Essay On Nanotechnology

Ben Wessel

What is Nanotechnology?

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, nanotechnology, or nanotech for short, is the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale to build microscopic devices (such as robots). In other words, nanotechnology is the science of using extremely small atoms to develop extremely small technology. Nanotechnology deals with matter that cannot be seen with the naked eye, nor the typical classroom microscope because it involves objects with the dimensions of 100 billionths of a meter or less. It is hard to truly imagine how small nanotechnology is. There are 25,400,000 nanometers in an inch. A sheet of newspaper is approximately 100,000 nanometers thick. Due to its extremely small

One example might be in your pocket as you are reading this. Topaz, an Indiegogo campaign for an iPhone screen protector has appeared online. The future of iPhone screens uses nanotechnology to create a smooth, stronger surface. When looking closely at previously made screen protectors you will find jagged edges that collect dust and fingerprints. However, Topaz is covered by a nanotechnology coating which helps keep the cleanliness of your phone and also will not collect fingerprints. Another example of modern nanotechnology, which happens to be the most interesting to me, is the nanotechnology in medicine. Understandingnano.com says, “Nanorobots could actually be programmed to repair specific diseased cells, functioning in a similar way to antibodies in our natural healing process.” Another example of nanotechnology in medicine is being developed in Texas at the University of Houston. Students there are developing a way to kill bacteria using nanoparticles of gold and infrared light. This method may lead to a better cleaning of instruments in hospitals. Nanotechnology is being developed all around us, these being only a couple of them. These medical developments may lead to a more sanitary setting, an easier way to find and kill bacteria and other diseases, new nanomedicine applications, and better treatments. Improvements made, such as these, are what will make the future of medicine more efficient and

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) states that “the NNI is committed to the responsible development of nanotechnology as one of its four main goals, and as an important part of its environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research strategy. This includes sound, scientific assessment of nanotechnology’s benefits and risks, and an understanding of the potential EHS impacts of nanotechnology.” As we hear that the risks of nanotechnology are one of the main focuses relief may set in for most of us, however we must also remember to think of the ethical, legal, and societal flaws in the development of nanotechnology. The NNI informs us that researchers need to be sensitive when they introduce these new ideas to the public. They need to be able to grab the attention from all different groups of people. “How ethical, legal, and social issues are addressed will determine public trust and the future of innovation driven by nanotechnology,” says the NNI. They gathered a group of experts on ethical, legal, and societal issues. This group includes consumers, engineers, ethicists, manufacturers, nongovernmental organizations, regulators, and scientists. This group will provide their opinion on the issues that are involved with the production on new nanotechnology and the direction of their research. Members of the NNI will also