Nano-Hype

By David M. Berube

Book Overview

Nanotechnology, the science of molecular engineering at the atomic scale, has captured the popular imagination. From movies to TV series to video games, utopian fantasies and horror scenarios involving nanotechnology have become a staple of the entertainment industry. The hyperbole surrounding this new technology comes not only from the media but also from scientists who exaggerate the anticipated benefits of nanotechnology to justify research funding, as well as from environmentalists and globalization opponents, who sometimes indulge in doom-and-gloom prophecies to advance their own agendas. The result is widespread misinformation and an uninformed public.In an effort to set the record straight, professor of communication studies David M. Berube has written this thoroughly researched, accessible overview of nanotechnology in contemporary culture. He evaluates the claims and counterclaims about nanotechnology by a broad range of interested parties including government officials and bureaucrats, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists, and other persons in the media. Berube appraises programs and grand initiatives here and abroad, and he examines the environmental concerns raised by opponents, as well as the government and private responses to these concerns. With so much argumentation on both sides, it is difficult for anyone to determine what is true. Nano-Hype provides up-to-date, objective information to inform the public.Based on over a decade of research and interviews with many of the movers and shakers in nanotechnology, this critical study will help the reader separate the realistic prospects from the hype surrounding this important cutting-edge technology.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591023513
• ISBN13: 9781591023517
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 521 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Nanotechnology Materials , Electronics , Healthcare , Energy

Materials: 1. The National Science Foundation predicts annual sales of $340 billion for nanostructured materials, $600 billion for electronics and information-related equipment, and around $180 billion in annual sales from nanopharmaceutircals by 2015. 2. The biggest markets for nanoparticles remain in familiar products, from the black rubber filer in tires, a $4 billion industry, to the silver used in traditional photography." According to Lux Research, "only about $13 billion worth of manufactured goods will incorporate nanotechnology in 2005." "Toward the end of the decade, Lux predicts, nanotechnology will have worked their way into a universe of products worth $292 billion". 3. Three California companies are developing nanomaterial for improving catalytic converters: Catalytic Solutions, Nanostellar, and QuantumSphere. 4. Kopin light-emitting diodes called CyberLite uses less voltage than current LED technology with High ESD resistance of 4000 volts. "High ESD resistance is critical for industrial applications such as in automobiles. These blue and white CyberLites are ideal for compact portable light-using devices, such as wireless phones, games, camcorders, cameras, laptops and PDAs, which operate on battery power." 5. QuantumSphere, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-quality nano catalysts for applications in portable power, renewable energy, electronics, and defense. These nanopowders can be used in batteries, fuel cells, air-breathing systems, and hydrogen production cells. A leading producter of NanoNickel and NanoSilver. 6. Cyclics Corp adds nanoscale clays to it's registered resin for higher termal stability, stiffiness, dimensional stability, and barrier to solvent and gas pentration. "Cyclics resins expand the use of thermoplastics to make plastics parts that cannot be made using thermoplastics today, and make them better, less expensively and recyclable." 7. Naturalnano is a nanomaterials company developing applications include industrial polymers, plastics and composites; and additives to cosmetics, agricultural, and household products 8. Industrial Nanotech has developed nansulate, a spray on coating with remarkable insulating qualities claiming the highest quality insulation on the planet with temperature ranges from -40 to 400 C. The coating can be applied to: Pipes-Tanks-Ducts-Boilers-Refineries-Ships-Trucks-Containers-Commercial-Industrial-Residential 9. Production will shift from the United States and Japan to Korea and China by 2010, and the major supplier of the nanotubes will be Korea. 10. GE Advanced Materials and DOW automotive have both developed nanocomposite technologies for online painted vertical body panels. Mercedes is using a clear-cost finish that includes nanoparticle engineered to cluster together where form a shell resistant to abrasion. 11. eMembrane is developing a nanoscale polymer brushes coats with molecules to capture and remove poisonous metal proteins, and germs." 12. KX I

A Wealth of Information

This is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive reviews of nanotechnology available today. Dr. Berube is probably one of the most informed professors regarding nanotechnology in the world today, and it is certainly apparent in his book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the field, from beginners just starting to understand the technology to those wishing to refine their existing knowledge base.