NANOTECHNOLOGY AND NANO SCIENCE
Nan technology is shortened to nano-tech. It is a new form of technology. It is one of the best examples of the developments and improvements in artificial brains of recent men. It is one of the molecular technologies. It is the discipline of study of the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Nanotechnology and nano-science was launched in the early 1980’s with a few major modern developments, such as cluster science, invention of STM and the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).These developments led to the breakthrough of fullerenes in 1985 and carbon nano-tubes a few year later. In another development, the synthesis and properties of semiconductor nano-crystals was studied; this leads to a fast increasing number of metal and metal oxide nano-particles and quantum dots. In 2000, the united state co-ordinate Federal Nanotechnology Research and Developments.
There has been much debate among scientific community today on whether this technology is a boon or bane. It has potential to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in medicine, electronics and energy production. Recently, the project on Emerging nanotechnologies protected that over 800 manufactures-identified nano-tech products are publicly available with new ones hitting the marker at a pace 3-4 per week. The project lists all of the products in the publically reachable online catalog. Most applications are limited to the use of first generation passive nano material which includes titanium dioxide in sunscreen and cosmetics and some food products; Carbon allotropes used to produce “gecko Tape”; zinc oxide in sunscreen and cosmetics, surface coating, paints and outdoor furniture varnishes; and cerium oxide as a fuel catalyst, silver ion food packing, clothing disinfectants and household appliances etc.
On the other hand, it raises many of the issues as with any introduction of new technology, including concerns about the toxicity and environmental impact of nano-meters, and their potential effect on global economies, as well as speculations about various doomsday scenarios. A study recognized that when rats breathed in nano-pesticide, the particles settled in brain and lugs, which led to considerable boost in bio markers for information and stress response. Another study suggests some form of carbon nano-tubes could be as asbestos if inhaled in considerable quantities. Further, a study reports that silver nano particles which area bacteriostatic, may devastate helpful bacteria, which are important for breaking down organic matter in waste treatment plants or farm
Whatever be the judgment about nanotechnology, it is a fact that it could offer a lifestyle never before predicted; on the other hand, it could cause a total extermination. They say that time would let know whether it would bestow us immortality or total extinction.