NANOTECHNOLOGY : BENEFITS AND THREATS

Nanotechnology : Benefits and Threats

For almost 20 years that nanotechnology prominently in public discourse.
These companies represent a very interesting alternative for humans. They could enable many advances, particularly in the medical field. They embody an idea of progress but we must still point out that nanotechnology is between promises and threats.

To explore this issue:

• A new tool to repair the human brain: the nanotubes
• "A substance that is known to cope with shocks
• The effects of nanotechnology on the environment
• "New prostheses through nanotechnology
• "Nanotechnology at the heart of public debate

1. A new tool to repair the human brain: the nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes could be used to repair brain material.

The study shows that carbon nanotubes are in contact with neuronal cell membranes to create shortcuts that generate neural excitation. This observation raises the hope of using nanotubes to repair certain lesions affecting the nervous system.


2. A substance that is known to cope with shocks
Helmets fighting British troops will soon be equipped. This is a revolutionary gel that hardens instantly on impact, absorbing the transition a lot of energy.

Richard Palmer, head of the laboratory that developed D3O substance, explains: "The freezing works at a molecular level. When they are moved at low speeds, the molecules slide against each other but in case of severe impact, the shaking violently, they cling and "lock", turning the gel into a solid material and absorbing large amounts of energy. " In case of bullet impact, the soldiers are thus effectively protected the head.


3. The effects of nanotechnology on the environment
Researchers studied the impact of nanoparticles used in the field of nanotechnology on the environment.

The goal is to understand and predict the possible effects of nanotechnology on the environment. These new technologies could thus be developed accordingly, in anticipation of possible adverse effects. Among the issues addressed, the study found nanoparticles of aging or degradation of nanomaterials.

4. New dentures through nanotechnology
A process using recent findings conducted in the field of nanotechnology has been used to produce new metal surfaces.

It provides medical implant-quality helping to facilitate healing and acceptance of metallic prostheses in the human body. The results of this study, the surfaces can stimulate cells directly, which eliminates the need to avoid certain drugs and, at the same time, side effects. This innovative approach could ultimately lead to the development of smart materials that not only would be accepted easily by the human body but, again, respond actively to the surrounding biological environment.


5. Heart of public debate
The Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning has set conditions for the development and regulation of nanotechnology in the center of public debate.

This debate is part of the bill on the implementation of the Grenelle Environment. Indeed, nanotechnology issues are very important, particularly in the areas of competitiveness and innovation. However, their effects on the environment raise many questions. The Committee will report to the government after the discussion period to help the state's decisions regarding nanotechnology.