Nanotechnology

1. Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Nanotechnology nanotechnology Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Nanotechnology The Power of Small

2. What is Nanotechnology ? Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that involves engineering functional systems at the molecular or atomic scale Functional systems : a series of connected components that work together to carry out a specific function ( between 1nm to 100nm) Human hair is about 100000 nanometre in diameter A nanometre is one billionth of a metre The effects of quantum mechanics are extremely important at this scale

3. The history of nanotechnology Nanotechnology first emerged in the 1980’s and, since then, has been applied widely to many different fields. There are 2 main figures that contributed to the advancement of Nanotechnology Physicist Richard Feynman Eric Drexler

4. Richard Feynman suggested that it will eventually be possible to precisely manipulate atoms and molecules. His talk “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” is widely considered to be the foreshadowing of nanotechnology in the future. It wasn’t until 1981, with the development of the scanning tunnelling microscope that could “see” individual atoms, which eventually lead to the start of modern nanotechnology In the late 1970’s Eric Drexler began to invent what would become molecular manufacturing. He quickly realized that molecular machines could control the chemical manufacture of complex products, including additional manufacturing systems-which would be a very powerful technology.

5. Scientifically, began with the development of carbon-based cage molecules such as fullerenes Due to electron configuration, carbon atoms can form three dimensional shape structures! Also the creation of carbon nanotubes. Carbon Nanotubes are incredibly strong. If woven into materials they could create bullet proof clothing

6. Nanotechnology Applications Nanotechnology applications hold promises that will provide great benefits for a future society, mostly in medicine. Nano medicine has hopes that could in various forms even treat cancer. Some benefits of nanotechnology include: improved manufacturing methods, water purification systems, Nano medicine and energy systems. Nanotechnology also has health issues, and environmental issues. The exposure to Nano medicine could prove to have related health issues with regards to exposing the human body to Nano particles (Nano toxicology) 

7. Nanotechnology Applications Nanotechnology greatly impacts the field of consumer goods. Some applications of nanotechnology come in the form of textiles that are stain-repellent, and wearable electronics. Some wearable electronics include nanofibers that make clothing wrinkle free and stain-repellent. Some other applications included, medical systems which indicate  stress levels on soldiers, to indicating an injury within the body. 

8. Nanotechnology: Rules and Regulations Nanotechnology had been discovered to have some negative effects. A Discovery was made on the negative effects of nanoparticles on the artic ecosystem. Silver nanoparticles are toxic to nitrogen fixing bacteria

9. Environment Canada and Health Canada use the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to regulate nanomaterials that are manufactured or imported. • There is a legal regime for the assessment and management of new and existing nanomaterials • Importers and manufacturers are required to provide specific information to government officials so that it can be evaluated for potential effects on human health and the environment

10. The WPMN (Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials) focuses on human health and environmental safety implications of manufactured nanomaterials and aims to ensure that the approach to exposure and risk assessment if of a high, science based and internationally harmonized standard. • To assess risks, scientists look at a number of factors, including type of hazard and level of exposure for food and drugs. • International standardization produces standards that will help create a smooth transition for nanotech from the laboratory to the marketplace. • To assess risks, scientists look at a number of factors, including type of hazard and level of exposure for food and drugs.