When Small Means Big: The Impact of Nanotechnology

A revolution in erudition and engineering science, which testament importantly tinct our fooling lives, is looming in the horizon. The scientific community is direct excited by assortments that could be brought closely by the multidisciplinary discipline of na no.cience and nanotechnology, which is comprehensively be asresearch and technology teaching at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels, in the continuance of approximately 1100 nm range, to set up a fundamental reason of phenomena and worldlys at the nanoscale, and to create and substance abuse structures, devices, and systems that establish novel properties and functions be creator of their sm on the whole size. The novel and differentiating properties and functions be developed at a unfavourable length scale of matter typically under 100 nm.Nanotechnology research and development includes integration of nanoscale structure into larger material comp superstarnts, systems, and architectures. Within th ese larger scale assemblies, the get a line and construction of their structures and comp unrivalednt devices remain at the nanoscale. (National Research Council 2002, cited in Dreher 2004).Although technically encompass any device measuring at least 1,000 nano mensurationsa nanometer (from Greek nano, meaning dwarf) is one- one trillion million millionth of a meter (The kinglike ordination & international antiophthalmic factorere The olympian honorary society of engineer 2004)much of the get going being done presently focuses on materials smaller than 100 nm (Gupta et al 2003) since it is at this level that materials exhibit preposterous physical and chemic properties that can be harvested to convey improvements to engineered materials (i.e. enhanced magnetic properties, conk out electrical and optical activity, and superior geomorphological integrity) (doubting Thomas & angstrom Sayre 2005).Ralph Merkle, as cited by Gupta et al (2003), noted that atomic configuration , to an extent, determines physical and chemical characteristics of materials, using as examples carbon in diamond, or silica from sand. From this perspective, the manufacturing techniques we ar using today appear crude since we argon pitiful molecules by heaps and mounds, and, in that respectfore, atomic number 18 manufacturing devices that could up to now be improved for true statement and precision (Gupta et al 2003). Nanotechnology, concord to Gupta et al, aims to search and exploit the calamity of designing at the molecular and atomic levels, and producing a multiplication of novel products that boast of greater strength, spark weight and better precision (2003).Technically nanotechnology is not something new. Ball (2003) notes that nanoscale devices have been, and are soon being, utilized by organisms in their day-by-day functioning. He cites, for instance, the proteins that serve as motors to flagella of motile bacteria, as readers and interpreters of the ca tching code, or as miniature solar panels in plants that join sunlight for photosynthesis (Ball 2003). The incident of harnessing this potence within the environment and put them to practical use has been floated in the scientific community as early as the 1940s, when von Neumann forwarded the mind of manufacturing systems or machines that are capable of self-replication, which could dominancely lower production costs (Gupta et al 2003).Richard Feynman in 1959, in an address to the American Physical high rescript entitled there Is Plenty of Room at the tin can, advanced the possibility that, similar to what we are doing at the macroscopic scale, we could maneuver atoms to where we wishing them to be, and produce materials that would solve the problem of constitute and reproduction (Buxton et al 2003 Gupta P et al 2003). In 1986, K Eric Drexler provided a visualise of nanotechnological use in the future tense in his book Engines of Creation, where gentles are utilizing self-replicating nanoscale robots in daily life processes (Ball 2003).The move from the design board to actual application, however, has been very modernas evidenced by the comparatively few nanotechnology products dischargeled by theoretical and testing ground progress which showed that, indeed, systems can be build from molecules and atoms maneuvered at the microscopic scale (Gupta et al 2003). LOreal recently introduced in the securities industry sun creams that contain nano-sized grains of titanium dioxide, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation light, but without the smeared chalk appearance of unf falsifying creams (Ball 2003). This equal technology, fit in to Ball (2003) was taken a step upgrade when it was undercoat that titanium dioxide particles become reactive when undefendable to ultraviolet light, leading to the development of self-cleaning tiles and spectaclestitanium- sur pillowcase tiles and glasses that use the suns energy to burn up dogshit stuck to thei r surfaces. In the filed of medicine, nanotechnology is currently being utilized with state-of-the-art technology to combat genetic diseases (Dunkley 2004).In addition to these, researches are currently undergoing, exploring the variant possible applications of nanotechnology in various field. For instance, in the medical sciences, the development of nanorobots could aid in precise, and rapid, cellular rep song and regeneration, delivery of drugs at the site where it is needed, destruction of cancerous cells, or unblocking of clogged blood vessels (Dunkley 2004). The qualification to follow disease by means of alterations in personate chemistry or physiology is also a possibility through nanotubes or nanowires coated with detector molecules (Buxton et al 2003). Molecular im maturation, according to Buxton et al (2003) will also provide us with a view of the merciful body beyond gross anatomical structures, since this would utilize molecules that would home to tissues affected by specific disease processes. Environmental problems we face today, such as air pollution or oil spills, could be remedied through nanorobots designed to clean these toxic elements from the air we breath or the water we crisp (Dunkley 2004).The material sciences will also significantly benefit from nanotechnology, with the promise of development of stronger and brightness level plastics, computers with faster processors and increased memory storage, ion storage for batteries (which will improve performance), quick-charging battery cars, and fuel cells for motor-driven devices that are environment-friendly and energy efficient (Gupta et al 2003). Perhaps a bit too far in the future, Dunkley even send on the idea that it world power be possible, with nanorobots moving atoms and molecules, for us to create common and daily things from our own backyard, moving manufacturing to the domain of the home with a wheelbarrow and a shovelful (2004).Because of the great promise held by nanotechnology, governments world(a) are investing in nanoresearch, to further refine our mind of this small world. spheric investment in nanotechnology has been estimated to be 5 billion, according to the kinglike alliance and the lofty academy of applied science (2004). The European nitty-gritty pledged to spend 1 billion (Ball 2003), whereas Japan allocated $800M in 2003 (The purple purchase order & The regal academy of plan 2004). The United States is willing to spend some $3.7 billion for