year 10 research-nanotechnology

Year 10 Research Assignment 2Nanotechnology

By Minchul Park10TPH2010

Minchul Park © 2010All reference numbers are marked inside []

Contents

The choices of Topics and what each of the Topics are Nanotechnology and the science behind it The introduction of Nanotechnology and its reasons The beginning of Nanotechnology and its popularity Nanotechnology and involvements of the Countries

around the world How Nanotechnology affects New Zealand The controversy surrounding Nanotechnology Future of Nanotechnology Personal opinion of Nanotechnology Bibliography

Minchul Park © 2010

The choices of Topics and what each of the Topics are

1. Stem Cells Research: stem cell research is a relatively new technology that takes primitive human cells and develops them into most any of the 220 varieties of cells in the human body, including blood cells and brain cells. [1]

2. Genetic Engineering: genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the human manipulation of an organism's genetic material in a way that does not occur under natural conditions. [2]

3. The BP Oil Spill: the BP oil spill, is an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. [2]

4. Nanotechnology: nanotechnology, shortened to "nanotech", is the study of the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. [2]

5. Alternative Energy Sources e.g. Biofuel, Solar Panels: the research of alternative energy sources is the effort to provide sufficient primary energy sources and secondary energy forms for supply, cost, impact on air pollution and water pollution, mitigation of climate change with renewable energy. [2]

6. Space Travel: Space Travel is the use of space technology to achieve the flight of spacecraft into and through outer space. [2]


Nanotechnology and the science behind it Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the realm of 1 to

100 nanometers. (For reference, a piece of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.) [11]

At the nanoscale, matter functions differently from both the individual atomic and macroscopic scales, so some unique properties are available for use in the field. [11]

The science behind nanotechnology are considered as physics, biology and chemistry.

Nanotechnology works at tiny levels of matter, so knowledge of atomic, molecular, chemical and quantum physics is the science behind this field of study. [11]

Working knowledge of biochemistry, chemistry, and biophysics would also help qualify you for this field. [11]

Mentioned before, at the nano-scale, properties of matter changes. (explained more in the following slide)

Using these nano-size property changes, scientists create new materials substances and modify existing ones. [4]

One of the examples of why chemistry is behind nanotechnology is because properties of matter changes. [4]

Chemists investigate and research the changed property of materials for later uses in the future. [4]


The introduction of Nanotechnology and its reasons Nanotechnology was introduced to the world mainly because of its potential

advantage to change the properties of a material at the nano-scale (10−9 metres[2]). These changes are known as quantum effects. [4]

Dr Peter Montague, Director of the Environmental Research Foundation in New Brunswick, says: “...below 50 nanometres, the normal laws of physics no longer apply, quantum physics kicks in and materials take on surprising new properties.” [5]

Montague also says: “With only a reduction in size and no change in substance, materials can exhibit new properties such as electrical conductivity, elasticity, greater strength, different colour and greater reactivity characteristics that the very same substances do not exhibit at the micro or macro scales.” [5]

For example: Gold is inert in bulk, but a gold particle of less than two billionths of a metre turns

blue and can bind to human DNA. [4] Aluminium – as used for soft drink cans – can spontaneously burn at the nano-scale

and could be used in rocket fuel. [4]

Carbon as graphite (like pencil lead) is soft and malleable; at the nano-scale carbon can be stronger than steel and is six times lighter. [4]

The surface area of nanoparticles also increase enormously as particle size decreases. This is advantageous, for example, for use in the chemical industry for catalysts. [4]

Using the quantum effects and other nano-size property changes, scientists are creating new materials and modifying existing ones. [4]


The beginning of Nanotechnology and its popularity The history of nanotechnology is dotted with a certain amount of skepticism. Some people

hold firmly that this is a brand new form of scientific evolution that did not develop until the late 1980s or early 1990s. Others have found evidence that the history of nanotechnology can be traced back to the year 1959. [10]

Either way, as scientific development goes, nanotechnology is still a relatively fresh and new arena of scientific research. [10]

Still other scientists hold the belief that humans have employed practical nanotechnological methods for thousands of years, perhaps even longer. [10]

The 1980s and early 1990s saw a significant increase in the popularity of nanotechnology. This is the science that can figure out how to power our lives with nothing more than molecules and atoms. This is the science where advancements are always happening and being tested. [10]

It won’t be long before we look to nano—scientists to attempt to fix some of the world’s larger social problems with the implementation of technology and progress. [10]

It is known that the population of nanotechnology was increased because of its proven advantages. [4]

This includes the one potential advantage of nanotechnology which in nano-scale a property of a material can change. Of course, these changes are known as quantum effects. [4]

Nano-technicians use quantum effects to create whole new materials which are very useful to all areas of science and to the world. [4]

The advantages (applications) of nanotechnology can be found later in the slides…


Nanotechnology and involvements of the Countries around the world The are numerous countries around the world which

has involvements of nanotechnology. However, the most well-known countries that are

involved in nanotechnology and does notable researches on nanotechnology are: China, Canada, Iran, Europe Union, Russia, Thailand, Netherlands and United States.

