Nanotechnology and nanoscience are related but different fields. Nanoscience studies objects in the range of ten to hundreds of nanometers, while nanotechnology manipulates and applies nano-sized objects. Nanoscale objects have altered properties, and advancements in these fields could lead to stronger, more efficient materials, drug delivery, air purification, and more. Nanotechnology has been used unknowingly for centuries, such as in the creation of steel swords.
The prefix nano- comes from the Greek nanos, which means dwarf. A single nanometer is one billionth of a metre. The terms nanotechnology and nanoscience are closely associated and are sometimes confused. Nanoscience specifically refers to the study of objects that are very small and are in the range of ten to hundreds of nanometers. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, is the actual manipulation, application and use of nano-sized objects and matter to produce different phenomena or for specific technologies and applications.
Nanoscale refers to anything of a particular size being studied or used for nanotechnology and nanoscience. The naked eye cannot see nanoscale objects, so specialized technology is used to study these small objects. It’s very difficult for most people to figure out how small a nanometer is. For reference, a sheet of standard notebook paper is approximately 100,000 nanometers thick, or 0039 inches (009906 cm).
When something is reduced to the nanoscale, its color, as well as the specific properties it normally has at larger dimensions, are often altered. Nanoscience studies these changes in an object and its new properties. Nanotechnology and nanoscience are interdisciplinary fields that combine physics, chemistry and biology.
Universities, companies and governments often study these fields because it is thought that the applications that can arise from nanoscale study could alter every aspect of life. The possibilities are believed to be endless and there are many nanoscience programs around the world. Many universities now offer bachelor’s degrees in nanosciences.
Humans have been using nanotechnology and nanoscience unknowingly for hundreds of years. The creation of steel swords, for example, could be considered an example of applied nanotechnology. Steel is a mixture of different metals that are changed at the atomic level through smelting.
It is believed that by exploring nanoscience, the findings could be applied to nanotechnology to create stronger, more durable and lighter materials. These new materials can produce less waste and use less energy. Coatings can be applied to surfaces that make materials resistant to scratching and corrosion.
Advances in nanotechnology and nanoscience could produce more effective ways to deliver drugs with fewer side effects, methods to purify the air, and procedures that could repair damaged body tissue. Food preservation has greatly benefited from the discoveries of nanoscience. For example, deposits of nano-sized clay in plastic containers create an impermeable barrier that gases cannot pass through, thus better preserving food. Additionally, nanoscale silver particles are often mixed into plastics because they have been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria in storage containers.
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