Nanotechnology Fred 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 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>.