All these countries (or organization) has a research department (institute) of nanotechnology.

China: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology

Canada: National Institute for Nanotechnology Iran: Iranian Nanotechnology Laboratory Network EU: EU Seventh Framework Programme and Action

Plan for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies 2005-2009

Russia: Russian Nanotechnology Corporation Thailand: National Nanotechnology Center

(NANOTEC), Thailand US: National Nanotechnology Initiative and

American National Standards Institute Nanotechnology Panel

Dutch: NanoNed

Minchul Park © 2010[2]

Anatoly Chubais: head of the Russian Nanotechnology Corporation

How Nanotechnology affects New Zealand Nanotechnology is an enabling technology, which will transform almost all sectors of industry and

health within New Zealand through incorporation of nanostructure into novel materials, devices, and procedures.

The scope of the impacts from nanotechnology suggests that it would be prudent for the New Zealand Government to consider opportunities for investment that will enhance our national capability in nanotechnology research and application, and to develop strategies embracing the significant social and economic changes similar to those already flowing from the IT revolution.

The timing of uptake of nanotechnology is uncertain at this time. It is absolutely clear however that there are a multitude of opportunities for developing devices and materials based on nanotechnology. Some of these developments will create new industry sectors and replace existing ones. It is clear that nanotechnology has the potential to change significantly a large cross-section of life in many countries for the next few decades. Within about 10 to 15 years it is expected that in APEC countries the following impacts will be experienced:

Improved Healthcare: Nanotechnology will help extend the life span, improve its quality, and extend human capabilities.

Pharmaceuticals: About one half of all production will be dependent on nanotechnology, affecting over US$200billion of business

Chemical plants: Nanostructured catalysts will have an estimated annual impact of US$100 billion. Energy/Environment: Emerging hydrogen-based energy, and greatly enhanced potential for solar

energy capture will be driven by new nanotechnologies. Energy savings have the potential to save US$100billion, and reduce carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes annually.

Electronics/Photonics: Nanotechnology is projected to yield about US$300billion in production for the semi-conductor industry, and even more or integrated circuits.

The scale and breadth of these impacts from Nanotechnology mean that Governments must start now to develop strategies to exploit and manage the ensuing significant social and economic changes which occur. These changes will be similar in scale to those already flowing from the information technology revolution and the ongoing transformation to a knowledge-based society.Minchul Park © 2010 [9

]

The controversy surrounding Nanotechnology Like all science, nanotech is a double-edged sword. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest issue of nanotech is none other than health and safety reasons. Asbestos, a fabric woven from asbestos was famous for its strength, flexibility indestructibility and

high-resistance which was used for basically every type of building as a construction material. However by 1918, US insurance companies refused to insure for Asbestos. This was because the

asbestos was proven to be very harmful. Up to half a million US citizens exposed to asbestos before 1980 may have died from resultant illness with 10,000 still dying each year, according to the Baltimore-based White Lung Association.

The danger caused by asbestos comes form the tiny size of its fibres. These enter the body and cannot be expelled, leading to a range of cancers affecting many different parts of the body. Inhalation into the lung can lead to asbestosis, as scarring of lung tissue that progressively inhibits breathing.

Likewise, nanotech faces similar problems as asbestos. There are at least four concerns: The particles may inhibit the operation of the lung through irritation and that may be greater the

smaller the particles due to their relatively bigger surface area. The substance of nanoparticle size may be a known toxin that can find its way through conventional

protection such as a face masks due to its size. Some nanoparticles appear to have a catalysing effect that generates free radicals, associated with

tumour generation. The substance may exhibit harmful properties at the nanoscale that it does not show at a larger

scale, a finding from research into air pollution particles. Use of nanoparticles in cosmetics and sun lotions has already stimulated concerns at Swiss

reinsurance, which called it ‘imperative’ that medical researchers came to agreement on whether they can be absorbed into the blood through the skin.


Future of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology will have extensive applications in the future.

However the most well-known uses are: Medicine Chemistry and environment Energy Information and communication Heavy industry Consumer goods Out of all these, the most recognized uses are

medical use, consumer goods and information and communication.


