Atoms are smaller than a nanometer. One atom measures ~0.1-0.3 nm, depending on the element.

Just how small is “nano?” In the International System of Units, the prefix “nano” means one-billionth, or 10-9; therefore one nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. It’s difficult to imagine just how small that is, so here are some examples: A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.

There are about 20 atoms along this line, so one nanometer is about the width of 2 silicon atoms, and the gate length of a 20nm NAND flash chip would be 40 atoms across.

In semiconductor manufacturing, the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems defines the 5 nm process as the MOSFET technology node following the 7 nm node. The term “5 nanometer” has no relation to any actual physical feature (such as gate length, metal pitch or gate pitch) of the transistors. …

Nanoscience is the study of structures and materials on an ultra-small scale.

Nanotechnology also lowers costs, produces stronger and lighter wind turbines, improves fuel efficiency and, thanks to the thermal insulation of some nanocomponents, can save energy. The properties of some nanomaterials make them ideal for improving early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or cancer.

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the nanometer scale, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.

The primary goal of early nanotechnology is to produce the first nano-sized robot arm (nanobot) capable of manipulating atoms and molecules into a useful product or into copies of itself.

Richard Feynman

Out of three human studies, only one showed a passage of inhaled nanoparticles into the bloodstream. Materials which by themselves are not very harmful could be toxic if they are inhaled in the form of nanoparticles. The effects of inhaled nanoparticles in the body may include lung inflammation and heart problems.

Nanotechnology is already being used to develop many new kinds of batteries that are quicker-charging, more efficient, lighter weight, have a higher power density, and hold electrical charge longer.

Nanotechnology will have significant social impacts in the areas of military applications, intellectual property issues, as well as having an effect on labor and the balance between citizens and governments.

Nanoparticles do hold out much environmental promise. The same reactivity that makes them harmful in the body also means they can break down dangerous chemicals in toxic waste – or anywhere, for that matter. And their use in electronics drastically reduces power demand, which could cut greenhouse gases.

New research by scientists shows that when cellular barriers are exposed to metal nanoparticles, cellular messengers are released that may cause damage to the DNA of developing brain cells. During their interactions with cell membranes and internalisation into cells, key signalling pathways and processes are altered.

Current research shows that nanotechnology might be able to provide more sensitive detection systems for air and water quality monitoring, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters, a real time response capability, simplified operation and lower running costs compared to conventional methods.