For science fiction lovers and the futuristic technology style Minority Report the concept “nano” will sound familiar to you. In Supercurioso we wanted to investigate what it means and tell you some of the curiosities of nanotechnology which, without a doubt, will surprise you. So don’t leave and join us to immerse ourselves in this fantastic world.
First thing’s first! What is nanotechnology?
Do you know how many zeros the number 1 trillion has? Well, this number is written with nine zeros and most mathematicians would express it simply as 109. Although this article is not about difficult math or numbers, let me ask you one more thing: Imagine that you have a rod that is exactly one meter long and you need to cut it into ten (101) halves; ok, now imagine cutting it in one hundred (102) halves. Surely it will not have been very difficult for you to think about it. Now let’s try dividing it into a larger number. What do you think of one trillion (109) of halves? You’ve got it? Good news, you just knocked on the door of nanotechnology.
This field of study is focused on the manipulation of matter in very small sizes, that is, on an atomic or molecular scale. From there, it is understood that nanotechnology seeks to build microscopic machines that, in addition, generate materials of unique molecular configuration.
This technology works hand in hand with other scientific disciplines such as molecular biology, surface science, microfabrication and organic chemistry.
So…what is nanotechnology for?
Understanding it as a type of materials engineering on a very small scale, it is worth saying that its applications and utilities in different fields are very varied, as are the curiosities about nanotechnology.
This field of study has a place, for example, in the textile industry. With it you can create smart fabrics that can change color, regulate temperature, prevent stains and activate many other preprogrammed behaviors. In the same way, it is very useful in the food industry. thanks to the development of elements that check the state of food or to delay the decomposition process.
In medicine, it acts as a generator of nanotreatments for incurable diseases, production of drugs designed in nanosystems, creation of disease protection systems and nanovaccines, among others. On the nanomedicine side, the main objective is to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases in their initial stages of its development. To do this, it uses devices, systems and technologies that include nanostructures capable of interacting with the cellular level.
A great challenge is the development of “nanoterapies” specifically directed at diseased tissues and organs, avoiding damaging the surrounding healthy cells and, therefore, avoiding the feared side effects of current treatments. EITHERAnother great almost science fiction challenge is the manufacture of “nanorobots”, just as Drexler predicted, they would inject directly and selectively attack damaged tissue, even protecting against external attack and repairing potential damage.
Also, It is a very useful technology in the design of computerized systems and in the development of nanoenergies. and environmental solutions.
The moment has come! Curiosities of nanotechnology that will surprise you
1. What is the unit of measurement for nanotechnology?
When you imagined dividing the rod into a billion halves, each small part should have a size equal to one billionth of a meter, that is, each part measures 1 nanometer (1 nm). Well, this is the unit of measurement in nanotechnology. If you wanted to build some nanotechnological structure, we would describe it by its size in nanometers, similar to when we refer to the size of a house in meters.
The term nano comes from the Greek νάνος what does dwarf mean Nanotechnology studies matter with sizes between 1 and 100 nanometers – approximately – and a molecule on this scale is subject to totally new properties and phenomena that are governed by the laws of Quantum Mechanics. These new properties are what scientists take advantage of to create new materials (nanomaterials) or nanotechnological devices. In this way, nanotechnology promises solutions to multiple problems that humanity currently faces, such as environmental, energy and health, among many others.
2. A very committed pioneer
The following nanotechnology curiosity corresponds to one of the pioneers in the field. It was the American physicist Richard Feynman, who made a speech in which he described a process that would make it possible to manipulate atoms and molecules individually, through high-precision instruments. In this way, systems could be designed and built on the nanoscale atom by atom. He also warned that the properties of these nanometric systems would be different from those present at the macroscale.
3. First use of the term “nanotechnology”
For his part, Eric Drexler used the term “nanotechnology” for the first time in his book “Engines of Creation: The Next Era of Nanotechnology” in which he describes a nanotechnological machine with the ability to self-replicate. In this context, he proposed the term “gray plague” to refer to what would happen if a self-replicating nanorobot were released into the environment.
4. Construction of nanomaterials
These are non-existent elements in nature that are created from the modification of existing material molecules and that allow them to acquire incredible properties. Examples of them are the carbon nanotubes, quantum dots or metallic rubber.
5. Curiosities of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence
In the Artificial intelligence – one of the most challenging areas of computer science – nanotechnology promises: new computing applications with blazingly faster components; smart fibers that can change their color, electronic features, or shape; intelligent systems and super materials made with atomic precision components, which can lead to molecular structures with high electrical conductivity or power.
6. Genetic reprogramming through nanotechnology
One of the most surprising curiosities of nanotechnology is that linked to the chemical intervention of living beings and genetic modification and reprogramming. With nanorobots, there could be the possibility of modifying DNA, eliminating genes that carry deficiencies or genetic diseases. In this way, the quality of life of the species is improved. This is achieved hand in hand with biotechnology.
7. Efficiency and sustainability
Continuing with the curiosities of nanotechnology, it is worth mentioning its immense influence on sustainable processes focused on environmental protection. It has been used in, for example, the creation of fuel cells and the development of much more efficient batteries and solar panels.
8. Application in livestock and agriculture
These two areas of the industry are not far behind when it comes to the implementation of nanotechnology. In front of the cattle this technology supports the creation of vaccines, drugs and nanosensors that not only maintain the health of the livestock, but also warn about the risk of contracting diseases or conditions.
Regarding agriculture, it is used in the manufacture of pesticides and fertilizers for soil improvement and nutrient concentration, among others.
9. What are the risks of nanotechnology?
To finish our list of nanotechnology curiosities, it is worth highlighting some of its risks. Mishandling of this technology could lead to the design of highly dangerous weapons that, in addition, promote terrorism and wars in the world.
On the other hand, its irresponsible use, instead of protecting the environment, can damage it more or generate a less positive impact on it, putting the lives of species at risk.
In addition, there is the risk of consolidation of a strong nanotechnology black market, which would take its profits into the wrong hands.
Although the advances that are being achieved with nanotechnology are important, it is important to have a good control of this type of technology, since many experts warn of the creation of a new generation of weapons much more destructive than nuclear weapons. Before you go, don’t forget to tell us your opinions about the curiosities of nanotechnology and if you know of anyone else who should be part of this article. We will be waiting to read you!