What is nanotechnology? “Nanotechnology is the manipulation or self-assembly of individual atoms, molecules, or molecular clusters into structures to create materials and devices with new or very different properties. Nanotechnology can work top-down (which means reducing the size of the smallest structures to the nanoscale… or bottom-up (which involves manipulating individual atoms and molecules into nanostructures and more closely resembles chemistry or to biology)” (Joseph & Morrison, 2006, p.3, para. 2). Several requirements are needed to meet the definition of nanotechnology with a size limit of 1-100 nm (or about the width of three or four). atoms) and must be handled; Its purpose is to control matter at the nanoscale, using mechanochemistry to form the desired structure. One of the most important criteria is that the nanostructure has its own unique characteristics that are unlike any other nanostructure to be unique .Nanotechnology in essence is not futuristic in nature. Scientists refer to a timeline of the development of nanotechnology. The first wave of nanoparticles would perform only one function. The second wave nanoparticles would be able to perform multiple functions. The third wave would be proliferation. Nanotechnology is already applied and used today in cosmetics (sunscreens), coatings (anti-scratch surfaces) and to make more resistant tools. Short-term applications will most likely include things like paints. Paints created with nanotechnology could have various properties for multiple applications, for example reducing the need for solvents in paint and thus making it more environmentally friendly, producing paint thinners, which could be used on airplanes. It would reduce… half the paper… and use nanotechnology ethically. What would be the purpose of this gift that could give us so much, if in the end we would only end up destroying ourselves with it?Works CitedConjecture Corporation. (2011). What are the possible dangers of nanotechnology?. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-possible-dangers-of-nanotechnology.htmJoseph, T., and Morrison, M. (2006). nanoforum.org. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from http://www.nanoforum.org/dateien/temp/nanotechnology in agriculture and food.pdfNanowerk LLC. (2011). Introduction to nanotechnology. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/introduction/introduction_to_nanotechnology_1.phpQiuping, C. (2001). Experts warn about side effects of nanotechnology. Retrieved February 15, 2012, from http://www.china.org.cn/english/2001/Aug/18023.htm