Happy National Nanotechnology Day! Celebrate today by helping to raise awareness of the benefits of nanotechnology and learning a little more about its amazingly tiny science.
Why is nanotechnology important? Nanotechnology is used across numerous scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and engineering, and it is at the forefront of some incredible discoveries and technological advances.
Here are a few ways nanotechnology is changing our world in 2018:
- Helping to treat strokes and spinal cord injuries: An international team of American and Russian scientists have developed an innovative therapeutic substance based on synthesized nanoparticle antioxidants. These nanoparticles could help rehabilitate patients after acute spinal injuries, strokes and heart attacks.
- Sustainable farming: Researchers from Iowa State University have created a new, tiny tool that can take water measurements from plants and crops without hindering plant growth. This tool works by detecting critical information on water, which can help farmers optimize the growing environment and improve their methods.
- Diagnosing and treating cancer: University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia researchers have found that gold-plated nanoparticles would take only about 30 minutes to detect cancer, compared with the almost 12 hours required for current diagnostic methods. This diagnosis method could be more affordable and require less blood from a patient than what is currently needed.
- Safe drinking water: Clean, affordable drinking water continues to be a global challenge. Researchers from University of Texas recently published their results in using natural sunlight and nanotechnology to purify water. In fact, nanomaterials used for water filtration can create solutions for removing a wide range of contaminants from any type of water supply.
- Preserving history: Scientists from Heracles, a European research project, are studying the effects of climate change on ancient monuments around the world. The scientists have developed new mortar to strengthen important structures by adding nano- and microparticles that improve weather resistance and durability to our historic landmarks in changing climates.
Looking for more ways to celebrate nanotechnology?
The National Nanotechnology Initiative plays a critical role in coordinating research, investments and education efforts across the federal government. To celebrate National Nanotechnology Day, the National Nanotechnology Initiative and several schools, labs and organizations nationwide will be holding events to commemorate the date, including a challenge to run a 100 Billion Nanometer Dash (equal to 100 meters) and a series of podcasts featuring stories from the National Nanotechnology Initiative. A full list of events for the date and updates can be found on the official NNI website and on their twitter page, @NNInanonews.
Alongside these efforts, the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Nanotechnology Panel is at the forefront of guiding the responsible development of nanotechnologies domestically and internationally and providing a scientifically sound approach to nanotechnology policy.