What's the risk of of Nano Technologies

Stronger metals and better sunscreens. That is nano technology. Rebuilding materials to work better. Everything from wind turbines to cell phones to medicine. It's an enabling technology.

And there are few technologies more exciting than this. Here is a science that allows us to manipulate matter on an atomic and molecular scale and as such reaches from physics to self-assembly to new materials.

The ability to create such novel new materials means that Nano future offers the ability to create targeted medicine for Cancer. The ability to take salt water and clean it cheaply and efficiently.

The cons however are that the potential dangers are unknown. Experts will be asking, 'Can the new materials harm people or the environment? Is it dangerous for somebody handling it?'

At present there is no system to evaluate all the risks. It's high-tech but more than we know it. Innovation in nanotech will create greater functionality, efficiency and security in high value product design.

Today's micro and nano-enabled sensors are a key part of many high value product markets. Especially to those in the medical, military and communication sectors. It's a revolution and a powerful driver for the future of manufacturing.

Which is why the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) is dedicated to growth in this sector by helping encourage and support organisations to collaborate and share knowledge with key partners in attractive end user markets to achieve growth of the UK nanotechnology sector.

Dr John Taylor OBE FRS FEng Director-General of the Research Councils says a report entitled ‘New Dimensions for manufacturing - a UK strategy for Nanotechnology’ (Download the report here) makes it quite clear that in order to keep pace with competitor nations we need to recast the scale and nature of our nanotechnology activities. He said: "We need to raise awareness in industry of the enormous potential impact that nanotechnology could have and ensure that investment and action by Government, industry and researchers is fully aligned to maximise the benefit for the UK."

It's an exciting future. To find out more about the Government’s improved strategy go to http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/nano/


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