What
is nano technology?
Over the last two decades, scientists have
been mastering the intricacies of working with nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is about thinking small, very, very
small. Smaller that anything you have ever seen through
the microscope in the laboratory. Think of scales
in atoms and you are right there.
Nanoscale technology has emerged
as the new arena where scientists research and learn
on the usage of fundamental components of matter.And
they have been successful in putting these researches
and findings to good use.
Nanotechnology is the science of
researching and discovering the potentials of matter
in the nanoscale. One of the benefits of nanoscale
materials is that they have a much larger surface
area, thus allowing it to have a wider area of contact,
increasing its effectiveness and interaction capability
with other materials as a result. Some nanoscale materials
are better at conducting electricity, some are very
strong, have different magnetic properties, have effective
cleansing properties, reflect light better as their
size are brought to the nanoscale level.
Nanoscale technology ( or nanotechnology
) is being used to create new tools, products and
applications in the areas of low-cost filters to manage
water supply; stronger, lighter but more durable product
materials; clean, secure and affordable energy source;
medical devices to treat diseases without side effects;
lighting that saves energy; sensors to detect harmful
bacteria; and products and solutions that help to
keep the environment clean.
Nanoscale materials are available
in nature around us. Scientists have successfully
copied the water-repellant qualities of the lotus
leaves to produce a water-repelling material for clothing.
Our body is another example where the positive effects
of nanoscale materials such as proteins and minerals
are put to work for our benefit. However, nanotechnology
is not about just putting nanoscale materials together.
It requires the technology and expertise to manipulate,
control and put them to good use.
The impact of nanoscale materials
on the future is immense. Its cost-effectiveness and
potential towards the creation of new products have
been proven. Its role in new technology to tackle
diseases continues to make great strides. All these
and more are contributing to a better world for us
to live in.
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