Next hot job: Molecular engineer for nanotechnology
By Christine Peterson, on October 2nd, 2006
One of the cover stories in Machine Design is by Mark Sims, CEO of Nanorex, on nanotech molecular modeling in CAD (computer-aided design). For those of us who have already been tracking the field, the most exciting part is at the end:
The software does not currently output data that could drive such machines as, for instance, conventional CAD/CAM software outputs data to drive CNCs [computer numerical control machines]. However, we are developing a feature of the program that will do this for specific types of structures. For example, we are working with a research group at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif, that has come up with a technique for synthesizing arbitrary 2D shapes out of DNA. A Fall release of NanoEngineer-1 will let engineers design and model custom DNA shapes that can actually be synthesized. NanoEngineer-1 will create a special file format that users can send to a company to order the individual strands of DNA needed to create the final structure. Once received, the materials are then combined for a reaction that creates a custom DNA structure.
One more step on the long pathway to building molecular machines in your garage, with all that implies. —Christine
CRN’s preferred definition for nanotechnology is: the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced. Read more here.
Well, rob-o, many of us have been frustrated by the changing definition. Here are two examples:
Here’s the October 2006 US Government definition:
“Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.”
http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/whatIsNano.html
Here’s the Unbounding the Future definition (1991):
“Molecular nanotechnology: Thorough, inexpensive control of the structure of matter based on molecule-by-molecule control of products and byproducts…”
http://www.foresight.org/UTF/Unbound_LBW/Glossary.html
Sometimes you see micron-scale technologies or nuclear-scale technologies grouped under the name nanotechnology, but this is really going too far by any reasonable definition.
Hope this helps. —Christine
why the **** won’t anyone just answer a simple question of what the **** is nanotechnology it’s frusterating the **** out of me