Nanotechnology involves controlling matter at the atomic, molecular or subatomic level to produce new technologies. It has potential uses in science, medicine, military technology, and the commercial sector. Medical applications include drug delivery systems and nanotools for surgery. Commercial uses include nanoparticles in products such as cosmetics, clothing, and electronics. Military applications include the creation of lethal weapons using nanoparticles. There is debate about the feasibility and safety of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology (nanotech) generally refers to the study of controlling matter at the atomic, molecular or subatomic level with the intent of producing new technologies. Particles at these levels, like atoms, can be rearranged by scientists for any number of possible uses of nanotechnology. This may include increasing the overall quality of products by making them lighter, more efficient or more powerful. The uses of nanotechnology can be found in science, medicine, military technology, and the commercial sector. Much of the nanotechnology is still in the research and development stage, and there is considerable debate about both its feasibility and safety.
In general, the first generation of nanotechnology is thought to have begun in 2000, when nanotechnology was used to enhance the effect of everyday products such as sunscreen and golf balls. The second generation is usually defined as starting in 2005. In this generation, the uses of nanotechnology have been expanded, becoming employed in the production of transistors, drugs, chemicals, and biological sensors.
There are many possible medical applications of nanotechnology. Drug delivery systems are one potential use of nanotechnology that would focus on how the drug given to a sick person is distributed in the body. This application would identify affected areas of the body and then deliver the medication to where it is needed most. These advances are thought to improve the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the drug.
The development of nanotools could help in situations such as operations or surgery. It would allow doctors to perform operations on a molecular level. The nano-tools would be controlled by doctors via remote control, allowing them to perform diagnoses and treatments that would be impossible to achieve with traditional techniques.
Commercial uses of nanotechnology include the mass presence of nanoparticles in products such as cosmetics, protective coatings, stain-resistant clothing, computers, and sports equipment. These products usually all contain nanomaterials, made up of atoms or small particles that have been rearranged by scientists to do their job better. Some future commercial applications of nanotechnology are intended to increase the memory of electronic devices, improve fuel additives and create more flexible electronics.
Military scientists and defense researchers typically seek to apply nanotechnology to create more lethal weapons. This may include the creation of nanoparticles, which can be used to damage human lungs or penetrate through human skin. These nanoparticles can be combined with particles such as metals or hydrocarbons which can be dangerous for human beings. Since the human body has developed a tolerance to most naturally occurring particles, the development of nanoparticles could be an effective tool in warfare, because the human body is not yet acclimated to these new substances.
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