Nanoscience!

Nanoscience refers to the ability to

manipulate individual atoms and
molecules, making it possible to
build machines on the scale of
human cells.

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of

matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers,
where unique phenomena enable novel applications.
Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and
technology. Nanotechnology involves imaging,
measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this
length scale.
At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological
properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable
ways from the properties of individual atoms and
molecules or bulk matter. Nanotechnology R&D is
directed toward understanding and creating improved
materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new
properties.

Facts
A nanometer is one billionth of a
meter.
In 2005 the US government spent an
estimated $1,081 million
While difficult to measure
accurately, some have estimated that
worldwide government funding has
increased to about five times what it
was in 1997, exceeding $2 billion in
2002.

One area of nanotechnology

R&D is medicine. Medical
researchers work at
the micro- and nano-scales
to develop new drug delivery
methods, therapeutics and
pharmaceuticals. For a bit of
perspective, the diameter of
DNA, our genetic material, is
in the 2.5 nanometer range,
while red blood cells are
approximately 2.5
micrometers.

Applications/Products
While nanotechnology is in the pre-competitive
stage (meaning its applied use is limited),
nanoparticles are being used in a number of
industries. Nanoscale materials are used in
electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic,
biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy,
catalytic and materials applications. Areas
producing the greatest revenue for nanoparticles
reportedly are chemical-mechanical polishing,
magnetic recording tapes, sunscreens, automotive
catalyst supports, biolabeling, electroconductive
coatings and optical fibers.

Nanotechnology has the

potential to profoundly
change our economy and
to improve our standard
of living, in a manner not
unlike the impact made
by advances over the past
two decades by
information technology.
It is quite possibly the
next step in technology
that will lead to great
innovations. If the
capabilities of
nanoscience are fully
harnessed, anything
could be possible.

 Numerous products featuring the unique

properties of nanoscale materials are
available to consumers and industry today.
Most computer hard drives, for instance,
contain giant magnetoresistance (GMR)
heads that, through nano-thin layers of
magnetic materials, allow for a significant
increase in storage capacity. Other
electronic applications include non-volatile
magnetic memory, automotive sensors,
landmine detectors and solid-state
compasses.

Some other current uses

that are already in the
marketplace include:

Burn and wound dressings

Water filtration
Catalysis
A dental-bonding agent
Step assists on vans.
Coatings for easier cleaning glass
Bumpers and catalytic converters on cars
Protective and glare-reducing coatings for eyeglasses and
cars
Sunscreens and cosmetics.
Longer-lasting tennis balls.
Light-weight, stronger tennis racquets.
Stain-free clothing and mattresses.
Ink.

Medical uses

The pharmaceutical and

chemical industries are being
impacted greatly by
nanotechnology, as well. New
commercial applications of
nanotechnology that are
expected in two to five years
in these industries include:
advanced drug delivery
systems, including
implantable devices that
automatically administer
drugs and sensor drug levels
and
medical diagnostic tools,
such as cancer tagging
mechanisms.

Bibliography
http://www.nsf.gov/news/overvie
ws/nano/index.jsp
http://www.nanoscience.com/edu
cation/index.html
http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/in
dex.jsp?prio_area=10