State of the World Shrinking Science: Introduction to Nanotechnology Chapter 5

An Introduction to Nanotechnology Nanotechnology - the manipulation of matter on the scale of atoms and molecules Nanotechnology - the manipulation of matter on the scale of atoms and molecules The European Union, Japan and the U.S. are the leading nano-investers, with funding levels running neck and neck The European Union, Japan and the U.S. are the leading nano-investers, with funding levels running neck and neck Nanotechnology is considered to be a “platform technology” meaning it has the potential to alter or transform every major industrial sector. Stronger, lighter materials, faster computers, cancer killing molecules, filters for cleaning contaminated water and more Nanotechnology is considered to be a “platform technology” meaning it has the potential to alter or transform every major industrial sector. Stronger, lighter materials, faster computers, cancer killing molecules, filters for cleaning contaminated water and more Society is not ready for this type of technology wave, it could widen the gap between rich and poor Society is not ready for this type of technology wave, it could widen the gap between rich and poor

What is Nanotechnology? “Raw materials”-> chemical elements of the Periodic Table “Raw materials”-> chemical elements of the Periodic Table Properties at the nanoscale are tremendously strong, powerful and take on new forms Properties at the nanoscale are tremendously strong, powerful and take on new forms Kraft Foods are creating an “electric tongue” to detect food pathogens Kraft Foods are creating an “electric tongue” to detect food pathogens MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies is trying to create a 21 st century battle suit that could increase soldier survivability MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies is trying to create a 21 st century battle suit that could increase soldier survivability

Potential Risks of Nanoparticles: No Small Matter Could pose a risk to human health and the environment Could pose a risk to human health and the environment 720 products containing nanoparticles are on the market without public awareness 720 products containing nanoparticles are on the market without public awareness Nanoparticles are more unstable Nanoparticles are more unstable Scientists need to treat manufactured nanoparticles as hazardous Scientists need to treat manufactured nanoparticles as hazardous Nanoscale particles can be used if the compound has been approved at the micro- and macroscale Nanoscale particles can be used if the compound has been approved at the micro- and macroscale

Nanotech’s Implications for the Global South Two of nanotech's potential contributions to environmental sustainability and human development are that of water and energy. Two of nanotech's potential contributions to environmental sustainability and human development are that of water and energy. Polluted water accounts for an estimated 15 million children under the age of 5 every year. Polluted water accounts for an estimated 15 million children under the age of 5 every year. Researchers in this field have developed a way to produce potable water from even a puddle and have also developed a way for nanocrystals to remove arsenic from contaminated water. Researchers in this field have developed a way to produce potable water from even a puddle and have also developed a way for nanocrystals to remove arsenic from contaminated water. Researchers are also in the process of developing lightweight, flexible solar cells based off of semiconducting nanoparticles. Researchers are also in the process of developing lightweight, flexible solar cells based off of semiconducting nanoparticles.

Nanotech’s Implications for the Global South. NASA is also getting in on the movement investing 11 million to develop “quantum wires” made from carbon nanotubes. NASA is also getting in on the movement investing 11 million to develop “quantum wires” made from carbon nanotubes.

Nanomonopoly While other countries are making drastic strides in the development of nanotechnology, no country is applying for more patents than inventors from the U.S. While other countries are making drastic strides in the development of nanotechnology, no country is applying for more patents than inventors from the U.S. The book states that many new uses and developments in this field may actually be covered under the same patent. Giving certain people an edge over others. The book states that many new uses and developments in this field may actually be covered under the same patent. Giving certain people an edge over others.

Nanobiotechnology: New Meaning to “Life’s Work” This refers to the integration of biological materials with synthetic materials to build new molecular structures. This refers to the integration of biological materials with synthetic materials to build new molecular structures. The book lists many researchers in this field and the advances that have been made, from using proteins from spinach chloroplasts to creating electronic circuits, to using this technology in the goal to incorporate a new and improved DNA into a microbe to learn how it evolves. The book lists many researchers in this field and the advances that have been made, from using proteins from spinach chloroplasts to creating electronic circuits, to using this technology in the goal to incorporate a new and improved DNA into a microbe to learn how it evolves.

The Need for Debate and Oversight There are many positive things that could come from the use of nanotechnology like bringing cleaner water to the poor, cheaper energy, or even improved health. There are many positive things that could come from the use of nanotechnology like bringing cleaner water to the poor, cheaper energy, or even improved health. The drawbacks to the use of nanotechnology would be the dramatic privatization of the technology. With patents being able to cover a wide variety of the market, countries and companies would be able to charge a larger price for their services. The drawbacks to the use of nanotechnology would be the dramatic privatization of the technology. With patents being able to cover a wide variety of the market, countries and companies would be able to charge a larger price for their services. Also with the increase in the knowledge of this area is the ability to genetically alter and enhance certain everyday goods and services. Also with the increase in the knowledge of this area is the ability to genetically alter and enhance certain everyday goods and services.