Eye Current

The Nanomachines are Coming!

Believe it or not there has been a push recently in the scientific community for more research into nanotechnology. Nanotechnology refers to the developments made by applied science and technology that are on the atomic or molecular scale and their ability to control these devices. Be advised that this is not a new science; we have been living with nanotechnology for quite some time such as carbon allotropes used to produce the silver in food packaging and some clothing. Although these are not very “techy” applications they are still reserved as “first generation” passive nanomaterials. Currently nanoparticles are being considered as a viable option for direct drug delivery to diseased cells, an answer to reducing the weight and power consumption of today’s electronics, cleaning and filtering water, and as chemical sensors that are able to detect trace amounts of chemical vapors. Another advancement in terms of nanotechnology is the famous Respirocytes.


These Respirocytes are an artificial red blood cell that is able to deliver 236 times more oxygen to body tissues than your homegrown red blood cells. It is also speculated that an adult filled with Respirocytes would be able to hold their breath underwater for four hours and sprint at top speed for at least 15 minutes without the need for a deep breath.

Of course with the good comes the bad. It has been proposed that nanomachines could be given the ability to self replicate, meaning a human would only need to make one of a type and then give the order for the machine to go to work building five million more of the same type. Could this be useful? For sure, it makes Joe Scientist’s job easier helping people, but I don’t think I need to explain the risk of self-replicating machines.

All in all, could this move to development in nanotechnology prove useful for the people of the world? Yes it can, but people like you and I will not determine the applications in the future.

posted by James B. @ 9:49 AM