top of page

WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?

Nano means "small" or in the "one-billionth"; Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This field contains many revolutionary tactics, such as nanorobots, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticles. All of these can help eliminate diseases, assist in diminshing third world poverty, and even improve the production of  consumer products. As a result, there is high anticipation to see how nanotechnology will impact the future.

The Beginning of Nanotechnology

 

Richard Feyman, the inventor of Nanotechnology once said,"I would like to describe a field, in which little has been done, but in which an enormous amount can be done. This field is not quite the same as the others in that it will not tell us much of fundamental physics, but it is more like solid-state physics in the sense that it might tell us much of great interest about the strange phenomena that occur in complex situations. Furthermore, a point that is most important is that it would have an enormous number of technical applications. What I want to talk about is the problem of manipulating and controlling things on a small scale."  (2.3)

On December 29th, 1959 at the yearly convention of the American Physical Society at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Professor Richard Feyman presented his well- known speech, "There's Plenty of Room At the Bottom." This was the first step in the awakening of the world to the brilliant nanotechnology field. Nanotechnology can be described as the "manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale." Since then, many innovators have collaborated together in creating new innovations to help society improve for the better. Currently, nanotechnology has aroused in medicine uses, as well as consumer products. For example, scientists have developed nanorobots, which can assist in the cure for harmful diseases, carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticles, that have the ability to purify water with little to no energy.

 

 

FUN FACTS!

Just how small is Nano?

  • A piece of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick

  • One strand of human DNA  is 2.5 nanometers in diameter

  •  25,400,000 nanometers equals one inch

  • A human hair is approximately 80,000- 100,000 nanometers wide

(2.1)

Why is Nanotechnology Important?

  • Nanoparticles aid in enhancing the accuracy of drug delivery in human bodies

  • With quantum dots, cellular imaging has become much easier because they illuminate moving cells and organelles making it easier for scientists to locate them

  • Nanoparticles aid in deteriorating harmful particles in water and leaves it fresh and clean, for everyone to drink.

  • Nanorobots have the potential to enter a human body and destroy any invading diseases that pose a threat

  • Nanofoods send a signal to your brain to alert that you are full, as a result weight loss becomes easier

  • Scientists have finally acheived the ability to manipulate molecules at nano-scale level

 Big Challenges Regarding Nanotech?

The greatest challenge considered about this topic is the fact that lots of information is still unknown. Because nanoparticles are very small, scientists fear that they can easily surpass the blood-brain barrier. This protects the brain from outside, harmful particles. If toxic particles enter this system, results can be deadly.

 

Additionally, a greater economical and social issue that arouses is that with the power of nanotechnology, greater lethal weapons can be created. The question that results from this is: Is Nanotechnology doing more harm than good? 

Click here to learn more challenges regarding this topic

ADVANTAGES

  • Quantum dots are semiconducting nanocrystals that can enhance biological imaging for medical diagnostics and experiments

  • "Nanotechnology has been used in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in arteries"

  • Gold nanoparticles can be used to detect early stages of Alzheimer’s disease 

  • Nanocomposites in food containers can minimize carbon dioxide leakage, which keeps food fresh and safe 

  • "Nano-engineered materials in automotive products include high-power rechargeable battery systems. "

  • "Nanoscale transistors that are faster, more powerful, and increasingly energy-efficient "

  • Displays for many digital consels including: TVs, laptop computers, cell phones, cameras, and other devices incorporate nanostructured polymer films known as organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs. 

DISADVANTAGES

  • ​​Inhaling nanoparticles may lead to health issues

  • Rise of nanotechnology field can lead to the crash of other smaller markets such as small business owners 

  • Applications are often expensive 

  • Atomic weapons can become more accessible and can also be improved in strength

  • Elimination of all diseases may lead to "gray groo"

  • May lead to poisoning of mass materials

  • Has increased both water and air pollution into the environment

  • Can result in an economic upheaval

  • Lack of knowledge means many unknown factors

(2.4)

(2.4)

The following videos show experts talking about nanotechnology and the impact it will pursue upon current society.

 

Videos: (2.5) (2.6) (2.7) 

In this video, Dr. Wade Adams explains how the Smalley Institute invisions a world where nanotechnology has taken over. He also describes the various definitions of nanotechnology and the many impacts it will have upon the world, while simutaneously explaining the field's properties.

The video above states an abundance of facts about nanotechnology, and the current innovations that have been invented. Additionally, the video explains how nanotech affects the medical and   technological industry.

Dr. Kay Latham from RMIT University, explains the basics of nanotechnology and how its surprising properties affect the world around us. Specfically, she provides a thorough explanation of carbon nanotubes and the research scientists are currently conducting.

bottom of page