The Smart Economy Blog readers will remember that earlier this week, on March 30, 2006 we reported that gold nanoparticles emit intense heat. Other scientists are using that superheating capacity in novel applications.
Huge reductions in heating bills, safer surgery and the next generation of miniaturised computers are among the potential benefits of this relatively new nanotechnology.
By suspending nanoparticles made of gold or other materials such as carbon, copper or copper oxide, in water or other liquids, engineers have created 'nanofluids' which can transfer heat up to 400% faster than other liquids (up from 150% in 2003).
In a central heating system, nanofluids could increase efficiency without the need to use a more powerful pump, so saving energy and providing major environmental benefits.
Major impacts will likely be seen in other applications. Apart from huge reductions in heating bills, we can expect to see safer surgery, better oils and lubricants and the next generation of miniaturised computers.
The fluids could open the door to the next generation of computers, by overcoming one of the main limitations on developing smaller microchips: rapid heat dissipation.
During critical surgery, nanofluids could be used to cool the brain so it requires less oxygen and thereby enhance the patient's chance of survival and reduce the risk of brain damage. They could also be used to produce a higher temperature around tumours to kill cancerous cells without affecting nearby healthy cells.
The researchers are talking to industrial partners about moving towards large-scale production.
ETA: 2007-2009
Intelligence Level (1) |
Adapting: |
Modifying Behaviour to Fit the Environment |
X |
Intelligence Level (2) |
Sensing: |
Bringing Awareness to Everyday Things |
X |
Intelligence Level (3) |
Inferring: |
Drawing Conclusions from Rules and Observations |
|
Intelligence Level (4) |
Learning: |
Using Experience to Improve Performance |
|
Intelligence Level (5) |
Anticipating: |
Thinking and Reasoning about What to Do Next |
|
Intelligence Level (6) |
Self-creating, |
Ability to reproduce itself, regenerate |
|
Intelligence Level (6) |
Self-organizing |
Ability for components to self-organize |
|
Intelligence Level (6) |
Self-sustaining (A) |
Ability to replicate components |
|
Intelligence Level (6) |
Self-sustaining (B) |
Ability to process information |
|
Intelligence Level (6) |
Self-sustaining (C) |
Ability to steadily consume energy from the environment |
X |
© 2005-2006
Walter Derzko
Expert, Consultant and Guest Speaker on emerging Smart Technologies, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Lateral Creative Thinking and author of an upcoming book on the Smart Economy "
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