/r/nanotech

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News & views related to nanotechnology. Latest industry developments, abstract theory, and grey goo horror stories.


The Nanotech Reddit

Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to "nanotech") - the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. The earliest, widespread description of nanotechnology referred to the particular technological goal of precisely manipulating atoms and molecules for fabrication of macroscale products, also now referred to as molecular nanotechnology. A more generalized description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. This definition reflects the fact that quantum mechanical effects are important at this quantum-realm scale, and so the definition shifted from a particular technological goal to a research category inclusive of all types of research and technologies that deal with the special properties of matter that occur below the given size threshold. It is therefore common to see the plural form "nanotechnologies" as well as "nanoscale technologies" to refer to the broad range of research and applications whose common trait is size.

Nanotechnology as defined by size is naturally very broad, including fields of science as diverse as surface science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, microfabrication, etc. The associated research and applications are equally diverse, ranging from extensions of conventional device physics to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, from developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale to direct control of matter on the atomic scale.

Scientists currently debate the future implications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology may be able to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in medicine, electronics, biomaterials and energy production. On the other hand, nanotechnology raises many of the same issues as any new technology, including concerns about the toxicity and environmental impact of nanomaterials, and their potential effects on global economics, as well as speculation about various doomsday scenarios. These concerns have led to a debate among advocacy groups and governments on whether special regulation of nanotechnology is warranted.

Wikipedia: nanotech


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/r/nanotech

14,395 Subscribers

2

How safe is it for absolutely inexperienced students to work with nanoparticles?

Hello all, for context, I am 14 years old working on a research project for academic purposes.

I really don't know about the safety of all this and as I read deeper and deeper, I just get more worried...

We're gonna work with a fume hood and some basic PPE and an N95 respirator. (My teacher said that just wear two N95s). Is that all I need?

The nanoparticles in question are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Thanks.

3 Comments
2024/12/01
14:15 UTC

1

Master's Program Recommendations?

Hello!

Recently graduated with a Biomedical Engineering degree and I'm currently exploring options for a Master's program that focuses on nanotechnology/nanoscience with applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, or renewable energy industries. My ultimate goal is to move into one of these industries through R&D after completing my degree, as I do not currently plan to pursue a PhD.

I'd greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations for universities or specific programs that y'all may know of that align with my interests!

TL;DR: Looking for recommendations for Master's programs known for strong industry connections :)

P.S. For those with experience in these industries, I'd also like to ask if pursuing a Master's in this field is a good choice for someone aiming to work in these industries after grad, or would you recommend focusing on a different discipline?

Thank you for any help!

1 Comment
2024/11/27
21:05 UTC

3

Future of nanobots in living beings

Hey guys!!! So I was just ruminating about biocompatible nanobots. I just wanted to hear about what others think regarding them. How can they be used with living beings? You know, by being injected into their system (assuming they actually bond with them and the immune system doesn't go haywire). What could be the boundaries? What can we achieve within those boundaries? I'm open to any thought. FYI, this isn't regarding any research or else. Just random curiosity. I don't know a whole lot about the nanobots tbh. But if anyone can.

8 Comments
2024/11/25
17:46 UTC

1

Physics or Chemistry? (Masters and PhD in Nano Technology)

I couldn't get into the engineering program, but I have two options: pursuing a special degree in Physics or a special degree in Chemistry (both 4 years). I am interested in fields related to nanotechnology and plan to pursue a Master's and PhD in that area. Which degree would be more suitable for a career in nanotechnology?

5 Comments
2024/11/23
12:58 UTC

1

iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis

i'm trying to make Fe2O3 nps for a science project using the sol gel method, but i'm having trouble and i've read so many journals, but they're all much more complicated than what i'm trying to do, and what i'm capable of. so i've resorted to reddit. does anyone have a method for this ? preferably using NaOH and FeCl3

3 Comments
2024/11/22
22:16 UTC

1

Nanocryotechnology?

Could nanotechnology be used to administer intensive, micro-focused cryotherapy to lesions or cancer cells?

1 Comment
2024/11/20
04:47 UTC

0

I got nano bots inside of me

How can i get rid of them??

