You’ve probably heard of nanotechnology before, but chances are you don’t know what it is or how it works. It may sound like some sort of futuristic field of science, but the truth is that nanotechnology has been around for centuries. For some information on what it is and how it can affect our lives, read on below.
What is it?
Nanotechnology is any form of science, technology, or engineering that takes place between 1 to 100 nanometers (one billionth of a meter). This is known as the nanoscale. In nanotechnology, scientists study extremely small items and figure out how they can be used in other fields.
What sets it apart from other sciences?
Nanotechnology essentially attempts to alter things at a molecular and atomic level. When you get down to these tiny pieces of matter, their biological makeup and properties are far different than what we see in the same item on a bulk scale. Certain gases or solids may have different electrical or magnetic properties when brought down to such a small size than they do as we know them in their normal habitat.
Modern uses of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology has been used across a wide range of purposes, and the hope is that it will continue to improve as time goes on. Here are some things that have benefited from the study of nanotechnology:
- Computers – as computer chips and circuits get smaller and smaller, scientists use nanotechnology to ensure that they also become more powerful.
- Pharmaceuticals – nanoparticles in certain medications have been engineered to be more effectively absorbed by the human body
- Textiles – nanofibers have been engineered to create stronger textile that are more resistant to stains, water, and fire than their natural counterparts
- Water filters – tiny water filters, only 15-20 nanometers wide, are highly effective at catching viruses and bacteria, thus helping to bring potable water to areas that are lacking in it.
