Introduction:

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Description of the technology and explanation of the associated science (Chris) So what is nanotechnology? Webster dictionary defines nanotechnology as the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular level. Basically nanotechnology is the study and application of matter on the atomic level between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. To get an understanding of how small this is, an atom has a diameter of about 0.1nm and the nucleus of an atom is much smaller, about 0.00001nm. Nanotechnology is the science that is used to rearrange molecules on the atomic level so that each atom is essentially put in the most efficient place. This is best clarified by Dr. Ralph Merkle, Ph. D., of the Georgia Institute of Technology in this way: “Manufactured products are made from atoms, and the properties of those products depend on how those atoms are arranged. If we rearrange the atoms in coal, we can make diamond. If we rearrange the atoms in sand and add a few other trace elements, we can make computer chips. If we rearrange the atoms in dirt, water, and air, we can make potatoes” (Ghadar & Spindler). Biologist, chemists, physicists and engineers are involved in studying substances at the nano-scale, thus making nanotechnology an interdisciplinary field of science (Bonsor & Strikland). Scientists are creating new materials by manipulating molecules at the atomic level. Nanosize super particles exhibit powerful and unparalleled electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties (Holley). Past technological revolutions, such as water power, internal combustion power, and electrical power has transformed society and affected our economy in the past. The science of nanotechnology represents a more potential power than the previous technologies combined.
Historical development and context of the technology (Chris) Some individuals might say that they history nanotechnology began in the 1980s to 1990s, while some individuals say that the history of nanotechnology is dated back to 1959. It can also be argued by historians and some scientists that nanotechnology can be dated back to the 4th century. There is evidence that gold nanoparticles were used in coloring glass in medieval times and possible used even during the Roman Empire to make goblets translucent when lit under a light. For the sake of argument we will discuss the history of nanotechnology beginning in 1959 with Richard Feynmen. Many regard this as the beginning of nanotechnology. In his speech, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom”, Feynmen suggests that is a possibility for scientist to control and manipulate individual atoms and molecules (History of Nanotechnology). This statement was the foreshadowing of nanotechnology. The term nanotechnology was not coined by Richard Feynmen in his speech but by Tokyo Science University Professor Norio Taniguchi in 1974. Professor Taniguchi used the suggested the word to describe the technology that would strive for accuracy at the level of about one nanometer. Another breakthrough happened in the late 1970’s, by M.I.T undergraduate Eric Drexler. He popularized the word “nanotechnology” by talking about building machines on the scale of molecules. This talk brought up the more radical form of nanotechnology, called Molecular Manufacturing. Drexler describes molecular manufacturing as the production of complex structures through a non-biological assembler, by using a sequence of chemical reactions (Drexler). The application of nanotechnology has a far reaching impact to the scientific community. Biologist, chemists, physicists and engineers are involved in studying substances at the nano-scale trying to make improvements in some of our daily products. With the advancement in nanotechnology, the science of medicine has been provided a great opportunity for advancement in areas such as cancer diagnostics, imaging, and drug delivery. These advancements have led.... to the potential application of nanotechnology use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. By using nanotechnology, you can use nanoparticles to not only increase the dose of a therapeutic drug or imaging contract used in treatment and diagnostic, but it also can be modified for target selectivity toward a tumor cell to increase the image resolution of the cell and also reduce off target toxicities associated with the treatment such as chemotherapy. Nanotechnology has also impacted the information technology field. With nanotechnology, companies in the IT field are able to create smaller, faster processors and plasma displays.
Political and legal influences (Karen)

Economic questions and considerations (Ana)

Psychological considerations and considerations (Amiley)

The technology in its cultural context, media influence (Chris) The effect that popular culture has had in the communication and understanding of the science of nanotechnology have been going on for decades. In 1966, the film Fantastic Voyage, displayed the use of nanotechnology. The film depicted the miniaturization of a ship that could be injected into the human blood system. There are other shows from different decades that show the use of nanotechnology. In the 1970s the TV show, The Six Million Dollar Man or Dr. Who, depicted the use of nanotechnology. There are even more evidence of the use of nanotechnology in current times, such as the movies Minority Report, I Robot, and GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra. Not only is it just TV shows and movies that depict the use of nanotechnology, but Japanese animation also has animation series that show the use of nanotechnology. The anime series, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the plot of the anime revolves around the use of nanotechnology as a treatement against complex disease after undergoing cyberization. This is not the only anime that revolves around nanotechnology, another series is Trinity Blood. The main characterof this series, Abel Nighroad, is injected with an alien nanomachine found on Mars.. These nanomachines are known as Krusnik nanomachines, and feed on the cells of vampires. There are also many books that depict the use of nanotechnology. The most prevalent one to reach mainstream audience is Prey, by Michael Crichton. Another book that show the use of nanotechnology is J.C. Lansing’s novel, The Book of Kur. In this novel depicts the rebuilding of the world with the use of nanobots. Not only is nanotechnology depicted in books, but they are also shown in comics and manga such as Kishiro Yukito’s Battle Angel Alita.
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Implications for the environment (Terri)

Moral and ethical implications (Karen)

III. Conclusion: