To view the videos, go to http://www.sciplayer.net

I am happy to announce the publication of a book "Simulations in Nanobiotechnology", which was contributed from researchers (including iMechanicians) who have expertise in the area of nanobiotechnology. The book is aimed at presenting the current state-of-arts in computational simulations of biological objects such as proteins as well as nanomaterials such as graphene, and also bio-nano-hybrid system such as nanopore-biomolecule interactions. This book provides the insight into the simulation-based characterization in nanobiotechnology.

Less than 2 weeks until the conference starts - but there is still time to register at www.biotribologyconference.com

Topics covered include: orthopaedic surgery • dentistry • biomechanics • biomaterials • cosmetic chemistry • biophysics • biomimetics

Presenting authors are invited to submit their manuscript for consideration for publication in a dedicated special issue of Tribology International. Visit www.elsevier.com/locate/triboint for full details. Deadline for submission: 21 October 2011.

Only 3 days left to register at the discounted rate for the International Conference on BioTribology, which is to take place on 18-21 September, Imperial College, London

Register now at http://www.biotribologyconference.com/registrationInfo.asp

Less than 3 weeks left to take advantage of the Early Bird Offer. Go to http://www.biotribologyconference.com/registrationInfo.asp

3 weeks left to submit your abstract for the International Conference on BioTribology (ICoBT 2011).

The topic of research must include a biological surface as part of the interface (eg articular cartilage, skin), have a direct impact on biological function (eg prosthetic joints, dental implants), or involve the implementation of natural lubrication in man-made systems (biomimetics).

Two post-doctoral positions are available in the lab of Sachin Velankar in the Dept. of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh to conduct experimental research on the biomechanics of surface texturing in cephalopods (octopus or cuttlefish), and to devise reversibly-morphing surfaces.  These animals are famous for their camouflage abilities.  Like many other animals, cephalopods can change their color, but in addition, they can also change the texture of their skin by expressing protuberances or wrinkles.  This research aims to elucidate the biomechanics of texture changes and devise biomimetic surfaces that change their surface topography in response to stimulus.

Dr Philippa Cann, Conference Chair, is pleased to announce Emeritus Professor Duncan Dowson as a plenary speaker. To read professor Dowson's biography, please go to http://www.biotribologyconference.com/speakers.asp

18th International conference on Wear of Materials

To register go to http://www.wom-conference.elsevier.com/registrationInfo.asp

Please check out the oral program for WOM 2011 at www.wom-conference.elsevier.com

Topics covered include:
- orthopaedic surgery
- dentistry
- biomechanics
- biomaterials
- cosmetics chemistry
- biophysics
- biomimetics

 Sign up for the latest news at www.biotribologyconference.com

To download the poster program, as well as the normal program, go to http://www.wom-conference.elsevier.com/programme.asp

 To download the program overview, go to http://www.wom-conference.elsevier.com/programme.asp

WOM 2011 - 18th International Conference on Wear of Materials. Philadelphia, USA, April 3-7, 2011 

Two further speakers have been announced for the Wear of Materials conference: Dr Gary Doll and Prof Greg Sawyer. The conference will take place in Philadelphia, USA, April 3-7, 2011

To read their biographies, go to http://www.wom-conference.elsevier.com/speakers.asp

ICoBT 2011 is a new conference which will be held at Imperial College London from 18-21 September 2011. Contributions are welcomed from scientists, engineers and clinicians working in the fields of orthopaedic surgery, dentistry, biomechanics, biomaterials, cosmetic chemistry, biophysics and biomimetics. Abstract submissions are now open!

Although this is one of the most exciting research areas in Tribology, there is at present no dedicated Biotribology Conference. Biotribology embraces a wide range of research topics from artificial joint, implants, to hair conditioners and soft-tissue friction.

I have an open position for a Post-doctoral researcher in the area of biomimetics and novel ceramic composite armor designs, starting immediately.  

Deadline for Abstract submission: November 3. See www.mrs.org/spring2009.  A symposium entitled "Structure-Property Relationships in Biomineralized and Biomimetic Composites " will be organized at the MRS-spring meeting in San Francisco next year (April 13-17, 2009).

We are now accepting abstracts on: 

• Mechanics of hard and soft biological materials
• Mechanics of biomimetic materials and systems
• Experimental methods applied to biological materials and systems 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/04/biomimetics/tom-mueller-text

Biomimetics

A Post-Doc Position is avalaible in Bio-Mimetic Adhesive Interfaces (EbioAdI) at the University of Mons-Hanaut, Belgium

Our recent experimental results on this sandwich structure of dragonfly wing vein.

With the beginning of the year 2008, the iMechanica journal club moves to two topics per month.  This first topic will be highlighted here for 1-14 January, with the next topic starting on 15 January. 

There has been much recent buzz about biology and nature, and about materials and structures that are “biomimetic” or “bio-inspired”.  A key distinction here, when compared with fields like tissue engineering, is that although information is obtained from natural objects, including biological tissues, the end-applications are industrial and not necessarily biomedical.

Nanoindentation testing of time-dependent materials is becoming increasingly relevant with advances in areas such as polymer science and the study of materials in biological systems. However, mechanical characterization at micrometer or nanometer length scales is not trivial in such materials that may be highly compliant, heterogeneous, or possess unique morphological characteristics. Although many researchers have made progress in overcoming key challenges that are involved in testing non-traditional materials, significant advancements must still be made to optimize testing methodologies and analytical techniques.

I am at Boston for MRS 2006 Fall meeting this week, where I met a real "spiderman" at the poster session tonight. I'd like to share with you the following videos which were posted at YouTube by the "spiderman" himself, Mr. Jose Berengueres at Tokyo Instititute of Technology.

Mr. "Spiderman" also has posted a video on fasting climbing robot.