Over the years, there have been revolutionary innovations in the field of science, mainly regarding medicine. These innovations have mainly been possible due to advanced technology in the past decade. These advancements, which were made easy for everyone, have raised their needs and requirements. One such area is Nanotechnology, which has raised its awareness to a global reach and made medical surgeries and treatments go smoothly.
Nano-medicine carries a small part in the broad scope of nanotechnology. It primarily refers to manipulating atomic matter, mainly molecules at a nanoscale, to repair specific human cells or to develop them into much better working factors. Today, it promises to provide small solutions to big problems in this field and expand the scope of believing and trusting scientific interventions. Currently, 80% of winning possibilities for cancer treatments or other rare medical surgeries have a positive outcome. In addition, it also helps in other essential medical areas like diagnosis, disease monitoring, vaccine development, etc.
The emergence of nanomedicine has proved beneficial in today’s era, but its history dates back to a mere turn in this century, with very few research publications available until 2005. As every technological advancement has its own more significant financial needs, this new process in the medical field has been gaining recognition and understanding of its importance over blunt macro solutions. As complex and hefty as the macro level sounds, nanotechnology has gained positive fame at the nanoscale, developing new processes and widening the scope of monitoring and detecting medicinal problems for the betterment of everyone.
Leaving aside the usual lousy information the internet already provides, here are some interesting facts you need to know to explore the minuscule world of nanotechnology.
History from over 1000 years
Founded by the American physicist Richard Feynman, this concept went global when he first discussed it during ‘There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom.’ Little did he know he was making history with every word he recited.
How mere building blocks can be a huge benefit
The possibility of this process at a small-functioning scale hides the fact that one nanometre (nm) is just one billionth, or 10 to the power of 9, of a meter.
Drug delivery made easy
The possibility of delivering and passing on specific relevant drugs from one cell to another would sound absurd to a scientist in the last century, but nanotechnology, with the use of nanoparticles, has made this seem quite usual today.
Infected mice used for lab-rat experiments to treat cancerous cells and paralysis
Two forms of nanoparticles have already been tried and tested, one for paralysis with a confirmed positive result of the paralyzed mice walking again, whilst the cancer experiment also gained a positive response, with injectable nano molecules delivering positive cancer therapy. They are awaiting human trials to confirm the procedure and declare it as a final treatment worldwide.
Recent studies prove nano molecules in household tools can be lethal
Consumption or utilizing nanoparticles in high amounts, like using homely goods daily, can lead to developing fatal symptoms. Research has even proved this by studying fish, which found tiny matter dangerous as it can damage nerve cells and develop holes in your brain.
Therapeutic encasements to provide side-effects-free nano cancer treatment
The use of drugs in medical services is way different than the general term, but this system with nano-tech coated matter will guide the drugs efficiently to harmed cancer cells and help cure them.
The fear the word ‘cancer’ instigates in people is no news to anyone, and the possibility of your loved one being saved from this deadly disease is nothing but reassuring and a moment to be grateful for.
Breathe air
Inhaling nanoparticles could cause airborne and pulmonary diseases like fibrosis, breathing issues, etc. This could easily affect asthma patients, as they are prone to such issues, creating a huge problem to deal with in the long run.
Metamorphosis of nanotechnology in medical services
Misdiagnosis can cause misconceptions, hence why people prefer second opinions, losing trust and faith in medicine professionals, even for far common diseases like disease, which affects over 450 lakh people worldwide. Whilst there are many methods available to diagnose beforehand and treat later, a small problem along the way can still be challenging. One example is its glucose monitor, which is painful and time-consuming.
Therefore, the growth of nanobots has been escalating, as they are advanced methods to detect and repair such damages and infections, which are rather ingestible and do their job conveniently.
Smart pills, living up to its name
Data collected by this pill is one of its functions, using nanoscale sensors developed to fix or detect the problem, depending on the disease. The intelligent term refers to how it can detect the disease in advance and prevent further procedures.
Band aids to treat internal wounds?
These wearable bands infused with nanotechnology are now available for disease prevention. Reportedly, these bandages contain growth hormones, blood-clotting agents, and, more importantly, sense pathogens and release antibiotics. Being sustainable and eco-friendly makes them wearable for a longer period.
The rich bags the medal
Nanotechnology has made its name around the world, especially in the medical field, thanks to the physicist Feynman, who laid the conceptual foundation easily in 1959. But again, as history has stated, every innovation has been done by the Americans or British, even while many have stolen the credit from Asian minds. No one bats an eye.
For example, many developed countries have earned their titles in nanotechnology techniques, and the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has already laid its expertise over the first generation of cancer drugs delivered via nanoparticles.
Many emerging Asian economies, such as Iran, Brazil, India, Singapore, etc., are conducting further research on nanotechnology, but the problem occurs when the government needs to manage short-term financial aid as well as long-term financial investment.
Statistics mapping around the developing countries show China topping the list with the most research, with Bangladesh being the least developed country to have an interest in this technology.
Conclusion
While every country aims to provide its citizens with the utmost facilities not only for the sake of it but also for the betterment of the nation, healthcare facilities top the chart. Better the healthcare, better the country’s reputation. While healthcare gains the trust and faith of its own citizens, it also attracts outsiders, facilitating tourism, education, residential claims, etc.
Science is a vast topic yet to be explored thoroughly. Just like the depth of an ocean, it can lead to some eerily fascinating knowledge day by day. Likewise, nanotechnology has had its successes and losses along the way, but as promising and exciting as it seems, it scratches the surface as we move further.
This advancement requires the right team of people to navigate and research accurately to create final logical solutions. That is when all the efforts and funds are worth the research and losses. All factors, such as the legal, ethical, and environmental issues it may concern, must be considered.
As far as the glimpse of the scientific world goes, the citizen’s perspective plays an equal role. As invisible as the technology is, ethical concerns like privacy invasion arise to carry out these procedures, which may lead to many social problems.
FAQ
- Basic insight into nanotechnology
As simple as it is, it refers to solutions created to solve miniscule problems in the fields of medicine and health.
- Will nanotechnology make energy cheaper and cleaner?
Nanotechnology can lead to efficient energy usage in the long term and prolong its sustainability.
- Could nanotechnology be dangerous?
It may pose dangerous threats to the consumers and users who use goods infused with nanotechnology molecules.
