Nano is a Greek word means dwarf. These are very tiny particles that we cannot see them even with the use of light microscope . The term nanotechnology is new to us. After having the atomic scale, the nanoscale is introduced and accepted. The world of nanotechnology is rapidly becoming an interdisciplinary field. Biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers are all involved in the study of substances at the nanoscale. [source:http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology1.htm] We might think the products that the nanotechnology created. Example of the products is
- cleaners anddisinfectants - EnviroSystems, Inc. developed a mixture (called a nanoemulsion) of nano-sized oil drops mixed with a bactericide. The oil particles adhere to bacteria, making the delivery of the bactericide more efficient and effective.[source: The Ecologist]
Imagine how these very tiny particles combined together to make useful products? Nanotechnology is really a great help in human race. Experts in Science fields and in technology are helping hand in hand for the betterment of human life through the use of nano technology. But like any other things, nanotechnology has also risks that we should be aware and warned about.
Eric Drexler, the man who introduced the word nanotechnology, presented a frightening apocalyptic vision -- self-replicating nanorobots malfunctioning, duplicating themselves a trillion times over, rapidly consuming the entire world as they pull carbon from the environment to build more of themselves. It's called the "grey goo" scenario, where a synthetic nano-size device replaces all organic material. Another scenario involves nanodevices made of organic material wiping out the earth -- the "green goo" scenario.[http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology5.htm]
See? Even the man himself who introduced the word "nanotechnology" has a vision of "risking the planet" if it will not be used very carefully and properly. Maybe someday, if people will abuse it, the entire earth will be at risk of course. For example, this nanotechnology is used in medicine, chemicals in our body are the gateways for these particles to explore our system. If these particles are together with the harmful chemicals, they can easily penetrate in our bloodstream and will be distributed in our brain, heart and any other systems in the body.
What I'm most afraid of is that what if this nanotechnology will transform us into something that we are already composed of these particles? or will make us mutants? Will an evolution takes place in the human race? Or the racial discrimination will continue to go serious? The ones who are masters of this, should use this technology to help the people and not use it to destroy the humanity.
