Nanotechnology is a broad term that covers many areas of science, research and technology. In its most basic form, it can be described as working with things that are small. Things so tiny that they can't be seen with standard microscopes. The same stuff that has always been there, but we just couldn't see it. The building blocks of nature, atoms and molecules. Nano-technology involves understanding matter at the "nano" scale.
Size Matters
A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. In comparison, a human hair is about 100, 000 nanometers in diameter.
All dimensions are approximate. Nanoparticle is courtesy of the National Center for Electron Microscopy, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, US Department of Energy.
Another illustration of size comparison can be found here:
"The scale of things"
Buckyballs and Nanotubes
A fullerene is any molecule composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Spherical fullerenes are also called buckyballs, and cylindrical ones are called carbon nanotubes or buckytubes.
Because of their unique properties, nanotubes and buckyballs open a path to many futuristic applications. Because of their size, they pose a risk to human health.
How is nanotechnology being used today?
Nanotechnology is being used to make surfaces self-cleaning and stay clean for a long time. Nanotech can be found in cosmetics, sunscreens, clothing and many other consumer products today.
Types of Nanomaterials
- Carbon Nanotubes
Fullerenes and Buckyballs
Dendrimers
Fine and Ultrafine Particulates in Air
Quantum Dots and Nanocrystals
Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles
Silver nanoparticles
Silver nanowire
Other nano-sized particles
Nanotechnology risks
Ready or not, here it comes. In the next 20 years, nano-technology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. The potential benefits are mind boggling and brain enhancing. But like many of the great advancements in earth's history, it is not without risk. Here are some of the risks posed to society by nanotechnology.
Nanobots
Nanobots do not exist yet, but when they do, futurists predict possible uses for nanorobots will include molecular manufacturing (nanofactories) and medical nanobots that steer autonomously through your blood stream making repairs and guarding against infection.
Nanotechnology and Medicine
Nanomedicine is promising great things, including great advancements in the treatment of cancer. Imagine swarms of nanobots swimming through your veins, repairing cells or attacking viruses. On second thought, get that image out of your mind, it's a bit creepy. Just close your eyes and wait for the healing to begin.