16 Comments
2024/11/19
23:17 UTC

0

In theory : if one has silicon nano bots in is body, how can he get rid of them?

Can he drink somthing to kill them? Like borax? Perups mri to disable them?

11 Comments
2024/11/19
19:13 UTC

0

Are we underestimating the risks of uncontrolled nanotechnology development, and should there be a global regulatory framework before it’s too late?

The rapid development of nanotechnology holds promise in medicine, energy, and materials science, but also poses risks like environmental contamination, misuse in weaponry, or unforeseen biohazards. Should we implement a preemptive global regulatory body to oversee nanotech advancements, or would this hinder scientific innovation? How do we balance the potential benefits with the existential risks of unleashing such powerful, poorly understood technologies?

1 Comment
2024/11/19
12:29 UTC

4

Is a Master’s in Nanotechnology a Good Path for a Career? Do I Need a PhD?

I’m passionate about nanotechnology and currently pursuing a degree in physics. I’m considering continuing my studies with a master’s degree in a nanotechnology-related field, but I’m not particularly interested in pursuing a PhD. My goal is to gain expertise in nanotechnology and eventually find a good career with strong income potential.

I’d love to know if this path is realistic and if there are good career options in nanotechnology that don’t require a PhD. I’m also interested in any advice on how to break into the field after completing a master's degree.

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

13 Comments
2024/11/18
14:07 UTC

2

Planning a Master’s Thesis on Quantum Dot Auto-Tuning for Quantum Computers using Physics Informed Neural Networks – Looking to Understand Control and Tuning Process

Hi all! I’m planning my master’s thesis around a project which focuses on using Physics informed Neural Networks to automate control of spin qubits in silicon quantum dot arrays.

The goal is to develop a solution for tuning of charge across many quantum dots (QDs), a crucial step toward scalable quantum computing. I have some basic understanding on how QDs work, quantum confinement and encoding quantum information in the electron spin, but I want to dig deeper into a few specific points:

1-Control Mechanism: How exactly are we controlling the quantum dots? I assume it’s by adjusting gate voltages around each QD, but what’s the full setup like and how are we measuring back the outcome?

2-Tuning Goals: What exactly are we tuning the voltage for? Is it to achieve specific charge or spin states in the QDs, or to stabilize interactions between dots? Or to have a single electron in each QD or to have specific energy levels? I am kind of lost on what the end goal is and why are we doing it.

3-Validation: Once we adjust these parameters, how do we determine that the outcome is "correct" or optimal? Are there specific signals or current-voltage patterns we look for?

Any detailed insights into this process would be amazing. I’m especially interested in how AI models, like Physics-Informed Neural Networks, detect and validate the desired patterns in current-voltage data. Thanks in advance for any guidance or resources you can share!

0 Comments
2024/10/31
10:43 UTC

3

Go Smaller: The History Of Nanotech

0 Comments
2024/10/31
08:33 UTC

3

Metal Gear Solid depicted nanomachines

The Metal Gear Solid video game series depicted nanomachines that were capable of repairing wounds, acting as support to pacemakers etc.

How believable is it that such nanomachines come come into existence in the near future?

1 Comment
2024/10/27
12:50 UTC

5

Career prospects of nanomedicine and bionanotechnology

I wish to pursue MS with a specialization in either bionanotechnology or nanomedicine. I am working as a research intern in a biophysics lab and I have developed a deep interest in drug delivery and nanotech for biomedical applications. I even managed to publish a paper in antimicrobial applications. I am more inclined towards nanomed but I don't want to be in academia for long. I love research but academia doesn't seem my cup of tea so with industrial jobs in mind what are the career prospects for both? Which is better?

Will highly appreciate some insights from people in the biotech or related fields.

Thanks in advance!

0 Comments
2024/10/22
21:54 UTC

0

Could nanotechnology change the brain?

Could nanotechnology change the structure of the brain and its connections?

8 Comments
2024/10/19
14:56 UTC

5

Distrust in nanotechnology.

I have a friend who doesn't trust nanotechnology and says he wouldn't allow a medical treatment based on nanoparticles. What arguments could I use to convince him?

4 Comments
2024/10/17
12:31 UTC

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