In the 1980s, Eric Drexler made the word “nanotechnology” come to life. As the “founding father of nanotechnology,” he expanded the fundamental principles of nanotechnology and made the concept a well known one. When studying the physical principles of nanosystems, he began thinking about an idea to construct a machine at a molecular level. In Drexler’s next 10 years, he went into depth with his research and personal experimentation with motors, robot arms, and computers. In his book, Engines of Creation, Drexeler introduced nanotechnology and its core functions.
Nanotechnology is the study of of extremely small things at a molecular level. This study is used across a variety of fields including medicine for research and experimentation purposes.
What if there were a technological device with the ability to monitor tumors and other diseases? Using nanotechnology, MIT researchers have developed sensors that may have this ability. This technology will open new doors in the medical field because doctors now have the ability to closely monitor patients through their treatment.
MIT chemists have discovered nanoparticles that can improve the tracking of specific molecules in the human body. These particles additionally monitor tumors’ surroundings and can help identify internal issues. They are also able to track whether a drug has reached its targeted areas in the body. Right now, researchers are still working to refine the nanotechnology and connect the concepts further in order to develop more versions of their sensors and particles to carry different drugs. By doing this and combining different sensors, researchers believe that in the future, they will be able to identify the aggressiveness of tumors.
MIT researchers hope that their new discovery will better the health and knowledge of society.
Watch the video below for more information on a new building that MIT aspires to create that will be dedicated to nanotechnology research.