bio12_c02_2_3.pdf

2.3 Explore Applications of Cell Biology Nanotechnology in Medicine Skills Menu The biggest breakthroughs in medicine may soon come in the smallest package...

2.3 Explore Applications of Cell Biology Nanotechnology in Medicine Skills Menu The biggest breakthroughs in medicine may soon come in the smallest packages. Researching Evaluating Nanotechnology—the study and use of material at the nanoscale level—will soon be Performing Communicating used in a hospital near you. A nanometre (nm) is one billionth of a metre. To put this Observing Identifying Analyzing Alternatives in perspective, a human hair is about 10 000 nm wide, and a sheet of paper is about 100 000 nm thick. Scientists are researching ways to use nano-sized robots, or nanobots, in areas such as cancer research, cell and bone repair, gene therapy, and drug delivery (Figure 1). Tiny nanobots could one day zoom through the body and report on the health of the tissues, an impending bacterial infection, or the possibility of cancer forming in the body. The possibilities are seemingly endless. CAREER LINK Figure 1 An artist’s rendition of nanobots attacking a cancer cell One of the main challenges, at this stage in the development of nanobots, is pre- dicting how something this small will react once it is in the body. For example, there is currently no way to know if nanomaterials will be taken up by non-target cells, which could cause toxicity in patients. Some research has shown that nanobots are stable in animal cells, and the hope is that soon they will be tested in humans. In the meantime, nanotechnology is currently widely used in electronics research, manufacturing, and material science. These applications will improve our under- standing of how to apply nanotechnology in all fields of medicine. The Application As a scientific researcher, you are assigned to write an article for a science magazine, create a documentary or website, or make an audio presentation about the current status of nanotechnology in medicine. You will provide an overview of nanotech- nology applications related to human health care and give some examples of current breakthroughs. NEL 2.3 Explore Applications of Cell Biology   87 7923_Bio_Ch02.indd 87 3/27/12 5:16 PM  Your Goal To research the current status of the application of nanotechnology in medicine and to determine its potential for future use Research skills handbook A4.1, A4.2 Use the Internet and other resources to research how nanotechnology is currently being used in medicine. WEB LINK Identify which, if any, nanotechnology applications are now being used, which are likely to be used in the near future, and which are still “futuristic” How do or might scientists use nanobots to study or treat heart disease or cancer? How might nanobots be used to fight the common cold? What are the advantages of using nanotechnology? What are the drawbacks or risks? What possible harm could nanobots have on human and environmental health? What types of applications would you like to see nanotechnology applied to in the future? Summarize Summarize your findings by selecting the most relevant and important information and examples you gathered in your research. Consolidate these into a format that you can use for preparing your presentation. Communicate Consider the following questions when preparing your report or presentation: What is the main purpose of your report or presentation? What examples will you use to help you support your opinions? Did you include opposing viewpoints on controversial issues, if they exist? How will you end your report or presentation? Did you include any “looking to the future” examples? Communicate your findings in your chosen medium: as a magazine article, web page, or audio or video documentary. If time permits, share you report or presenta- tion with your class, and have a class discussion about the future of nanotechnology. Plan for Action What nanotechnology research is being conducted in Ontario or in Canada? How would you get involved in nanotechnology applications? Choose one of the following roles, and then conduct online research to find out how you might go about preparing for this role: researcher in nanotechnology at a university worker at a nanotechnology company educator in the risks of nanotechnology WEB LINK 88   Chapter 2 Cell Structure and Function NEL 7923_Bio_Ch02.indd 88 3/27/12 5:16 PM