Platinum atoms, which are not magnetic in the bulk, become magnetic when grouped together in small clusters, according to new experiments by physicists in Germany. The result, which confirms theoretical predictions, is not only of fundamental interest but could find applications in information storage and spintronics in the future.

Researchers in the US have created hybrid structures that combine the best properties of carbon nanotubes and metallic nanowires. The new structures could overcome some of key problems in employing carbon nanotubes in a wide variety of applications including computer chips, displays and sensors.

• Nanosys Inc. and DoCoMo Capital Inc., a wholly owned US subsidiary of NTT DoCoMo Inc., announced that they have entered into an exclusive collaboration to develop Nanosys' nanotechnology platform for potential product opportunities in wireless communications for mobile telephone applications in Japan. Under the terms of the agreement NTT DoCoMo and DoCoMo Capital will fund development efforts at Nanosys and NTT DoCoMo. Moreover, DoCoMo Capital announced its equity investment in Nanosys but financial details of the agreements were not disclosed.

• NanoSensors Inc., based in Santa Clara, CA, is a nanotechnology development company that develops instruments and sensors to detect explosives, chemical and biological agents. It announced that it has engaged a third-party contractor to manufacture units of a test version of its biosensor product that will be used for third-party field-testing. The company expects to receive delivery of the product units and begin testing during the first quarter of 2007 to obtain feedback on biosensor's performance. The product is based on the company's recently licensed nanoporous silicon-based biosensor technology to detect E. coli bacteria.

• Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., based in Reno, NV, has closed its "registered direct" offering resulting in net proceeds of around $23.15  million. Altair's primary business is developing and commercializing nanomaterial and titanium dioxide pigment technologies. It says it intends to use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

• QuantumSphere Inc., a leading manufacturer of nanometals and alloys for applications in renewable energy, electronics and other markets demanding advanced materials, has announced it has awarded a research grant to UCLA's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. UCLA Engineering will evaluate the use of QuantumSphere Inc.’s nanoparticles in water filtration applications.

• NovaCentrix, a leading nanotechnology products company with a focus on applications in printable electronics, life sciences and energetics announced critical advances for producing high volumes of nanopowders. NovaCentrix completed these efforts to meet current and future commercial application demands, including the shipment of what was reported to be the world's largest order of aluminium nanoparticles at the end of 2006.