Seven Castles

Nanotechnology- -

                                      

March 3, 2005

 

A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter: line up 100,000 nano-particles and you'll get something as thick as a strand of hair. Hence, nanotechnology is a form of technology that makes use of microscopic materials to accomplish a range of tasks.

Nanotechnology covers a very broad field and calls for the lines between science, mathematics and engineering to blur. More and more, it is becoming necessary for all the different disciplines to work together in many fields. This melting pot of disciplines is the way forward in research.

Nanotechnology seems likely to change the entire basis of our physical environment and our style of life, and eventually enable us to become physically immortal. Rapid development in nanotechnology will greatly promote innovation, and accelerate the development of information technology and biotechnology. The potential seems limitless. Despite being a promising prospect, nanotechnology still has a long way to go before it can bring about any fundamental changes to people's lives.

Excellent work is being done in universities and institutes, targeting areas such as biotechnology, electronics, materials, medicine and imaging. Already, researchers are looking at building intelligent nano-robots that can be injected into the bloodstream to fight diseases. Another breakthrough being explored is the creation of carbon nano-tubes to replace silicon for ultra-fast, power-efficient computer chips. Also, the research frontier of nanotechnology is being used to develop tiny particles that produce a more effective sunscreen.

Nanotechnology development may lead to another industrial revolution in the near future and accelerate its application in industries such as construction materials, textiles and garments, automotive products, environmental protection, energy and utilities and other traditional sectors.

As the new technology is starting to catch on all over the world, many technologically advanced countries place future bets on the research front. While it is still "pre-competitive" because much of the research is yet to become commercialized, some countries decide to move fast by pumping billions into such research to gain an advantage. With strong government backing, China will continually inject capital into research and development of nanotechnology

Many stock investors may clearly remember the "nano boom" on the stock markets. The sluggish markets always need some new concepts to be active, and that is why many listed companies began to spin "nanotechnology" hype after an article in People's Daily called for boosting the nation's nano industry!

 

- 作者： zhangliping 访问统计：　2005年03月3日, 星期四 05:26 加入博采