Imagine taking your personal computer with you in your contact lenses, or charging your iPod simply by walking to work. In a world where we incorporate technology into almost every aspect of our lives, the limits are boundless; as our devices becomes smaller and smaller, nanotechnology begins to take flight.

This emerging field of study could also revolutionize medicine. Nano-submarines could traverse arteries and clean out cholesterol, while tiny nanotubes could deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to cancer cells. Nano-machines could repair damaged nerves; possibly restoring functionality to a paralyzed limb. The possibilities of nanotechnology are incredible and only limited by our imagination. This is an area of research that deserves much greater attention; even though it is new, some researchers speculate that it could usher in a new age of technology similar to when computers hit the spotlight.

Although it may take a few decades for us to truly utilize the potential of nanotechnology, research is already underway, as the examples I listed are amplifications of technologies already being developed. No, nanotechnology will most likely not lead to some sort of environmental catastrophe (a recent topic of terrorism in Mexico), given we don’t try to cause one. I encourage everyone to educate themselves further; a simple Google search will do, about the prospects of nanotechnology for we need to start thinking “smaller” as we prepare for nanotechnology to change our lives.

Benjamin Rehl

Prince George