NANOTECHNOLOGY

ASHISH SAH ROLL NO:0509014017 MCA 5TH SEM IEC-GREATER NOIDA

Defining Nanotechnology

The research for this project is funded by a grant to Elizabeth Keating from Information Technology Services (ITS) at the University of Texas at Austin. Modules created by Elaine Chun.

Nanotechnology
The term itself is a combination of two meaningful parts (what linguists call 'morphemes')

NANO

TECHNOLOGY

What Does Nano' Mean?

The 'nano' in 'nanotechnology' is often thought of as a shortened form of 'nanometer, which is one billionth (10-9) of a meter. The diameter of one human hair is about 10,000 to 80,000 nanometers.

A picture of nanofibrils shown with a human hair for reference (Espin Technologies, Inc.)
IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Area_of_Interest/Chemistry/Materials_Science/Nanomaterials/Tutorial/Nanotechnology.html

Any Unit of Measure

However, theoretically, it can be used to refer to one billionth of any measure of interest-for example, a nanosecond refers to one billionth of a second.

nanometer nanosecond nanogram nanomole

What Does Technology' Mean?

TECHNOLOGY: (from the American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2000) 1 a. The application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives. b. The scientific method and material used to achieve a commercial or industrial objective. 2. Electronic or digital products and systems considered as a group: a store specializing in office technology. 3. Anthropology. The body of knowledge available to a society that is of use in fashioning implements, practicing manual arts and skills, and extracting or collecting materials. How does it differ from 'science'?

While the notion of 'science' has often been contrasted with that of 'technology'--the first referring to the building of theory and the second referring to the application of this theory--such a distinction may be blurred in the case of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

A Broad Definition: A Popular Perspective

Many people understand nanotechnology to be any kind of technology that deals with particles measured in nanometers. This broad definition would include, among other things, thin films, fine particles, chemical synthesis, and advanced microlithography. Scientists, however, tend to find this definition too broad and prefer to call this technology 'nano-scale technology' in contradistinction to '(molecular) nanotechnology'. On the other hand, those in the marketing sector may refer to technology fitting under this broad definition as 'nanotechnology' given its marketing appeal.
nanotechnology (nanoscale technology)

all things nano

things measured in nanometers

technology

A Narrow Definition: A Scientific Perspective

Scientists and engineers who are centrally involved in developing this technology sometimes prefer a narrow definition, which they also refer to as molecular nanotechnology (MNT). This technology specifically involves manipulating individual atoms and molecules to build structures with complex atomic specifications. Nanotechnology of this sort is still at its infant stages, but products that have been developed include materials that self-heal or are relatively lightweight and strong, nanodevices that deliver drugs to the human body, and nano-materials that fuse with human tissue or bone. (molecular) nanotechnology

all things nano

things measured in nanometers

technology

Meaning as Connotation: A Cultural Perspective

Beyond its formal definitionits denotationit is important to also consider the social meanings of the termits connotations. Connotations, of course, are culture-specific, and here we discuss only a limited set of social meanings. Perhaps one of the most salient connotations relates to the concept of time. As a relatively new technology, most people understand that, until recently, nanotechnology did not exist.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Things measured in nano units

technology

Meaning as Connotation: A Cultural Perspective

But in the present time, nanotechnological research is a quickly growing area.

NOW

Things measured in nano units

technology

Meaning as Connotation: A Cultural Perspective

Many believe that the technology will continue to develop, yet both the specific prospects and dangers of nanotechnology remain a mystery. While some have great hopes for what this technology can achieve for our society and the world, others remain either skeptical or fearful of what it can do.

FUTURE
??? Fear Immorality Corporate control Loss of spirituality Loss of privacy Dystopia Things measured in nano units technology ??? Safety Clean water, air World peace Longer and healthier lives End of disease, poverty Modernity

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