Nanotechnology is a field that affects other technologies in a big way. Considering that nanotechnology works at atomic levels, where you can even combine atoms in new ways to build new materials with strange properties or alter the properties of existing materials, it is no wonder that nanotech affects every other technology.
Nanotechnology is only a promise now. It can cause immense damage, say by penetrating our skins and reaching internal organs to damage them, that application developers have to proceed carefully even where something is technically feasible.
Which are the specific areas where nanotechnology might find beneficial applications? Nanomedicine, nanomaterials, nanobiotech and such other terms give a broad indication of the possibilities. Some specific applications in toxic waste treatment, energy and medicine mentioned below can give an idea of the scope of this new technology.
Carbon nanotubes have immense strength and great electrical properties. They can probably solve the problem of electrical power delivery in nanomachines that are the size of cells or smaller. These machines can be used, for example, to work with toxic waste and convert them into harmless substances.
Nanobatteries can possibly deliver perpetual power by generating it from ambient sources such as the small movements we make, and eliminating leakage of stored power, as discussed under posts related to nanotech energy applications in this blog.
Nanorobots can traverse our bloodstreams and deliver drugs at precisely the places they are needed, such as tumor cells. They might even be able to repair damaged cells.
You can visit Bigthink for a big look at the possibilities.
