Nanotechnology research, at its core, is based on discoveries in physics and chemistry, as the key to controlling molecules' (and molecule complexes') physical and chemical properties is understanding them. Most people, even scientists, could not offer a cogent definition of nanotechnology, noted Scientific American magazine earlier this year, "except to point to the science-fiction section at Barnes & Noble."

While a tangible, explicit definition is still elusive, nanotechnology is gaining acceleration in its related fields of study.

First introduced (or at least theoretically alluded to) in 1959, nanotechnology was proposed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who suggested "using a set of conventional-sized robot arms to construct a replica of themselves, but one-tenth the original size, then using that new set of arms to manufacture an even smaller set, and so on, until the molecular scale is reached, according to the aptly named wiseGEEK. "If we had many millions or billions of such molecular-scale arms, we could program them to work together to create macro-scale products built from individual molecules -- a 'bottom-up manufacturing' technique, as opposed to the usual technique of cutting away material until you have a completed component or product -- 'top-down manufacturing.'"

Nanotechnology is now often used to refer to any science or technological projects that relate to or focus on properties or matter having at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers. (One nanometer equals one-billionth of a meter.) Molecular nanotechnology, upon which Feyman's proposal came, refers specifically to theories of nano-scale machines capable of building products from the atom up, also called molecular manufacturing.

The inclusively termed "nanotechnology," or the manipulation of molecular-sized materials to create new products and processes, is a blossoming field that encompasses contributions from more specific fields such as physics, chemistry and biochemistry, molecular biology and engineering, with potential applications in areas as diverse as drug delivery/discovery, environmental sensing, manufacturing and quantum computing, according to PhysOrg. Nanotechnology inherently involves the creation and use of materials and devices at the level of molecules and atoms.

Researchers seem daily to be claiming new nano-scale properties and applications. Nanotubes, for instance, are a form of high-tech soot that contains a residue that averages five percent iron, noted Scientific American. The new form of carbon is different from both graphite and diamond, possessing tensile strengths many times higher than steel, and supposedly conducting heat and electricity better than diamond and copper. They purportedly could enable better transmission lines with lower power losses and long cables with enormous strength. Carbon nanotubes were recently used by UK and Korean researchers to make a nano-scale electromechanical switch for the first time. The researchers' switch-making method could become a standard way for fabricating future nano-scale devices (Appl. Phys. Lett. 87 163114).

As well, molecular nanotechnology is an anticipated manufacturing technology — though still a theoretical science — that "would allow precise control and positional assembly of molecule-sized building blocks through the use of nano-scale manipulator arms," according our geeky wise ones. Molecular nanotechnology — the goal of productive, molecular-scale machine systems — is still in the stage of preliminary research.

"Nanotechnology promises insights and innovations that could revolutionize whole sectors like manufacturing, energy and health care," David Guston, an ASU professor of political science, said in a recent PhysOrg article. "At the same time, it raises profound questions about privacy and security, human identity and enhancement, environmental and health risks, and societal and economic equity."

To consider: much about this so-called technology in its relation with materials, as well as the actual properties of such matter with 1-100 nanometer dimensions, is yet unfounded, because matter with 1-100 nanometer dimensions lies somewhere on the spectrum between individual molecules and bulk solid molecules; or, the uncertainty comes from the fact that these materials are neither single molecules nor bulk matter. This brings to the forefront they unknown potential of nanotechnology and the hype.

Along with the much ballyhooed hype surrounding this burgeoning "technology," however, comes what experts believe are various possible dangers that lie in how these tiny particles might interact with the environment, and more important, with the human body. "Billions of dollars are being spent to incorporate nanoparticles into products that are already being marketed to the public; when this investment is compared to the comparatively scant research into nanotech health issues, some scientists become concerned," according to wiseGEEK. "Experts say the issue is that elements encountered at the nano scale behave differently than their larger counterparts. As an example, graphite's properties are well known and it holds specific position in toxicology guidelines."

Each day, however, the field of nanotechnology offers new possible avenues by which to solve many problems, which in turn provide growing business opportunities. Earlier this month the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a series of initiatives that "will greatly expand efforts to inform the general public about nanotechnology, and to explore the implications of that fast-moving field for society as a whole," according to the announcement. The $20 million, five-year effort represents the largest single award NSF has given to the science-museum community.

Also, the Foresight Institute is presently holding the 13th Annual Foresight Conference on Molecular Nanotechnology, having begun yesterday and running through Thursday, Oct. 27, in San Francisco, CA.

Despite past and ongoing hype, as well its ever-elusive "coming-out to the mainstream," nanotechnology is still accelerating and making promises that time and study could bring true.

References

Nanotubes in the Clean Room
by Gary Stix
Scientific American, February 2005

wiseGEEK

Scientists to assess societal implications of nanotechnology
Arizona State University
PhysOrg., Oct. 12, 2005

New Grants Are Awarded to Inform the Public and Explore the Implications of Nanotechnology
National Science Foundation
Oct. 6, 2005