Nanotechnology For Dummies - Softcover

Boysen, Earl; Muir, Nancy C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470891912 ISBN 13: 9780470891919

Publisher: For Dummies, 2011

Synopsis

The bestselling introductory guide on nanotechnology?now revised and updated

The world of nanotechnology is ever changing and evolving; this fun and friendly guide demystifies the topic for anyone interested in how molecule-sized machines and processes affect our everyday lives. The authors begin with explaining the background of nanotechnology and then examine industries that are affected by this technology. Aiming to educate and simultaneously dispel common myths, the book explores the many nanotechnology-enabled consumer products available on the market today, ranging from socks to face lotion to jet skis to floor cleaners, to name a few.

• Serves as a fun and friendly introduction to the fascinating topic of nanotechnology
• Discusses the various issues involving nanotechnology in the areas of environment, medicine, defense, and others
• Provides real-world examples of everyday nanotechnology use such as floor cleaners, flash memory drives, face lotion, computer processors, and more

Written in the accessible, humorous For Dummies style, Nanotechnology For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides an easy-to-understand overview of nanotechnology and its real-world implementation.

About this title

From the Author:

I’m one of the authors for the book and a graduate student at Rice University in Houston, Texas - one of the academic leaders in nanotechnology. Personally, my unique background allows me to speak to a wide audience: my engineering degree has given me insight into transitioning research into practical applications; my Air Force experience has allowed me to understand the needs of our government and military (huge financial backers of university research). Now, while working in the trenches of nanotechnology, I’ve come across a disconnect between this research and the average person. How do we communicate this technology’s importance and potential applications to the business leader, venture capitalist, investor, or entrepreneur to make it widely available in every day uses?

This book does just that by identifying needs and separating science fiction from science fact – dispelling the myths and laying out realistic expectations not only in applications but timeframe as well. We identify three industries: materials, computers, and healthcare. These areas will be greatly affected by nanotechnology and advances in each will continue to feed each other. For example, future nano-scale processor fabrication methods will be used to create unique materials for healthcare applications.

Another "vision" of the authors was to "show" nanotechnology – there are over 100 line art and photos illustrating the science and applications of nanotechnology distinguishing this book from other nano books. This makes it far easier for the average high school student or even baby boomer to pick up and quickly understand this emerging technology and provide them the tools to choose either a career in the sciences or invest in a nano-company stock.

I encourage those interested in this technology, whether it is for shear interest or for business ideas, to closely read this book.

From the Back Cover:

See how nanotechnology is shaping our future and what a difference incredibly tiny particles can make!

Nanotechnology may be both the most promising and the most misunderstood technology in the world today, so you've come to the right place to learn all about it! Here, you can discover not only the concepts behind nanotechnologybut also how it's being applied in the real world. And you'll peek into the future to see some of the things nano can make possible.

• So what is it, exactly? — learn what nanotechnology is, how it has evolved, and how research labs, companies, and governments are using it

• It's everywhere — see how nanotechnology helps make homes stronger, computer processors faster, car batteries more efficient, cleaning products more effective, and tennis balls bouncier

• Really important stuff — discover nanotechnology's many contributions to medicine and energy conservation

• The tricky parts — explore the ethical, regulatory, and safety issues surrounding nanotechnology

• Career opportunities — find out how to make a career of nanotechnology

"Nanotechnology For Dummies, 2nd Edition, guides the reader through a bright path of progress and possibility, on a road that will eventually lead to all that nanotechnology promises."
—Desiree Dudley and Christine Peterson, Foresight Institute From the Foreword

Open the book and find:

• What buckyballs are and why they matter

• How nanowires could put a supercomputer in the palm of your hand

• Why nanocomposites make materials lighter and stronger

• All about high-powered microscopes that allow us to view the world at the nano level

• How nanotechnology can make space travel easier

• How nano can help cure diseases and safely deliver drugs

• Why regulation of nanotechnology is so important

Visit the companion web site at www.dummies.com/go/nanofd2e for nanotechnology news, information, and resources

Learn about:

• Using molecular replicators to build materials atom by atom

• Developing more energy-efficient vehicles

• Improving the environment

• All the ways nanomedicine can help us live longer

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0470891912
• ISBN 13: 9780470891919
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 360