The Science of Manipulating Materials on an Atomic or Molecular Scale

Nanotechnology, as described by Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2014) is, “ the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices”. In recognizing the complexity associated with this definition, it is safe to say that many different achievements as well as controversies have come along with it. Although the category of nanotechnology is extremely broad the research attached to it is growing at a rapid pace as well . There are many unexplored areas that have caused researchers as well as the public to question what types of positive or negative affects it might have on our world as a whole. Because of its strong presences in our society today, it is beneficial to become educated on this innovative form of technology to shape critical opinions of its purpose.

History of Nanotechnology

Surprisingly enough, nanotechnology has an older history than one might infer. The name makes it seem more modern than its historical ties might argue. The History of Nanotechnology (2009) article reads, “ There is evidence that gold nanoparticles were used in coloring glass in medieval times and possibly even during the days of the ancient Romans; here the size of the particle is related to color” (p.39). There is also early evidence from the “History of Nano Timeline”, (2005) that the development of photography was an early form of nanotechnology without even knowing it at the time. This evidence is not, however, widely recognized in the beginning of nanotechnology’s history. Within the same article it is also introduced that the true history of nanotechnology can be linked to a physicist, Richard Feynman in the year of 1959. Although he never actually referred to his theories as nanotechnology,...

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References

Aseev, A. L. (2008). Nanotechnologies: Yesterday, today, tomorrow. (Cover Story). Science First Hand, 21(3), 12-29.

Basavaraj, K.H. (2012). Nanotechnology in medicine and relevance to dermatology: Present concepts. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 57(3), 169-174.

Glenn, L., & Boyce, J. S. (2008). Nanotechnology: Considering the complex ethical legal and societal issues with the parameters of human performance. Nanoethics, 2(3), 265-275.

History of nano timeline. (2005). - History of Nano. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://discovernano.org/whatis/History/

History of nanotechnology. (2009). Chemical Engineering, 116(2), 39.

Nanotechnology. (2014). In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nanotechnology

New, W. (2003). Nanotech nation. National Journal, 35(24), 1857.