Nanotechnology at URI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at an atomic or subatomic level, and here at the University of Rhode Island, the foundations for the applications of this science are being developed. I spoke to Richard Kue and Daniel Tamayo, two students currently enrolled in a nanoscience course, who were gracious enough to allow me to record them while they work and ask a few questions.

 

Kue and Tamayo addressed the common misconception associated with nanotechnology, that nanomachines are tiny robots programmed for dastardly deeds. The two students attributed this misconception to nanotech's portrayal in pop culture, particulary science fiction. Popular series such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Star Wars have popularized the idea of nanomachines being used for for evil purposes. The idea of a "nanovirus" is used frequently throughout many of these stories, but the only real nanovirus is one that affects the DNA of plants, called Nanoviridae, which actually has nothing to do with nanotechnology.

 

The two of them got involved with nanotech here at URI when they received an email from a mutual chemistry professor, about a nanotech course offering. Kue and Tamayo both received the email because they were engineering students. They both signed up, and are now working on something pretty special.

 

Kue and Tamayo are both working on the application of lipid-coated nanoparticles into cancer cells, which should destroy the cancer cells. 

 

Nanotechnology requires input and knowledge from a variety of various sciences, including chemistry, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, and others. Both Richard and Daniel expressed the usefulness of diversity in terms of academic backgrounds when working with nanotech. With such an incredible variety of academic and cultural backgrounds involved, new angles and approaches to nanotechnology can be drawn up more regularly.

 

The two are interested in continuing their work with nanotechnology, and hope to see nanotech taught to younger generations when middle school and high school students begin to learn chemistry. As a potential foundation for science in the future, Kue and Tamayo would not be surprised to see it involved in the foundations of scientific education in a few years.