|
Although nanotechnology is a relatively new research area mankind is already reaping its rewards. Nanotechnologies are currently emerging that will change our lives in unforeseeable ways in the coming decades, and the range of possible future applications is constantly growing. Nanotechnologies are set to yield the next generation of microelectronics to meet the ever-growing demand for smaller and smaller electronic devices. Novel drug delivery systems are anticipated, which can deliver medication directly to the source of pain or illness. Other potential applications range from medical imaging techniques and prosthetics to computer memory and fuel cells
Nanotechnology is already being used in products all around us. Today most computer hard drives contain giant magnetoresistance (GMR) heads that, through nanothin layers of magnetic materials, allow for an order of magnitude increase in storage capacity.
Players such as Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington use nanotechnology enhanced golf clubs. Golf clubs made from nanocomposite materials containing nanocarbon and nanotitanium give low density and high strength thus improving performance of the player. The club will hit the ball further and straighter.
A well known manufacturer of anti-aging creams has developed a cream containing liposomes, i.e. nanospheres, containing an anti-aging product (pro-retinal A in this case), that can penetrate deep into the epidermis and release the anti-aging product. A similar technique is being developed in medicine where active agents are trapped in a nanopore e.g. drug delivery creams.
Clothing containing a nanocomposite material that is stain and wrinkle resistant is already in the shops.
Bandages are in use that contain an antimicrobial barrier dressing. The dressing utilises nanocrystals of silver. This increases their surface area making them more effective. They can be used to treat burns and wounds of medical and military interest.
CRANN - Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices
is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in nanoscience research based in Trinity College Dublin The Centre already has 80 researchers working on the latest nanoscience research who are due to move to a purpose built research facility in Trinity in early 2007. It will have world-class facilities to house the activities of over 120 scientists, with ultra-low vibration laboratories to allow highly sensitive measurements of nanoscale structures, and state-of-the-art clean rooms where even particles of dusts are carefully filtered out to allow high-purity fabrication of these tiny objects. CRANN is set to put Ireland on the map as a global player in this revolutionary new field by combining its scientific excellence with the support of Science Foundation Ireland and TCD, the expertise of INTEL Ireland, Hewlett-Packard Manufacturing Ltd. and other industrial partners, and the private philanthropic interest of Dr. Martin Naughton.
The possibilities of jobs in nanotechnology are endless if you consider the vast range of applications already being pursued by industry. The only requirements are a curiosity about how the world works and a science or engineering qualification. CRANN researchers helped in the making of NanoQuest. To find out more about the research conducted in CRANN go to their website. Back
|
