Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea (Paperback)

by Mark A. Ratner (Author), Daniel Ratner (Author) "Over the past few years, a little word with big potential has been rapidly insinuating itself into the world's consciousness..." (more)
Key Phrases: swarm computing, nanoscale sensors, scanning probe instruments, Northwestern University, United States, Pearson Education (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This book is the technical and business overview of tomorrow's scientific breakthrough. The authors survey the scientific research and business aspects of the field, try to explain the key concepts, provide a look at current developments, and give some thoughts on where nanotechnology is likely to go in the next few years. The book will be approachable and witty, with lots of illustrations and examples. The focus of the book is on science and technology, but business is discussed as well. The growing interest in nanotechnology by the investment community and the federal dollars going into nanotechnology are explained. Ratner and Ratner go on to explain why the National Science Foundation has estimated that it could be a $1 trillion market by 2015. Nanotechnology, or, as it is sometimes called, molecular manufacturing, is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits and mechanical devices built at the molecular level of matter. Nanotechnology holds promise in the quest for ever-more-powerful computers and communications devices. But the most fascinating applications are in medical science. Nanorobots might serve as programmable antibodies. As disease-causing bacteria and viruses mutate in their endless attempts to get around medical treatments, nanorobots could be reprogrammed to selectively seek out and destroy them. Other nanorobots might be programmed to single out and kill cancer cells.

From the Back Cover

Nanotech for everyone! The friendly, non-technical guide to the next industrial revolution.

• Discover the world's next $1 trillion industry!
• The easy-to-understand guide to nanoscale technology, science, business, and ethics
• Today's hottest nanotech research and tomorrow's hottest applications
• Nanobots, quantum and DNA computing, nanosensors, neuro-electronic interfaces, and much more
• Insider's assessment of the nanotechnology marketplace and investment opportunities

By 2015, nanotechnology could be a $1 trillion industry. Now, renowned nanotech pioneer Mark Ratner and technology entrepreneur Daniel Ratner show you how nanotech works, why it's so exciting, what's new, and what's next. They survey the entire field—technology and business—covering nanobots, molecular electronics, quantum computing, biostructures, nanotubes, molecular motors, nanosensors, and many other breakthrough applications. They provide easy-to-understand explanations of every key concept, plus dozens of visuals that bring nanotechnology to life. Coverage includes:

• A simple, brief, almost math-free introduction to nanotech science
• "Grand tour" of nanotech R&D, from "smart materials" to DNA computing
• Breakthrough biomedical applications, including neuro-electronic interfaces and new drug delivery systems
• Current and emerging nanotech systems for optoelectronics and communications
• Nanotech here and now: nano-enhanced tennis balls, suntan lotions, and other products already in the market
• A realistic assessment of nanotech investment opportunities for the short- and long-term
• Ethical issues associated with nanotech research and product development

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR (November 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131014005
• ISBN-13: 978-0131014008
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #177,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #30 in	Books > Science > Technology > Innovations
  #36 in	Books > Science > Technology > Nanotechnology
  #53 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Special Topics > Biotechnology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous read!, November 23, 2002

By A Customer

I am a general user of computer systems, and not schooled in nanoscience at all. What a relief to see that there's a book out there that can explain this emerging field to me! Not only is the book easy to read, it's fascinating, with a review of in-depth nan inventions, business aspects, and a general review of chemistry which is great because I had forgotten how it all fits together.

I would recommend this book to the average user that wants to know about this science-it is really easy to read and it makes the entire science clear-I was not aware of the science before this except for general rumors of nanobots. It is a refreshing look at a science that has, until now, been under-reported.

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Heavy on Hype, Light on Information, August 2, 2003

By	Cliff Bauer "Cliff" (NY) - See all my reviews

I really wanted to like it, I didn't much care for the Ratner's Introduction to Nano. The two dish out a lot of hype (Imagine that... imagine that... Nanotechnology may do all of these things!) and not as much information as one would expect, even from a book mean to ease you into a topic.

I found the writing totally average. Misconceived jokes and mechanical prose made reading the book most unpleasurable, and chapters are so divided that the book has very little continuity.

Look somewhere else for a book on nano.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nanotechnology, A gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea, November 11, 2003

By A Customer

This book is a great overview for the non-scientist. I found it to be an easy and quick read overall. This was the first book that I read on Nanotechnology and I understood about 80% of what was being said, after reading 3 more books on the topic and coming back to this one - I understood about 95% of what was being said. I have given this book to several friends that are interested in learning more about nanotechnology and they all find it to be and helpful.