Nanotechnology+and+Health

__N ____A ____N ____O ____M ____A ____G By Sean Cooke __ __Article: Nanotechnology and our Health __ A nanometer is one billionth of meter which to put in perspective is one hundred thousandth of the width of human hair. The worlds scientists are challenging themselves to learn more about the materials and properties at nanoscale and discovering how atoms fit together to form larger structures. The potential for nanotechnology and delivery of Cancer treatment will be revolutionary. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science that allows the manipulation of matter at molecular and atomic levels by nanoscale which is on a scale we can’t see using a light microscope. When we manipulate molecules we can make all sorts of different materials with amazing properties. At nanoscale a property can change from semi conductor to conductor and change their magnetism and temperature. Well you may ask how is this going to improve our health. Well doctors are using virus protein casings to deliver minute amounts of drugs to treat cancer. Scientists are manipulating cells and an Australian company has created a biosensor to speed up blood results. Anti cancer drugs will be able to be delivered using nanotechnology delivery vehicles. Nanoparticles are very useful in oncology and one day multifunctional nanoparticles would be able to detect, image and proceed to treat tumours. Hence, nanotechnology offers better prevention tools and better diagnostics through early treatment and reducing the invasiveness and enhancing precision of procedures. Nanoparticles could one day enter cells and interact with our DNA and proteins to identify alterations, shapes and locations; and nanoshells may be used to concentrate the heat from infrared light to destroy cancer without destroying the healthy tissue around it. When nanoparticles are activated by x-rays they generate electrons that destroy cancer cells to which they have attached themselves. Ultimately there needs to be more understanding of nanotechnology and the relationship to our health. There are millions of dollars being poured into product development but insufficient funds are being committed to understanding whether nanomaterials pose a danger to our health. Nanoscale particles produce widely differing properties than they would otherwise perform in bulk form, so some may behave in a toxic way. Some are so small that the blood-brain barrier could be crossed. We need to ensure this new technology doesn’t poison us.

References: [|www.cisncancer.org] [|www.science.org.au] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">[|www.science.howstuffworks.com/what-is-nanotechnology]