Table of contentsNanotechnology in defense: applications under developmentNanotechnology in cancer treatmentApplications of nanoparticles in medicineApplications of nanoparticles in manufacturing and materialsNanotechnology consumer productsApplications of nanoparticles and the environment Nanotechnology in Defense: Applications Under Development The Soldier Nanotechnology Institute (SNI) is in the business of developing and exploiting nanotechnology to help soldiers survive in combat conditions. A nano-combat armor is under development. It could be as thin as spandex and contain health monitors and communications equipment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get the original essay Nanomaterials can also provide strength that far surpasses currently available materials, providing much more effective protection against bullets. These suit-style outfits might even be able to respond to and stop biological and chemical attacks. This protection and these devices would be integrated into a single suit which would be more effective and lighter than current packs. The U.S. Army's Natick Soldier Systems Center has released a white paper that explains how nanotechnology can be used in the "Future Soldier Initiative." Researchers have worked on planes that bring their wings together for high-speed flight and extend their wings to provide more lift for takeoff and landing. Unfortunately, the hinges that allow the wings to swing add weight, so researchers are developing materials that will only need an electrical voltage to change the shape of airplane wings and other structures. NASA has developed a carbon nanotube-polymer composite that bends when voltage is applied. A Mission Adaptive Rotor program focuses on improving the performance of helicopter rotors. Rotors capable of transforming would last longer and offer improved performance. These improvements come in part from a reduction in rotor vibration. Improving performance involves increasing the weight the helicopter can carry and extending its range. Shapeshifting isn't limited to the sky. The Transformer vehicle developed by DARPA can travel on roads but is also capable of vertical takeoff and landing. The vehicle's body could transform to grow wings or pull them inward depending on whether the vehicle is on land or at altitude. When military personnel move around TX, they could use their ability to fly to navigate around obstacles, cross rugged terrain, and avoid landmines or ambushes, all while retaining the ability to drive on roads. Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment The use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment offers exciting possibilities, including the ability to destroy cancerous tumors with minimal damage to healthy tissues and organs, as well as detection and elimination cancer cells before they form tumors. Most efforts to improve cancer treatment through nanotechnology are research or development. scene. However, efforts to make these treatments a reality are highly focused. For example, the Cancer Nanotechnology Alliance, created by the US National Cancer Institute, encourages innovation and collaborationbetween researchers to resolve some of the major challenges related to the application of nanotechnology to cancer. Additionally, many universities and companies around the world are working in this field. It is possible that these efforts will result in the virtual elimination of cancer within a decade, in the same way that vaccines nearly eliminated smallpox in the last century. Applications of nanoparticles in medicine Using polymeric micelle nanoparticles to deliver drugs to tumors. The use of polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles to break up clumps of bacteria, potentially enabling more effective treatment of chronic bacterial infections. Changing the surface of protein-filled nanoparticles has been shown to affect the ability of the nanoparticle to stimulate immune responses. Researchers believe these nanoparticles could be used in inhalable vaccines. Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated that cerium oxide nanoparticles act as an antioxidant to scavenge oxygen free radicals present in a patient's blood following a traumatic injury. The nanoparticles absorb oxygen free radicals and then release the oxygen in a less dangerous state, freeing the nanoparticles to absorb more free radicals. Researchers are developing ways to use carbon nanoparticles called nanodiamonds in medical applications. For example, nanodiamonds with protein molecules attached can be used to increase bone growth around dental or joint implants. Researchers are testing the use of chemotherapy drugs linked to nanodiamonds to treat brain tumors. Other researchers are testing the use of chemotherapy drugs attached to nanodiamonds to treat leukemia.Applications of Nanoparticles in Manufacturing and MaterialsCeramic silicon carbide nanoparticles dispersed in magnesium produce a strong, lightweight material. Synthetic skin, which can be used in prosthetics, has been shown to have both self-healing ability and the ability to sense pressure. The material is a composite of nickel nanoparticles and a polymer. If the material is held together after a cut, it seals in about 30 minutes, giving it self-healing ability. Additionally, the electrical resistance of the material changes with pressure, giving it a sensory capability similar to touch. Silicate nanoparticles can be used to provide a barrier to gases (e.g. oxygen) or moisture in plastic film used for packaging. This could slow down the process of food spoiling or drying out. Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be dispersed in industrial coatings to protect wood, plastic and textiles from exposure to UV rays. Crystalline silicon dioxide nanoparticles can be used to fill gaps between carbon fibers, thereby strengthening tennis rackets. Silver nanoparticles present in the fabric are used to kill bacteria, thereby making clothing odor resistant. Nanotechnology Consumer Products Nano has already found its way into many products you use every day, from clothing to tennis rackets. In fact, if you walk around your house, you'll probably find dozens of products made using some sort of nanotechnology. A nanoporous material called airgel that is an excellent insulator, for example to insulate the walls of your house, would only need about a third of the thickness if..