What is Nanotechnology (NT)?

Nanotechnology (NT) is the ability to build materials and products with atomic precision. Nanotechnology is the science of creating structures and devices that are so small they are comparable in size to large molecules. Their dimensions are measured in nano-metres (a nano-metre is one billionth of a metre), where systems consist of only a few hundred or so atoms.

Nanochemistry is an integral part of nanotechnology, covering the synthesis of these structures, which in some cases are single molecules. The organisation of material at the nano-metre level has emerged as an important area of scientific endeavour, because of the unique phenomena observed at such dimensions. Nanochemistry will be the basis for important new technologies in this decade and beyond.

What are Nanobots?

If NT can be used to manipulate single molecules, convert chemical elements into different elements, it is possible to create Nanobots. Nanobots are tiny robots that can be programmed to perform any task. The task could be as simple as seeking out fat cells in the human body and destroying it, or as complex as blocking/enhancing neural synaptic pathways in your brain to increase memory capacity.

How Can Nanotechnology Benefit Us?

Nanotechnology, which revolves around the development of even more powerful technologies on a microscopic scale. Current technologies will reach their practical commercial limitations in their current form and application over this decade. A breakthrough beyond these constraints opens up a huge range of business opportunities for investors, technology companies and, principally end user commercial and retail consumers.

Nanotechnology can be used to create new medicines and cure today's most common and horrendous diseases. NT can assist in the growth in crops in 3rd world countries, potentially wiping out famine. NT can create new sources of fuel by converting materials into useful elements while minimising waste almost completely.

The potential is huge.

What Are The Risks ?

Just as NT can be used for good, the concepts can also be used for evil and wrong-doing. While NT and Nanobots can cure plenty of current diseases, new viruses and diseases can be manufactured using NT techniques. In terms of terrorism creating a new form of bioweapon, this would have massive impact on the global community.
And what about a 'mind control weapon'? Sounds far fetched, but with Nanobots and a deeper understanding of the brain could lead to such developments. The poor individual wouldn't even know they were being controlled.

NT can be used to enhance natural human abilities. In the most part, this is a positive thing, but imagine a world filled with 'super soldiers' or 'super athletes'. The physical human body can be changed with NT. eg, using Nanobots to strengthen and build muscle, increase bone density, destroy fat cells, enhance vision, enhance mental capacity.

People in general will live longer due to better medicine and better health. Again, this could be a good thing - but longer lives lead to increased population, leading to increased demand on natural resources and mother earth.