Derived from the Greek word for midget, "nano" is a metric prefix and indicates a billionth part (10-9). The term "nanotechnology" has evolved over the years via terminology drift to mean "anything smaller than micro technology," such as nano powders, and other things that are nano-scale in size. It is the development of molecular systems that can build minute devices, including copies of them, with atomic precision. Nanotechnology offers advantages of smallness, speed and complexity that was not possible before.
Scientists, including biologists, physicists, chemists and engineers, are using nanotechnology to manipulate individual molecules or groups of atoms to create materials, devices and systems. They are looking at how matter behaves at the nano-scale level and how that matter can be manipulated into new structures.
Researchers at the Oregon Nano-science and Micro technologies Institute (ONAMI), a consortium of Oregon educational institutions, say they have made significant breakthroughs in a power source that will essentially turn 20 pounds of batteries into 8 ounces of fuel; the size of a cigarette lighter. The immediate aim is to use nanotechnology - science on the tiniest scale - to replace cumbersome military batteries and eventually power everything.
Defense-related projects are beginning to bear fruit. ONAMI's pocket-power source is good news for soldiers who carry equipment such as night-vision technology, communications and a Global Positioning System unit and burn through batteries daily. Batteries are not only heavy, but they present a supply-chain challenge because soldiers need frequent shipments for replenishment in remote locations. ONAMI researchers say they have bypassed that problem by developing nanotechnology liquid-fuel cells. Their first working prototype for the fuel cells is in conjunction with a portable air-conditioning system that will keep a soldier cool in hot climates. The unit runs on hydrocarbon fuel and will be the size of a paperback book weighing about 3.5 pounds.................
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