08, 2007 02:48     

Just how the @#%! am I suppose to change the channel on this thing?! ["We're glad you asked. While the radio itself is only $19.99, you'll need this remote control in order to change the channel." "Yes, and how much is that?" "Only $199.99 after a $30 mail in rebate, so how many can I put you down for? Four?" -Rick]
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Doh!!!! (Homer)...

Nov 08, 2007 15:14     

Doh!!!! (Homer)
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RE: Lousy math -> Lousy English

Nov 08, 2007 19:40     

The text clearly reads, "10,000 times THINNER," not 10,000 times LARGER. If said you two times thinner than someone else would that mean you were bigger?
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Radio-Head? D'oh!

Nov 09, 2007 10:51     

I want one! That way when I can drown out the voices in my head with some AC/DC!! Wonder how many songs you could store on/in a nanotube?
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Ever read Prey?

Nov 09, 2007 11:19     

Its by Michael Crichton. Good stuff.
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Tin Foil Helmet

Nov 10, 2007 07:38     

Better get one;-)
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Total Recall

Nov 15, 2007 09:10     

Wrap a wet towel around your head, it'll muffle the signal.
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Be not a cancer on the earth

Nov 16, 2007 19:46     

1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature. 2. Guide reproduction wisely - improving fitness and diversity. 3. Unite humanity with a living new language. 4. Rule passion - faith - tradition - and all things with tempered reason. 5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts. 6. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court. 7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials. 8. Balance personal rights with social duties. 9. Prize truth - beauty - love - seeking harmony with the infinite. 10. Be not a cancer on the earth - Leave room for nature - Leave room for nature. [What? -Rick]

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