The National Institute for Nanotechnology has opened in Edmonton this week, providing Canada with state-of-the-art facilities in what is a fascinating field.
Nanotechnology deals with measurements that are beyond my imagination -- 1/100,000 of the width of a hair -- and involves the manipulation of material at the molecular and atomic level. I have a hard enough time visualizing measurements like 1/100 of a second or 1/1,000 of an inch. It boggles the mind to consider even smaller measurements.
The applications are potentially world-changing. Imagine conducting surgery at a molecular level! Or what about increasing the capabilities and reducing the size of electronic components? How about creating light-weight bullet-proof clothing with the ability to change colours like a chameleon? It is all theoretically possible with nanotechnology.
I am looking forward to see how the new National Institute influences scientific discoveries.
