With nanotechnology, new materials for construction with,
for example, desired strength, elasticity, and ability to reflect or absorb
light and heat could be developed. Some nanomaterials are already being used in
treating diseases, reducing waste, environmental clean-up, and even to improve
the taste of food and drinks. Nanotechnology allows production of extremely
small in size devices, for example heat sensors, cameras, and microphones that
are helpful in manufacturing processes, rescue operations, and communications.
Although the use of materials and devices created with
the aid of nanotechnology is without doubt beneficial, use of many of them
generates controversies too. Nano cameras, for example, are very beneficial
during medical procedures. Nano cameras and tiny microphones might be also used
for unwanted monitoring or surveillance, invading people’s privacy. Carbon
nanotubes are used, for example, as coating on military equipment, weapons, and
soldiers’
protective gear because they are radar-absorbent. The
coating prevents the equipment from being detected by radars and metal
detectors of the enemy. Unfortunately, terrorists might use this technology too
to sneak through security gates at airports with their weapons undetected.
Consequently, for security reasons, we all might become subjects of very
extensive personal search, the procedure that, as many already argue, disagrees
with our rights of privacy.
Every revolutionary discovery is associated with controversies
and the discovery of nanomaterials seems to follow the pattern. The use of
nanomaterials and nanotechnology has pros and cons. The question is:
should we continue with research and development of new
nanomaterials knowing that there are also unwanted consequences associated with
it?
What do you think?
I would have to say yes to this question. We should never be afraid of progress. With any new advancement in science there comes both risk and rewards, but if we become too afraid of the risks then we will never be able to make new discovers.
ReplyDeleteI think the risk of terrorist obtaining nano materials is very low for the time being. Most terrorist organizations rely on technologies that are several generations older then current technology. By the time terrorist get there hands on effective radar defeating nano materials radar as we know it will most likely be an obsolete technology.
The real issue I see with nano materials come from the consequences no one can predict like what effects they will have on the environment. Since these compounds don't exits in nature it is hard to predict what effect they will have on natural processes.
It will take time to assess the scale of the eventual negative effects of the use of nanomaterials on the environment. There are already more concerns related to the use of nanomaterials that should be addressed. In fact, I submitted my “HEALTH and NANOMATERIALS” entry blog to Professor Folz to be posted.
DeleteLike you mentioned, most all new technologies and innovations have unwanted consequences associated with them. That is why innovation is only for the bold, critics and contradictions will always be the loudest. If we fail to move forward with innovation because we are scared of the consequences, how would we ever advance as a society and species? Most of the advanced nanomaterials that you spoke of are too advanced and too costly for a terrorist organization to get their hands on. We are also doing a better job as a nation in protecting our own creations that might pose a security risk if they were to ever fall in the wrong hands. This is a partial result from the former Soviet Union and its mishandling of decommissioned nuclear material because we have found out what a pain it is to track down all the missing material and make sure it is not in improper hands.
ReplyDeleteThe advances in technology improved human life for ages. We cannot give up on research and development of new materials. I agree that the issue related to it is the improvement of security. Nanomaterials, the new generation of materials, are the subject of concerns in several areas. Security of their use is one of them. I think, it is beneficial to us to be aware now of any possible unwanted consequences of the use of nanomaterials. It will allow us to take precautionary actions ahead of time to assure our safety.
DeleteI agree with Tyler. We must keep in mind that nanotechnology has more potential pros than cons. Doctors are researching nanotechnology to possibly cure cancer. If this succeeds, then more lives will be saved. This outweighs an improbable terrorist attack. Keep in mind that terrorism has always been around and every scientific discovery can be exploited for the wrong reason. However, as history has shown us, most advancements have done more good than harm.
DeleteYes, we should continue with our research and development in nanotechnology. I say this because we live in the age of innovation, think of all the incredible technology that has been created in the last five years alone. We are creating new technology at and exponential rate. Although with this technology there is a new threat with terrorists, but by the time they get this technology won't we already have a newer product to detect or null their advance? Its a race in the world around us and i believe that we are well ahead of all terrorist groups that, thus we should stay the course.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely should proceed with the development of new materials. Moreover, with decreasing availability of natural resources, we will need new materials, including nanomaterials, more than ever. They will become the foundation of the majority of the manufacturing processes very soon. The radar-absorbent coating is manufactured largely for the use on military equipment. Strict safety regulations should eliminate the chances of leaking of the material into unwanted hands to the very slim margin. Just in case the terrorists will come up with their own untraceable material, we have to, as you said, come up with the devices that will detect undetectable.
DeleteWith every new technology, comes new dangers. Pretty much any useful technology can be used in both good ways and bad. If we stop innovating because of the fear that it may get in to the wrong hands or be used in the wrong way, then we will never make any progress. As far as the fear of it getting in to the hands terrorists goes, "bad people" can develop new technology as well. If we stop innovating, what's to keep us from falling behind?
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DeleteThere is always a chance that the same/similar discovery will be made in different parts of the world at
Deletethe same time. I think, we are ahead of others in our research and we will be able to come up with a
system or device that will detect foreign undetectable materials. We have to be more vigilant of our
surroundings to avoid unwanted actions. Benefits of using Nano devices and nanomaterials are too
great to stop the research and their development.
We should continue with research in nanotechnology. I believe this is one of the breakthroughs of our time. Nanotechnology has a very wide range of uses making it a very lucrative product to engineer. I agree with all four posts.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading a while back of VT doing research with microfluidics and the ability to isolate blood and analyze its different components within minutes. I dont remember specifically how it worked but it made blood work much more efficient than taking samples in a lab, centrifuging and isolating the plasma, running it through a series of chemical drop tests and waiting on the results. If I find the link I will post it.
This is a very interesting article. The nano-related research can really help cancer patients in a near future.
DeleteThis new microfluidic device is very promising as “the researchers are able to selectively isolate a
targeted cell type and let the others float by.” It gives hope for those who suffer. This is an example that
the innovation and research should continue.
This is one of the description. It's called "Lab-on-a-chip"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.eng.vt.edu/news/advances-cancer-detection-research-virginia-tech-engineer-featured-british-magazine
I think that the research on nanotechnology should continue regardless of how it can be used. Just because someone can take advantage of it, doesn't mean that there isn't a way to figure out how to remove that advantage.
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