nanotechnology from 2005 to 2008, with nearly $500 million allocated for research funding (Dunkley 2004 The magnificent Society & The gallant honorary society of Engineering 2004 Thomas & Sayre 2005).The considerable change nanotechnology can look at, as well as the huge sums of money governments worldwide are currently spending to make this a reality, has sparked some scruples from various sectors on the involve of nanotechnologies, not only to the scientific fields to which it will be applied, but to the society in general. In the biological sciences, for instance, the primary feather annoyance is the possible toxicity moving-picture showand chronic exposure, at thatto nanoparticles can bring about, since these materials have the capacity of interacting with cells and cellular organelles, and hence, alter body physiology (Ball 2003 The violet Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Dreher (2004), and Thomas and Sayre (2005) have recently reviewed the evidence on the health impact of nanotechnology exposure, and found that there is a paucity of evidence to support or preclude use of nanotechnologies in military personnels pending dear investigations and slender evidence supporting or make fun the same. Ball (2003) notes that, in the same substance as new drugs or devices, nanotechnology moldiness be viewed as a potential health hazard unless proven otherwise. whacking scale production in the future would necessitat e hazard-testing and human exposure opinion, to understate risks (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).The significant sparing impact of nanotechnologies, according to experts, may not be felt in the short-term, although this must be viewed with discourage, since it is entirely difficult to foreshadow what impact a developing technology that has not yet realized its full potential will have (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). The differing capacities of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries to move into in the nanotechnology race has also embossed concerns that it might intensify the economic hoo-ha between these nations, leading to what is referred to as a nanodivide (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). Finally, patenting of nanotechnologywhich is advantageous since it would, though economic incentive, encourage other individuals to cave in to scientific progressmay break creativi ty or innovation when a broad one is granted (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Another area of concern is military machine and defense capability. The development of new devicespermeative sensors, improved clothing and armor, and enhanced teaching and communication exchangecould be viewed two as opportunities and threats, depending on who uses them, and how they are utilise (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). But more than than this, the Royal Society (2004) cautions that the secrecy united with development of technologies for defense use might fuel public distrust, and heighten the understanding that nanotechnology is being developed primarily, if not entirely, for military ends.Ethical issues pervading the socio-cultural impact of nanotechnologies are also a concern. For instance, development of new nanodevices may cause a significant change in employment patterns, role intelligence, education patterns, and in the e nd family life (Dunkley 2004). The end result, still according to Dunkley (2004) would be a shift in our present definition of inequality, poverty, and class, and finally, the way we translate society in general.If what Dunkley predicted would come true (i.e. manufacturing at our own backyard), then the capacity to produce would be entirely babelike on having the necessary resources for this production, which brings to fore the concern of concentration of the harvests of nanotechnology in the hands of a few. Although nanomanufacturing could present the solution to hunger and homelessness, the question remains whether it will alter our detection of the material world where we move (Dunkley 2004).The possibility of devices being used to store individualised teaching, although enhancing personal security on the one hand, also raises the possibility of violation of genteel liberties, especially when collection and distribution of the same is made without the consent of the person involved, or access to these information could be contain to the hands of the few who could develop and control personal information databases or systems (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Finally, the possibility of radical human enhancement, or the creation of humans in the future, through nanotechnology (in conjunction with biotechnology and information technology), though a remote possibility, still carries with it the burden of resolving whether these creations are sincerely human, and whether they also possess souls like we do (Dunkley 2004). In the same vein, this new capability would radically change, if not totally abolish, our perception of religion and morality (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). On a lesser plane, the possibility of nanotechnology extending human longevity to hundreds of years will definitely alter our view of aging and death (Dunkley 2004).What, then, lies in store for us in the future with nano technology? Actually, no one can tell, since nanotechnology is but a limitwhich, to Melbin is a pattern of sparse solution in space or condemnationor what Dunkley (2004) describes as relatively unsettled and a wilderness waiting to be discovered. Until such time, therefore, that the full potential of nanotechnology has been realized, or at least dumb through research, we may endlessly anticipate about how nanotechnology will affect our daily lives and society in general, who will benefit from its, what and capabilities will it provide us. The concerns, however, raised in this paper are valid considerations of the impact the future application of nanotechnologies will have, and this necessitates caution and vigilance on the part of all stakeholders.ReferencesBall P, 2003 (23 Jun), Nanotechnology Sciences Next Frontier or exactly a Load of Bull?, untested Statesman, vol. 132, no. 4643, pp. 30-31.Buxton DB, Lee SC, Wickline SA, Ferrari M & for the Working Group Members, 2003 (02 Dec), Recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and kin Institute Nanotechnology Working Group, Circulation, vol. 108, pp. 2737-2742.Dreher KL, 2004, health and environmental impact of nanotechnology Toxicological assessment of manufactured nanoparticles, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 77, pp. 35.Dunkley RWS, 2004, Nanotechnology social Consequences and Future Implications, Futures, vol. 36, no. 10, pp. 1129-1132.Gupta P, Malhotra R, Segal MA & Verhaeren MYFJ, 2003, Recent trends in nanotechnology, in R Gulati, A Paoni & M Sawhney (eds), Kellogg on Technology & Innovation, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, pp. 261-283.The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2004, Nanoscience and nanotechnologies opportunities and uncertainties, The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, London.Thomas K & Sayre P, 2005, Research strategies for rubber evaluation of nanomaterials, Part I Evaluating the human health implications of exposure to nanoscale materials, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 87, no. 2, pp. 316321.