1 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 6

or non-stick, spray-on food products.

These trends are now leading us down into the realm of the very tiny into the world of cells and molecules. Advances in miniaturization, precision, and replication are beginning to enable us to construct tools as tiny as a billionth of a meter across-a nanometer-hence the name, "nanotechnology." Nanotechnology is such an advanced concept for fabrication that it was considered to be merely the dross of airy dreams of science fiction writers just a few years ago.

Nanoparticles are so small; their properties differ at the nano level from those they exhibit at the macro level. Engineers are discovering ways of fabricating polymer sheets one atom thick that are at once conductive and non-conductive, possibly at room temperature. Computer chip manufacturers dream vivid dreams of what they could do with such material. Engineers are already working on techniques enabling them to grow longer and longer nanotubes, exceedingly light, thin, strong strings of carbon material that may make futuristic construction projects, such as space elevators, structurally feasible.

Ultimately as the Nanotechnology Revolution matures, instead of conventional machining processes directed from the macro level downward, nanotechnology will get right in there, "growing" products from the bottom up, building up the shapes desired, molecule by molecule, atom by atom.

This is merely the first generation of nanotech products. Eric Drexler, the first scientist to envision the development of nanotechnology and author of "Engines of Creation," in which he laid out a very detailed version of his vision of nanotechnology for the general publics consideration, is convinced that the development of nanotechnology will lead to nothing short of a new industrial revolution with the potential for even more far-reaching societal changes than those produced by Industrial Revolution, Version 1.1.

He also believes that the Nanotechnology Revolution will do its work in mere years, not in decades or centuries. Once, the Nanotechnology Revolution takes hold, its growth curve will steepen drastically. In short, if Drexler is even close to being right, the 21st century will see a dramatic increase in the rate of technological development in America and around the world.

I read the book in the late 1980s. What convinced me of the likelihood of the Nanotechnology Revolution happening in my lifetime was Drexler's comparison of nanotechnology to biology. Organisms manipulate molecules

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Nanotechnology explained?
We want to hear your view. Write now!