Nanotechnology ,the science of manipulating matter at the nanoscale ,holds immense promise for the future. Tullika Singh of grade IX E has beautifully penned down her views on how nanotechnology is poised to enhance our lives. It’s not just the future ; it’s already transforming our world.
Technology is the application of knowledge through discoveries and blending them with people’s needs. Technology has an effect on all the facets of human life and it is impossible to imagine life without technological intervention. Among many new technologies emerging, there is a new emerging technology known as Nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science and engineering devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale, i.e. having one or more dimensions of the order of 100 nanometers (100 millionth of a millimeter) or less.
The first ever concept of Nanotechnology was presented in 1959 by the famous professor of physics Dr. Richard P Feynman; however, the term Nanotechnology was coined by Norio Taniguchi in 1974.
The application of nanotechnology can be very beneficial and has the ability to make significant changes. The nanotechnology finds widespread usage in the fields of Energy, Medicine & Drugs, Optical engineering, defence and security, bioengineering, cosmetics etc. From treating cancer to development of waterproof clothing, it is turning out to be a boon. It is not only being used in various industrial sectors such as the information and communications, but also in the food technology as well as in some medical products and medicines. From saving raw materials, energy and water, to decreasing greenhouse gases and dangerous waste, nanotechnology’s unique attributes can be utilized in various products, procedures and applications that could undoubtedly support environmental and climate protection, thus reducing environmental pollution. Although nanotechnology has so many pros, it also has some cons.
Nanotechnology may also present some health risks. Humans have developed mechanisms of protection against various environmental agents of different sizes however, until recently; they had never been exposed to synthetic non particles. Therefore, the normal human defense mechanisms such as the immune and inflammatory systems may well be able to respond adequately to these nanoparticles. These particles can also disperse and persist in the environment therefore affecting it.
Although the existing methods are appropriate to assess many of the hazards associated with products and processes involving nanoparticles, they may not be sufficient to address all the hazards. Also, the existing methods used for environmental exposure assessment are not necessarily appropriate. Therefore, the current risk assessment procedures need to be modified for nanoparticles. In general, in spite of a rapidly increasing number of scientific publications dealing with nanoscience and nanotechnology, there is insufficient knowledge and data concerning the characteristics of nanoparticles, their detection and measurement, their behaviour in living systems, and all aspects of their harmful potential in humans and in the environment, to allow for satisfactory risk assessments for humans and ecosystems to be performed.
If treaded carefully, Nanotechnology brings great possibilities and widespread usage across fields and may turn out to be game changer in how the future of the planet looks like.