The Benefits of Two Bio-Metric Technologies - Essay Example

? Na chnology Information Technology (IT) is one field that has gained popularity in recent years. This is basically due to the high public concern on the environment, eco-consciousness growth strategies of business, and the new policy initiative introduction (Berube, 2006). The public conscious concerning the issues of environment have risen with a view to respond to the scientific research and the increasing media reporting on the environmental threats and global warming. In business, the sustainability of the environment is a vital section of the movement to corporate social responsibility. On the side of the policy, laws of environment that are new, targets, and regulations have been set at all governmental levels. Nanotechnology is one such significant technology that has gained popularity following the many advantages associated with its use. This paper seeks to outline the advantages, as well as disadvantages of nanotechnology with a focus on the overriding benefits of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology as used scientifically refers to the engineering of the functional systems at a level of molecular scale (Berube, 2006). Fundamentally, it entails the manipulation of matter at molecular and atomic level. It covers the current concepts, as well as works that are somewhat more advanced. Accordingly to Wade and Baughman (2005) the term nanotechnology was originally used to refer to a projected ability of constructing items from nothing using tools and techniques that are commonly used to come up with complete and high performance products (Murray, 2000). A somewhat more generalized definition of the term nanotechnology was put forward by the National nanotechnology Initiative that defines it as the process of manipulating matter whose dimensional size ranges from 1 to 100 nanometers (Kahn, 2006). As widely cited, nanotechnology is the key for today and the future. It is certainly pivotal in not only in the field of medicine but in various other fields (Kahn, 2006). Nanotechnology is quite diverse and ranges from extensions of certain conventional devices physics to new approaches basing on molecular self assembly, from developing of new materials with dimensions on a nano-scale to direct control of matter on an atomic scale. As widely cited, nanotechnology deals with application in the fields of science at a level of surface science, molecular biology, organic chemistry, micro fabrication, and semiconductor (Prasad, 2008). Nanotechnology just like any other technology, may be used to create new devices and materials with a range of applications such as electronics, energy production, medicine and biomaterials (Prasad, 2008). On a general perspective, nanotechnology has numerous advantages. First, nanotechnology can be useful in revolutionalizing many electronic procedures, products, and applications (Binnig & Rohrer, 1999). There are fields that have benefits from the use of nanotechnology. Among these areas that have benefited from the continued nanotechnology in terms of the electronic products include the nani-diodes, nano-transistors, plasma displays, OLED, and quantum computers among others (Binnig & Rohrer, 1999). Secondly, nanotechnology has contributed heavily towards the development of the sector of energy. The establishment of increased energy absorbing, energy producing, as well as the storage of energy in efficient and smaller devices is possible with the application of this technology (Wade & Baughman, 2005). Items such as fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells could be made effectively reduced so that they appear somewhat small yet they can still be extremely effective with this technology. The sector of manufacturing has been one among the field that has immensely reaped the benefits of nanotechnology (Wade & Baughman, 2005). Another sector that derives notably, this sector requires materials such as aerogels, nano particles, nanotubes, and other related items to give their refined products (Wade & Baughman, 2005). Such materials are normally stronger, lighter, and durable than those given out with the assistance of nanotechnology. In the world of medicine, nanotechnology is a boon given that it helps in establishing whatever is known as smart drugs (Berube, 2006). Through this it cures people fast and does not associate with any side effects that may come about due to traditional drugs. In medicine, nanotechnology focuses on aspects such as bone repair, tissue regeneration, immunity, and cures for these illnesses for purposes of treating diseases such as diabetes, and cancer (Berube, 2006). By and large, in data and computing storage field, nanotechnology is used in developing of processors with durability, high speed, and less energy consumption. Employing a camera and image analysis software, there are computers that have the ability of observing the body language of user (Berube, 2006). Moreover, using proper programming, it is possible to interpret an individual’s posture accurately, restlessness, and many other facial expressions such as grimacing, scowling or smiling (Berube, 2006). Advances in nanotechnology can help