FOURTH BIONANOTOX AND APPLICATIONS RESEARCH CONFERENCE, 2009

“Anticipating the future” seemed the common challenge for scientists attending the 4th BioNanoTox and Applications Research Conference in Little Rock, AR, October 21–22, 2009. Over 50 participants in multi‐disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, medical diagnostics, computer science and informatics, nanotechnology, toxicology, and pharmaceutical science gathered to share their research data. From topics on water and food resources to space exploration to conservation to understanding biological activities and using instruments and computers that process enormous data, participants shared research approaches from different fields to find common themes in this integrated field. Presentations aimed at preventing the harmful effects of scientific discoveries to animals, humans, plants, and environment; at controlling infections; and at optimizing health care. The conference included addresses from Thomas Flammang, PhD, of the Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, AR; Little Rock City Mayor Mark Stodola; and two keynote speakers. Keynote lectures by Danuta Leszczynska, PhD, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Interdisciplinary Nanotoxicity Center, in Jackson, MS, and by Keith Cowan, PhD, from the Institute for Environmental Biotechnology in Grahamstown, South Africa, highlighted current trends and future challenges of nanoparticle research and of bioprocess technologies. Additionally, 25 graduate and undergraduate students presented research posters, resulting in valuable discussion among the varied participants; three student projects were selected for awards.“Anticipating the future” seemed the common challenge for scientists attending the 4th BioNanoTox and Applications Research Conference in Little Rock, AR, October 21–22, 2009. Over 50 participants in multi‐disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, medical diagnostics, computer science and informatics, nanotechnology, toxicology, and pharmaceutical science gathered to share their research data. From topics on water and food resources to space exploration to conservation to understanding biological activities and using instruments and computers that process enormous data, participants shared research approaches from different fields to find common themes in this integrated field. Presentations aimed at preventing the harmful effects of scientific discoveries to animals, humans, plants, and environment; at controlling infections; and at optimizing health care. The conference included addresses from Thomas Flammang, PhD, of the Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological R...