Nanotechnology is the field of research and innovation related with building ‘things’ - generally, materials and devices - on the size of atoms and molecules. A nanometre is a billionth of a metre: ten times the diameter of a proton. The diameter of a person’s hair is averagely , 80,000 nanometers. At such scales, the standard rules of physics and chemistry not apply. as an example , materials' characteristics, like their colour, strength, conductivity and reactivity, can differ dramatically between the nanoscale and therefore the macro. Carbon ‘nanotubes’ are 100 times stronger than steel but six fold lighter.
What can it do?
Nanotechnology is hailed as having the potential to extend the efficiency of energy consumption, help clean the environment, and solve major health problems. It is said to be ready to massively increase manufacturing production at significantly reduced costs. Products this technology will be smaller, cheaper, lighter more more efficient and require less energy and fewer raw materials to manufacture, claim nanotech advocates
SOME APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
1. CAN BE USEFUL IN DRUG DELIVERY
Nanotechnology could also at some point produce cheaper, more reliable path for drug-delivery. for instance, materials that are built on the nanoscale can be capsulized that protect and secrete the enclosed drugs during a slow and controlled manner. this might be a valuable solution in countries that do not have adequate storage facilities and distribution networks, and for patients on complex drug regimens who cannot afford the time or money to travel and get frequent medicine facility
2. Nanoscale Filters for Improved Water Purification Systems
Filters that are structured on the nanoscale offer the promise of higher water purification systems that are cheap to manufacture, long-lasting and may be cleaned. Other similar technologies could absorb or neutralize toxic materials, like arsenic, that poison the water bed in many countries including India and Bangladesh.
3. Food Security
Using Nano sensors on Crops and Nanoparticles in Fertilizers Tiny sensors offer the likelihood of monitoring pathogens on crops and livestock also as measuring crop productivity. additionally, nanoparticles could increase the efficiency of fertilizers. However, Swiss insurance firm SwissRe warned during a report in 2004 that they might also increase the power of probably toxic substances, like fertilizers, to penetrate deep layers of the soil and travel over greater distances.
SOME OTHER AREAS OF APPLICATION IN FUTURE
- To grow crops in hostile conditions.
- Nano sensors on crops and nanoparticle in fertilisers.
- Nanoscale filters can be used to clean environment.
- Might be used in areas of renewable and sustainable energy
POSSIBLE EFFECT ON HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The Scientist Eric Drexler, who formed the term nanotechnology, has warned of developing “extremely powerful, extremely dangerous technologies”. In his book Engines of Creation, Drexler envisioned that self-replicating molecules formed by humans might loose our control. Although this theory has been widely discredited by researchers within the field, many concerns remain regarding the consequences of nanotechnology on human and environmental health also because the effect the new industry could wear the North-South divide. Activists worry that the development of nanotechnology will progress faster than policy-makers can make appropriate regulatory measures. they assert an informed debate must happen to work out the balance between risks and benefits.
CONCLUSION
Assessing the role of nanotechnology and guiding its progression would require cross-sectoral involvement of scientists, governments, civil society organisations and hence the general public. Debate is important to avoid the polarization of views illustrated by the difficulty of genetic modification. This ‘blog’ aims to supply a variety of relevant information for those that would really like to raised understand and participate during this important debate.