NANOTECHNOLOGYFred Myrtle

ITMG 100 09

Nanotechnology - Key Points What is Nanotechnology?

Perspective Originated

Types of Nanotechnology Ethical Decisions Conclusion

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the creating of machines that operate on a molecular scale.

Imagaes found at http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm

Getting Some Perspective

A nanometer is one billionth of a meter.

A nanometer is the size of about four atoms.

Getting Some Perspective (Tent).

A clearer understanding of what nanotechnology is:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm#

The Beginning

The idea of nanotechnology actually began in 1959 when Richard Feynman gave a lecture called "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" acknowledging the fact that devices would become smaller and more powerful over time.

The Beginning

Then in 1986, K. Eric Drexler wrote "Engines of Creation" and introduced the term nanotechnology.

Types of Nanotechnology

Four kinds of Nanotechnology Carbon Nanotubes Optical or Particle Wave

Based Nanotechnology Crystalsand

Nanotechnology DNA Computing

Carbon Nanotubes

A carbon nanotube is a nano-size cylinder of carbon atoms. Imagine a sheet of carbon atoms, which would look like a sheet of hexagons

Carbon Nanotubes

The nanotube can also be used to hold other substances because of carbon’s non-interactive behavior.

Carbon Nanotubes

Some practical uses for Carbon Nanotubes are building designs for cars and airplanes and medical treatment

http://www.tekno.dk/uploadimages/articlespic_1219.jpg

Optical or Particle Wave Based Nanotechnology

Optical or particle wave based nanotechnology is important because it studies nanotechnology and elements as both particles and waves.

Optical or Particle Wave Based Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is being used to see if it is possible to transfer electrons from one computer to another without any wires or other connections.

Crystalsand Nanotechnology

Crystalsand nanotechnology is the research to make crystalline structures on the molecular level.

Crystalsand Nanotechnology

The structures are attached in a lattice structure and as a result are incredibly strong. Also, it has been shown that it can be used for bearings and joints of machines making them run smoother and last longer

DNA Computing

DNA computing allows a person to “understand, map, manipulate, replicate and alter strands of DNA within molecules” (Linstedt)

Types of Nanotechnology

Carbon Nanotubes Optical or Particle

Wave Based

Nanotechnology

Crystalsand

Nanotechnology

DNA Computing

Advantages Strong material that

provides superior

strength over steel

and can be a medical

Provides a wireless

power source and an

immediate global

communication device

Provides strong

material that can

length the life of

machine parts and

make them more

efficient

Alters DNA to cure

diseases and prevent

them too, also to gain

strength and

intelligence

Disadvantages n/a Takes a long time to

develop due to super-

conductivity

n/a Can cause serious

damage to body and

is an ethical question

whether it playing

God.

Ethical Decisions

The most immediate challenge in nanotechnology is that we need to learn more about materials and their properties at the nano-scale

Ethical Decisions

Some doctors worry that the nano-particles are so small, that they could easily cross the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that protects the brain from harmful chemicals in the bloodstream(Bonsor).

Ethical Decisions

If nanotechnology in medicine makes it possible for us to enhance ourselves physically, is that ethical?

Ethical Decision

In theory, medical nanotechnology could make us smarter, stronger and give us other abilities ranging from rapid healing to night vision (Bonsor).

Conclusion

In Conclusion, nanotechnology is coming, whether we like it or not. All of these technologies can greatly benefit mankind but if abused it could negatively affect society

Works Citied

Bonsor, Kevin, and Jonathan Strickland. "How Nanotechnology Works." How Stuff Works. 12Nov. 20

<http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm>. Linstedt, Dan E. "Nanotechnology is the next big thing." Beye

Network. 5 May 2005. 11 Nov. 2 <http://www.b-eye-network.com/view/836>.

 "Nanotechnology Basics: For Students and Other Learners."

Center for ResponsibleNanotechnology. 12 Nov. 2008 <http://www.crnano.org/basics.htm>.