IF YOU HAVE heard about nanotechnology at all, you may be aware of its science-fiction-sounding hype. Proponents picture a future in which tiny bots would magically repair tissue to prolong our life span. On the dark side is the disturbing vision of “gray goo,” where self-replicating nanodevices destroy the planet. The reality of the burgeoning field of nanotech, however, is hardly less startling in its transformative potential. Some have proclaimed it “the next industrial revolution.”
“Nanotechnology” broadly applies to control of materials and components only a few billionths of a meter in size. Already manufacturers sell several hundred products that use nanotech, mainly skin lotions. Next up are advances in biotechnology and electronics—and a merging of the two.
Consider, for instance, molecular building blocks called bis-amino acids, which chemists string together into proteinlike structures, as described by Christian E. Schafmeister in his article, “Molecular Lego,” starting on page 22. Applications include medicines, enzymes for catalyzing reactions, sensors, nanoscale valves and computer storage devices. Other researchers are using natural molecular machines to process information: they receive input from other biological molecules and output a tangible result, such as a signal or a therapeutic drug. For more, turn to “Bringing DNA Computers to Life,” by Ehud Shapiro and Yaakov Benenson, on page 40.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Nanoscience advances are pushing traditional electronics in new directions as well. In “Carbon Nanonets Spark New Electronics” (page 48), George Gruner describes applications that encompass sensors, solar cells, electronic paper and bendable touch screens. Imagine a morning “paper” with headlines that change as news breaks.
Or how about an invisibility cloak? In “The Promise of Plasmonics” (page 56), Harry A. Atwater explains how optical signals squeeze through minuscule wires, producing so-called plasmons. Plasmonic circuits could help to move lots of data and improve the resolution of microscopes, the efficiency of light-emitting diodes, and the sensitivity of detectors. Such materials could alter the electromagnetic field around an object to such an extent that it would become invisible. The nanoregime offers enormous promise indeed.
Executive Editor Scientific American editors@SciAm.com