Future of Nanotech-Medicine The most recognised use of medical nanotechnology, is

the use of nanorobots. [2]

The somewhat speculative claims about the possibility of using nanorobots in medicine, would totally change the world of medicine once it is realised. [6]

Nanomedicine would make use of these nanorobots (e.g., Computational Genes), introduced into the body, to repair or detect damages and infections. [7][8]

All of these scenarios may sound unbelievable, but they are the long-term goals of the nanomedicine initiative that should yield medical benefits as early as ten years from now. The medical field of nanotech is one area where supporters are particularly eager to apply this technology. [4]

There are already allied fields in which the technology is proving remarkable. One firm markets an antimicrobial dressing coated with nanocrystalline silver capable of rapidly killing a broad spectrum of bacteria in as little as 30 minutes: e.g. a minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus at 12.5 (µg/ml). [4]

A nanotech disposable filter has been produced which retains 99.9999+% of viruses at water flow rates several hundred times greater than virus-rated ultra-porous membranes. [4]


Nanorobots

Future of Nanotech-Information and communication

Current high-technology production processes are based on traditional top down strategies, where nanotechnology has already been introduced silently. The critical length scale of integrated circuits is already at the nanoscale (50 nm and below) regarding the gate length of transistors in CPUs (Central processing unit) or DRAM (Dynamic random access memory ) devices.

The production of displays with low energy consumption could be accomplished using carbon nanotubes (CNT). Carbon nanotubes are electrically conductive and due to their small diameter of several nanometers, they can be used as field emitters with extremely high efficiency for field emission displays (FED). The principle of operation resembles that of the cathode ray tube, but on a much smaller length scale.


[2]

Dynamic random access memory

Future of Nanotech-Consumer goods

As mentioned above in the ‘controversy surrounding nanotechnology,’ nanotech has been used ‘silently’ in consumer goods.

Nanotechnology is already impacting the field of consumer goods, providing products with novel functions ranging from easy-to-clean to scratch-resistant. Modern textiles are wrinkle-resistant and stain-repellent; in the mid-term clothes will become “smart”, through embedded “wearable electronics”. Already in use are different nanoparticle improved products. Especially in the field of cosmetics, such novel products have a promising potential. [2]

Nano foods. Companies are using nanotechnology to radically alter the structure of food: e.g. Kraft in creating “interactive” drinks containing nanocapsules that can change colour and/or flavour; and Unilever and Nestlé in ice cream with nanoparticle emulsions to “improve” texture. [4]

Nanoseeds. Nuclear scientists in Thiland have rearranged the DNA of rice by blasting nano-sized holes through rice cell walls and inserting a nitrogen atom. They aim to make the rice less light-sensitive and to have a longer stem. To date, they changed the colour of the grain, from purple to green. [4]

Nano Chicken Feed. The US Department of Agriculture is assisting University researchers to feed chickens bioactive polystyrene nano-particles that bind with bacteria as an alternative to feeding normal drug antibiotics in that production industry. [4]

Nano Ponds. A US fish farming company, Clear Spring Trout, is using nanoparticle vaccines in their trout ponds to be taken up by fish. What happens when we eat these fish or other food products? [4]


Personal opinion of Nanotechnology

As a fact, and like all science and technologies do, nanotechnology has both advantages and disadvantages.

It can be useful for creating new materials and investigating their applications.

Also, it can be very harmful for humans if unknown nano-particles enter our body.

Therefore, in my opinion, nanotechnology must be researched more in order to be put into public use in our society.

If people and scientists started to use nanotechnology without properly examining what nanotechnology can do to our body, than there will be an international crisis of health.

We will have to wait until our scientists know everything they possibly can about nanotech before nanotechnology can be used properly.


Bibliography [1] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-stem-cell-research.htm (Wisegeek; date

of access 06.09.10) [2] http://en.wikipedia.org (Wikipedia; date of access 06.09.10) [3] Shelly T.(2006) Nanotechnology-New Promises and New Dangers, U.S.A;

Zed Books [4] G. Anderson R.(2007) Exploring the myth of Nanotechnology, New

Zealand; R G and J Anderson Books [5] Multinational Monitor (September 2004) Welcome to Nano World:

Nanotechnology and the Precautionary Principle Imperative, Vol.25, No.9, U.S.A; Multinational Monitor

[6] Freitas, Robert A. Jr.; Havukkala, Ilkka (2005). "Current Status of Nanomedicine and Medical Nanorobotics

[7] Freitas, Robert A. Jr. (1999) ; Nanomedicine, Volume I: Basic Capabilities [8] Freitas, Robert A. Jr. (2003) Nanomedicine, Volume IIA: Biocompatibility [9] The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. “A

Nanotechnology Initiative for New Zealand,” New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute

[10] http://nanogloss.com/nanotechnology/the-history-of-nanotechnology/ (Nanogloss; date of access 15.09.10)

[11] http://physics.about.com/od/nanotechnology/p/nanotechnology.htm (About; date of access 16.09.10)Minchul Park © 2010

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