Thursday, April 2, 2009The Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse is one of over two hundred museums and research centres throughout the country taking part in this week’s “Nano Days.”
This is the second year the nationwide exhibit has been put on by the Nano Informal Science Education Network. Its goal is to inform the public about nanoscience and its impact on the future. This is the first year that the MOST has taken part in the exhibit.
“Nano technology is a new area that’s moving very rapidly and NISE decided they need to have the public more knowledgeable and more aware,” said Betty Jones, education staffer at the MOST.
Nanotechnology was discovered in 1989 by IBM scientist Don Eigler. Nanos are particles at the atomic level that are a billion times smaller than the average eight year old child and are seen with a scanning probe microscope, according to Jones.
Nano technology has been rapidly developing since it was discovered. Jones says that the technology has even become a marketing strategy. There are now “nano cars” claiming to be more efficient and clothes that contain nano-particles are advertised as “water repellent”. “Nano products” are used in sunscreen and also in cancer treatments. The relatively recent technology appears to be the science of the future.
“ They don’t know where it’s(nano) going to go, it’s still very new, very infancy but if you are thinking of going into science or technology, this is the field you are probably going to be working in,” said Jones.
At the MOST, there are hands-on demonstrations for visitors that include making balls in the shapes of nanos called “Bucky Balls” and educative videos with talking “Nano brothers”. Dozens of children from elementary and high schools across Syracuse visited the exhibit today giving Jones hope that the turnout will continue to be very good. She says she thinks the event will become annual exhibit.
“Nano Days” continues all this week until Sunday.
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