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Nanotechnologist
Engineers materials and devices at the atomic scale — one nanometer is a billionth of a meter.
Did you know?
In 2005 Rice University scientists built a 'nanocar', a single molecule with four ball-shaped wheels that rolls across a gold surface.
How subjects help
- Chemistry: Arrange atoms and molecules into tiny particles with useful powers, like trapping light.
- Physics: Use special microscopes to see and move objects thousands of times thinner than a hair.
- Biology: Design tiny particles that can carry medicine to the cells where it is needed.
- Mathematics: Calculate how a material's surface area grows as its particles get smaller and more reactive.
A famous name
Sumio Iijima: Japanese physicist credited with discovering carbon nanotubes in 1991, a key material in nanotechnology.
Try it yourself: Invent a way to sort leaves
- Lay out your collection and look closely at every one. (Do not pick berries or mushrooms, and wash your hands afterwards.)
- Split them into two groups using one question, like "smooth edge or jagged edge?"
- Keep splitting each group with a new question until every item is on its own.
- Give your key to someone else. Can they use your questions to find the same item?
Scientists sort living things this way. A good key lets anyone identify a species just by answering questions.
Also try: Design a base on Mars.
Known for it in
USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland