How did you become interested in nanotechnology? Did you have an epiphany, or did your interest gradually grow?

RR: I have been an avid reader of science fiction and techno-fiction since the age of 8 (several decades ago).  Along with the sci-fi I also read every technology magazine that I could get my hands on, and still do today.  So I’ve been a technology fan for over 35 years, and still get excited when someone or some company talks about advanced tech.

As a nanotechnologist, what are some of your experiences and what is the best part of the job?

RR: Probably better to call me a “nano-enthusiast” as I have no formal scientific training.  As such, however, the best part of my job is being able to talk to those who do have formal training, or are professionals in their fields. I learn something new every day, which I find encouraging.

How would you explain the field of nanotechnology to students who are in the middle schools? 

RR: As I would with anyone not familiar with it, by explaining that nanotechnology is simply applying the laws that apply at the nanoscale, to create novel materials and devices. At the nanoscale, many of the laws of physics are different. These laws are called Quantum Physics, and we’re still learning new “rules of the road” every day.

How can children learn about nanotechnology in a way that will make sense to them (because the field is so complex)? What sources can you suggest for students to use to further their learning about nanotechnology and possible careers in that field?

RR: Start with studying the hard sciences – they all (one way or another) will help students learn about nanotechnology.  Nanotechnology encompasses all the sciences, so those who cast their education net far and wide will be better prepared when it comes to nanoscale science.

Which institutions or research groups (or even companies) can you recommend to help students and teachers learn about nanotechnology?

RR: Our Academic Directory contains information about the universities that have one or more “nano” programs (To-date there are 369 programs listed – a number that grows virtually every day).  Also seen there is a list titled “Want to study nanotechnology?” which contains links to several very good resources.

What is your favorite aspect of nanotechnology and how do you hope nanotechnology will be used?

RR: My favorite aspect of nanotechnology is it’s potential to create a world of abundance where no one is lacking for their basic needs. Those needs include adequate food, safe water, a clean environment, housing, medical care, education, public safety, fair labor, unrestricted travel, artistic expression and freedom from fear and oppression.  See our Ethics page for more http://nanotech-now.com/ethics-of-nanotechnology.htm

Could you give some examples (such as in the medical field, biological research, space research, robotics) of the potential that nanotechnology has to make a positive difference in people’s lives?

RR: I believe Dr. K. Eric Drexler sums it up best.  Paraphrasing him, I created the following list:

 

# Nearly free consumer products

# PC's billions of times faster then today

# Safe and affordable space travel

# Virtual end to illness, aging, death

# No more pollution and automatic cleanup of existing pollution

# End of famine and starvation

# Superior education for every child on Earth

# Reintroduction of many extinct plants and animals

# Terraforming Earth and the Solar System

There are commercial aspects to nanotechnology, as seen by “nanocare” textiles that make it hard to stain clothing. What are other areas in which nanotechnology can contribute to lives?

RR: Take a look at the ways it is doing that now.  From “plastic nanocomposites used for step assists in the GM Safari and Astro Vans” to “sunscreens utilizing nanoparticles that are extremely effective at absorbing light, especially in the ultra-violet (UV) range.” There are a great many current uses, mostly in the materials arena.  See http://nanotech-now.com/current-uses.htm for more.

Who do you think is the most credited for discovering and using nanotechnology?

RR: Dr. K. Eric Drexler, of the Foresight Institute.  He’s often cited as the “father of nanotechologny.” Beyond that, he’s also the most deserving, owing to his many books, speeches and educational efforts.

What is the importance of nanotechnology to future research, as you would like to see the field develop?

RR: Our understanding of the laws that apply to the nanoscale will impact everything we do, buy, and use, and sooner rather than later. 

 

We are partners with Cientifica on the NanoWater project (see http://nanowater.org/).  To quote the NanoWater project mission statement “NanoWater was created to focus the attention of the nanotechnology community on the potential of technology to change the world for good.” We would like to positively impact the lives of the millions who don’t have ready access to something we here in America (and our neighbors in Europe) generally take for granted.

The field of nanotechnology is changing so fast. How do you keep up with it?

RR: Read, read, read. And read some more. Then go back and reread those things that I didn’t fully grasp the first time. Then ask questions of the experts. Mostly what’s changing is our understanding of how things work at the nanoscale. 

What is the hottest product in nanotechnology so far?

RR: What gets the most press? Sunscreens that use nanoscale titanium dioxide particles, and stain-resistant pants and shirts.  Pretty mundane stuff! 

We are a world becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues.   Because nanotechnology involves working with very small units, what are some of the concerns those developing the field should explain in terms of environmental awareness?   How can the field be developed in an environmentally friendly way?

RR: Contrary to the scary stories that we occasionally read in the press, the same folks who are developing products based on “nanotechnology” are fully aware of the potential environmental impacts, now more so than ever (following the GMO debacle). Let me stress that the most notorious articles about “dangerous nanotechnology” were put into context by Howard Lovy, in two articles titled “Nanotubes and the tale of the rats” and “Nano is a concept by which we measure our pain.” See http://nanobot.blogspot.com/2004/01/nanotubes-and-tale-of-rats.html and http://nanobot.blogspot.com/2004/03/nano-is-concept-by-which-we-measure.html 

How may nanotechnology effect energy production?

RR: We are well on our way to perfecting several ways in which “nanotechnology” will effect energy production.  There are efforts underway now that could produce exceptionally cheap solar cells, hydrogen reformers, and fuel cells, any one of which could spell an end to our dependence on oil and coal, and do so with minimal to no environmental impact.

SARS, HIV and other virus confused many scientists. Many people have been infected and killed. Could nanotechnology be a solution to this unsolved problem?

RR: The same “nanotechnology” that is being used to locate and kill cancer cells may one day be applied to viruses and other diseases.  See my article in our Best of 2003, titled "Imagine if cancer could become trivial." and located http://nanotech-now.com/2003-Awards/Best-Discoveries-2003.htm 

Since there are worries that nanoparticles may destroy living cells as well as other body organs, can it be avoided?

RR: Keep in mind that currently there is no “nanotechnology” that relies on nanoparticles that are scattered willy-nilly, where some unsuspecting individual could wander through them and inhale or ingest them. We may see applications, such as soil remediation, where we’ll see nanoparticles being used in quantities that – if inhaled or ingested – could cause problems.  However, you can bet your bottom dollar that the businesses that produce them will have devised ways to minimize the potential for that scenario.

 

In the situations where nanoparticles are purposefully used to diagnose and/or treat disease, they will have been vetted six ways to Christmas, and will have had to pass standard tests required by various government health organizations. Also, keep in mind that there are now nanoparticles used in sunscreens and cosmetics, with no apparent ill effects.  

What role do you think nanotechnology might have in space exploration, if at all?

RR: The Space Elevator comes readily to mind. I’ll be writing about it for our next monthly report.  In a nutshell, the Space Elevator concept relies on our being able to create carbon nanotubes in continuous lengths, which we are on our way to doing.

 

Current costs to send a pound of anything into space are around $10,000. Cost of putting same pound into space with elevator - $100.