Innovation Future Specialist
Amazing Innovations: Nanotechnology, new materials and biology: 2016
There is so much potential overlap between nanotechnology, new materials [e.g. metamaterials] and biology that they have been grouped together. Nanotechnology takes on many forms and it refers to a technology or substance that is structured on the atomic or molecular scale - it refers to things on the scale of the nanometre (a billionth of a metre, or a millionth of a millimetre). By structuring atoms on this scale new metamaterials can be created that have physical properties that are not found naturally in the bulk material [you might have heard about nano-dot TV screens for example]. Many biological cellular processes work on the molecular level - cells use natural nanotechnology. This will be exploited to create new nanotechnologies.
Here are some of the amazing innovations that took place in 2016, or did they? See how many you get right in this true or false quiz...
Atomic components
A radio receiver part was made out of just two atoms.
True? False?It is true - though it did require a laser and other parts.
It is true - though it did require a laser and other parts.
DIY DNA analysis
A handheld DNA analyser has been developed.
True? False?The manufacture says that one day anyone will be able to use it to perform DNA analysis.
The manufacture says that one day anyone will be able to use it to perform DNA analysis.
Atomic clocks
Nanotechnology in the shape of fullerene molecules with an atom inside gave rise to low powered accurate atomic clocks.
True? False?This could lead to millimetre accurate GPS systems.
This could lead to millimetre accurate GPS systems.
Silicon lifeform
Experiments have demonstrated living cells binding silicon and carbon for the first time.
True? False?Could this lead to biological electronics and computing...?
Could this lead to biological electronics and computing...?
Super batteries
Nanotechnology is helping supercapacitors to become more effective.
True? False?These can charge quickly [watch out batteries].
These can charge quickly [watch out batteries].
Electricity from paint
Thermoelectric paint has been developed to allow any surface to become a generator of electricity.
True? False?This is powered by the ambient temperature.
This is powered by the ambient temperature.
Move and charge
A material has been developed that can generate electricity from movement.
True? False?Your clothes and shoes might one day power your gadgets.
Your clothes and shoes might one day power your gadgets.
Bio-electronics
Experiments demonstrated the integration of biology and electronics. One attached memristors to cells; and another used DNA to accurately position gold nanoparticles.
True? False?Watch out for electrodes in your brain - the transhumanist Borg think resistance is futile! We might see a new generation of bio-electronics.
Watch out for electrodes in your brain - the transhumanist Borg think resistance is futile! We might see a new generation of bio-electronics.
Paralysis cures
Potential cures for paralysis have been announced.
True? False?Expect this to get better and become more wide spread.
Expect this to get better and become more wide spread.
Human cell catalogue
A project has completed the categorisation of every cell type, and sub-type, in the human body.
True? False?The project is just about to start.
The project is just about to start.
Map of the brain
Scientists complete the most detailed map of the brain ever.
True? False?We can expect even more detailed maps to follow from current projects.
We can expect even more detailed maps to follow from current projects.
Immortal millionaires?
Scientific discoveries have been made that could reverse ageing. One wealthy man plans to live for ever - true or false?
True? False?The wealthy man is investing in research that he hopes will make him live forever.
Yes, the wealthy man is investing in research that he hopes will make him live forever.
Home-grown eggs
On the subject of life, egg cells have been created in the laboratory.
True? False?This is one of a few pioneering life creating and extending techniques that have been announced.
This is one of a few pioneering life creating and extending techniques that have been announced.
Who are my mothers?
Scientists announced that the first three parent baby has been born from a new technique that combines DNA from three people - the mother, the father and an egg donor.
True? False?The UK authorities have also granted permission to use this technique in the future.
The UK authorities have also granted permission to use this technique in the future.
DIY DNA engineering
Genetic engineering technology becomes widely available (using CRISPR).
True? False?This presents opportunities (and risks) for anyone to do genetic engineering.
This presents opportunities (and risks) for anyone to do genetic engineering.
Synthetic lifeforms?
Synthetic biology has been created - that is biology that does not exist in nature.
True? False?Where might this take us ... ?
Where might this take us ... ?