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Nanotechnology is an applied science field dealing with the control of matter on a scale smaller than one micrometer. The field draws from a variety of scientific fields including colloidal science, device physics, and supramolecular chemistry. Fans of science fiction are most familiar with nanorobotics as seen in such series as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Stargate SG-1.

Current Applications

• Nanocomposites – materials created through the introduction of nanoparticulates into a macroscopic sample material for the purposes of introducing thermal and electrical conductivity and/or to increase the strength of the material.

• Nanocrystals – nanoparticles with a crystalline structure ideal for harvesting light energy in photovoltaic devices.

• Nanoparticles – microscopic particles used in the creation of common items as stain-proof fabrics, sunscreens, paints, and synthetic bone.

• Nanotubes – nanometer scale wire-like material typically composed of Carbon.

• Nanocatalysts

• Nanorobots – nano-scale machines programmed to perform specific tasks. Nanorobots may one day peform the functions of antibodies and cellular repair.

Nanotechnology in Fiction

SF Literature

• Jeffrey A. Carver's From a Changeling Star (1989) featured intelligent medical nanobots called "NAGs."

Television and Film

• Star Trek Universe
  • Nanoprobes – technological devices most used by the Borg as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager

• Stargate universe
  • Replicators – self-replicating machines seen in Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis
  • Nanites – devices created by the Goa'uld Pelos to speed the aging process in humans. Similar technology was used by Orbanians to pass on knowledge.
• Outer Limits – in the episode "The New Breed", a terminally ill man uses nanoprobes to heal himself and develops superhuman abilities.
• T-1000 – advanced Terminator from the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day made out of a mimetic polyalloy.
• Hulk – in the film, Bruce Banner's DNA is mutated by nanomeds nanorobots
• Jake 2.0 – in the Television series, Jake acquires the power to control computerized devices due to an accident with nanotechnology.
• The X-Files (TV series) In the episode "S.R. 819, Walter Skinner is infected with nanotechnological devices designed to kill.

External Links

• Nonotechnology Now
• nanotechnology - nanorobots
• NANOROBOTS: MEDICINE OF THE FUTURE
• Whatis.com - nanorobots
• Wisegeek – What are Nanorobots?

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