State of the World
Shrinking Science: Introduction to
Nanotechnology
Chapter 5
An Introduction to Nanotechnology
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Nanotechnology - the manipulation of matter on the
scale of atoms and molecules
The European Union, Japan and the U.S. are the leading
nano-investers, with funding levels running neck and
neck
Nanotechnology is considered to be a “platform
technology” meaning it has the potential to alter or
transform every major industrial sector. Stronger, lighter
materials, faster computers, cancer killing molecules,
filters for cleaning contaminated water and more
Society is not ready for this type of technology wave, it
could widen the gap between rich and poor
What is Nanotechnology?
“Raw materials”-> chemical elements of
the Periodic Table
 Properties at the nanoscale are
tremendously strong, powerful and take on
new forms
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Kraft Foods are creating an “electric tongue”
to detect food pathogens
 MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies is
trying to create a 21st century battle suit that
could increase soldier survivability
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Potential Risks of Nanoparticles:
No Small Matter
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Could pose a risk to human health and the
environment
720 products containing nanoparticles are on
the market without public awareness
Nanoparticles are more unstable
Scientists need to treat manufactured
nanoparticles as hazardous
Nanoscale particles can be used if the
compound has been approved at the micro- and
macroscale
Nanotech’s Implications for the
Global South
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Two of nanotech's potential contributions to
environmental sustainability and human
development are that of water and energy.
Polluted water accounts for an estimated 15
million children under the age of 5 every year.
Researchers in this field have developed a way
to produce potable water from even a puddle
and have also developed a way for nanocrystals
to remove arsenic from contaminated water.
Researchers are also in the process of
developing lightweight, flexible solar cells based
off of semiconducting nanoparticles.
Nanotech’s Implications for the
Global South.
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NASA is also getting in on the movement
investing 11 million to develop “quantum
wires” made from carbon nanotubes.
Nanomonopoly
While other countries are making drastic
strides in the development of
nanotechnology, no country is applying for
more patents than inventors from the U.S.
 The book states that many new uses and
developments in this field may actually be
covered under the same patent. Giving
certain people an edge over others.
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Nanobiotechnology:
New Meaning to “Life’s Work”
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This refers to the integration of biological
materials with synthetic materials to build new
molecular structures.
The book lists many researchers in this field and
the advances that have been made, from using
proteins from spinach chloroplasts to creating
electronic circuits, to using this technology in the
goal to incorporate a new and improved DNA
into a microbe to learn how it evolves.
The Need for Debate and
Oversight
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There are many positive things that could come from the
use of nanotechnology like bringing cleaner water to the
poor, cheaper energy, or even improved health.
The drawbacks to the use of nanotechnology would be
the dramatic privatization of the technology. With
patents being able to cover a wide variety of the market,
countries and companies would be able to charge a
larger price for their services.
Also with the increase in the knowledge of this area is
the ability to genetically alter and enhance certain
everyday goods and services.