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.

FactsA 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 usesThe 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.

Bibliographyhttp://www.nsf.gov/news/overviews/nano/index.jsphttp://www.nanoscience.com/education/index.htmlhttp://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/index.jsp?prio_area=10