provide sensors that have the ability of monitoring breathing rates, heartbeats, blood pressure fluctuations, as well as other subtle changes in the body such as voice infection and skin temperature (Berube, 2006). Given that the human skin can transmit electric signals that can be of use in the transmission, researchers in nanotechnology have been able to develop kinds of computers designed in such a way as they can see and hear the people. It is expected that technology can be used in creating the readily identify whether the users are either in a bad mood or high in spirit. With advancements in nanotechnology, it is becoming possible to come up with equipped computers that can interpret the moods of the user through an input received basing on voice tone, body language, and facial expressions and shall programmed in such a way a to adjust itself through the provision of images that are designed to give feelings of serenity and comfort. By and large, nanotechnology is used in the manufacturing and materials fields in the production of the self heating machines, building of nano scale blocks, as well as other materials without the use of a machine. Moreover, it is used in the production of nanorobots, which is useful in combating cancer cells, and the nanosensors for diagnosis. In the field of transport, nanotechnology is used for producing low fuel consumption and light weight vehicles, and the wear resistance and thermal coating. As if not enough, with its sensor based abilities, nanotechnology gives programmers little problems with the intelligent based activities for instance, in the diagnosing of a medical condition yet with key advancements in the field of nanotechnology, it is still of a problem a computer that can simulate accurately human sight, language, audio functions or motor control. Sensory perceptions and human sensory perceptions have increasingly evolved for many years and the why and how of their operation are difficult to simulate, while areas such as mathematics are taught explicitly and are made to be easier to express in any computer program. Likewise, programmers are working out means through which nanotechnology can be employed into programs expected to accurately determine an individual’s innate wishes concerning resuscitation in case they become ill and not make the decision for themselves (Binnig & Rohrer, 1999). A much as this information can be thought of as being beneficial to the medical teams, there is need for caution to be exercised when allowing a machine to be able to determine matters related to ethics. However, regardless of the type of technology involved, machines might not be well equipped in order for them to differentiate between what is right or wrong. It is worthwhile noting that as a technology, nanotechnology cannot lack its shortcomings. Certainly, there are certainly negative sides of the technology. A noted before, the possible losses of jobs in the manufacturing, as well as in the traditional farming industry is the most outstanding disadvantage (Berube, 2006). The development of this science can cause crashing of some market because of lowering of the value attributed to diamonds, and oil. This occurs following the possibility of coming up with alternative sources of energy that deem more somewhat more efficient and do not require using the fossil fuels. This implies that given that people can develop products at a molecular level, diamonds can end up losing its value provided that it can be mass produced. With the use of nanotechnology, atomic weapons can be more accessible and be made more destructive and more powerful (Murray, 2000). With nanotechnology, the atomic weapons can be more accessible. Moreover, given that the nanotechnology particles are often relatively small, there are problems that can arise from inhaling the minute particles, just like a person getting from inhaling of minute asbestos particles (Murray, 2000). As of present, nanotechnology is relatively expensive and, thus, its development can cost lots of money. By and large, it is quite difficult to manufacture them, which perhaps explains why products made from nanotechnology are somewhat more expensive (Berube, 2006). It is clear from the discussion presented henceforth that nanotechnology is more of a benefit than a disadvantage. It carries with it numerous advantages and provides enough ground to believe that nanotechnology should be encouraged to the later. Its characteristic disadvantages are relatively small as compared to its outstanding benefits. It is, therefore, with enough confidence that nanotechnology comes with relief to the human generation and should be impressed fully. References Berube, D., 2006. Nano-Hype: Truth in the Nanotechnology Buzz. New York: Amherst. Binnig, G & Rohrer, H., 1999. Scanning tunneling microscopy. IBM Journal of Research and Development 29: 6. Murray R, 2000. Advances in the Bacterial Paracrystalline Surface Layers. New York: Johns and sons. Kahn, J., 2006. Nanotechnology. National Geographic: 98–119. Prasad, S., 2008. Modern Concepts in Nanotechnology. London: Discovery Publishing House. Wade, W & Baughman, H., 2005. Retrospective: Nanotechnology: London: Oxford University Press. Read More