Educational Media Reviews Online

The Nano Revolution is a three part program that explores the many facets of nanotechnology and its potential impact on the future.

Part 1: Welcome to Nano City begins with laying the foundation of nanotechnology by discussing the discoveries that made it possible to see into the nano-world. With this foundation, Part 1 goes on to demonstrates how nanotechnology is permeating all aspects of modern life; everything from construction materials and computers, to sporting equipment. One of the more interesting examples is is nano-computing. Collaboration between IBM and Japanese scientists has led to the creation of a computer that mimics the human brain complete with its ability to learn on its own. Welcome to Nano City concludes by discussing the ethical issues of nanotechnology by dramatizing an Orwellian future society to warn against the dangers of unregulated nanotechnology. This will definitely cause viewers to reflect on the potential risks of nanotechnology.

Part 2: More than Human demonstrates how nanotechnology has revolutionized medical diagnostic tools and treatment methods. The quick and accurate diagnosis of genetic disorders using nanotechnology is explored. The only drawback to this is the high cost, which makes it infeasible for the population at large. This is a challenge that nano-scientists on several continents are working to overcome. Part 2 then shifts gears to show how nanotechnology is used in cancer treatments. Everything from the creation of cancer treating nano-molecules to explaining how these molecules specifically target cancer cells is discussed. Scientists working in this field describe the importance of targeting cancer cells to prevent the many side effects caused by current treatment methods. Part 2 concludes with a discussion using nanotechnology techniques that will allow human body cells to naturally regenerate. While the benefits of nano-medicine are discussed, the limitations are clearly pointed out. The concluding dramatization demonstrates how nano-medicine can lead to an enhanced human being—seamlessly integrating aspects of both humans and machines. This will certainly cause viewers to discuss the ethical impacts of such medical advances.

Part 3: Will Nano Save the Planet? discusses the various environmental impacts of nanotechnology. Solar technology, water, soil, and air contamination and nanotechnology’s impact on these are studied in detail. One example of environmental impact is in the use of nano-particles to clean arsenic laced drinking water in Mexico. The current technology is expensive and ineffective. A team of scientists from the US have devised a system that creates nano-particles using locally sourced materials to create a practical and effective method to clean the drinking water supply. Additionally, the ethical impacts of nanotechnology on the environment and human health are also explored. Many of the scientists interviewed express concern due to the lack of long term research into the effects of nano-particles on humans and the environment. These scientists fear that the current use of nano-particles has already changed humans and nature in ways that is irreversible and that further use of nanotechnology to “solve” current environmental problems may be creating irreversible consequences for future generations. Part 3 is guaranteed to get viewers thinking about the impact nanotechnology on the environment.

The Nano Revolution does an excellent job of explaining nanotechnology, as it applies to specific topics, through interviewing nano-scientists working on the cutting edge inventions. Graphics are used to illustrate the complex nanotech concepts and makes them understandable by the novice scientist. In addition, showing how nano-products are developed worldwide emphasizes the need for nano-scientists to collaborate globally. Each chapter concludes with a dramatization on how a future society that uses the applications of nanotechnology might look. This does not detract from the scientific research discussed—rather it allows the viewer to imagine the many possible ways that the nanotechnology can be used and think about the potential risks.

The Nano Revolution is highly recommended for anyone interested in nanotechnology. It will work very well as an introduction to nanotechnology in senior high school to college level science or engineering courses.