Topic: Nanotechnology

About Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscale science and engineering, or the science of things that are incredibly small. Nanotechnology deals in nanometers. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, or 3-5 atoms, wide. Scientists have discovered that many things change how they function or how they act when reduced to such a small size. An appropriate analogy is to picture a person in a sports stadium with 50,000 other people. If that person suddenly were to be left alone in that stadium, he or she certainly would act differently.

In Our Region

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., is a world-renowned leader in nanotechnology research. Its Lehigh Nanotech Network (LNN), a partnership with more than 200 companies, holds workshops, discussion and focus groups, symposia, and tours in order to share ideas and foster collaboration between its members. The network also provides nanotechnology training opportunities for professionals and employment opportunities for students.

How Nano Impacts Us

While nanotechnology is an emerging field, it has impacted our daily lives in a variety of ways, including the creation of stain-resistant clothing materials. It is believed that nanotechnology’s greatest impact may be made in medical sciences.