Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology researchers work at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels in the 1 - 100 nanometer range to create and use devices, systems, and structures that can be controlled or manipulated on the atomic scale. Although nanotechnology is still in its nascent stages, products such as cosmetics, paints, and protective coatings for eyeglasses are already on the market. Often, nanomaterials are combined with other materials to improve the functionality of products such as ink and car bumpers.

In the not-too-distant future, advances in nanotechnology will have profound ramifications for biotechnology and medicine. For instance, scientists believe that nano-devices will enable doctors to diagnose disease earlier and with more accuracy than ever before, deliver targeted therapeutics to specific cells that are malignant -- thus sparing healthy cells from the ill-effects of toxic medicines such as chemotherapy -- and develop multifunctional therapeutics that attack two or more problems at the same time.

Much of the promise of nanotechnology is due to recent groundbreaking research in proteomics and genomics, which is improving our understanding of disease. The more sophisticated our knowledge of the mechanisms of the body, the greater the demand for sophisticated tools that can put that knowledge to use. This is the role of nanotechnology. Nanotech enthusiasts may not want to hold their breath, however. Despite its twenty five years as an area of research, a raft of exciting advances, and perennial media buzz, nanotech has yet to make the revolutionary impact that so many industry observers have predicted.

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