by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
I’ve heard the word “nanotechnology” yet can’t seem to understand what it is and why it’s important. But, it’s clear that it’s a growing field that we all should learn more about and try to understand.
It’s one of the fastest-emerging areas of scientific research—the science of little things.
A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter in length making a sheet of paper is 100,000 nanometers thick. Since the 1980’s researchers in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering have made major advances in the field.
Education Week reports that there is no single definition of nanotechnology, a subject usually taught at the college level; but now creeping into high school curriculum. It’s usually described as the design and engineering of particles at the molecular and atomic level.
Currently nanotechnology is used to make materials stronger, cheaper, clothing more stain-resistant and computer chips more sophisticated.
This science in the future will develop more efficient batteries and solar systems—contributing to energy and environmental benefits.
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