How Do We Use Nanotechnology for Medical
Nanotechnology is to refer the branch of technology that uses materials that is smaller than 100 nanometers. Thanks to nanotechnology's ability to deal with even very small dimensions, nanotechnology is used for multiple purposes. For example, nanotechnology can create more durable construction materials, electronics such as semi-conductor or circuits, and the preservation of food. More interestingly, applications of nanotechnology are also in medicine. Nanomaterials in medicine allow rapid detection of damaged cells in the body, so they help to prevent serious disease in the initial stage. Also, a doctor uses carbon nanotubes, a type of nanotechnology, to detect cancer cells in the bloodstream. Not only they are used for rapid detection of serious diseases but also to treat serious diseases and wound by killing bacteria and functioning as bandages. Despite the fact that nanotechnology uses in various ways in the medical field, there are certainly risks for the usage of nanotechnology.
What Are the Risks of Nanotechnology for Medical Uses?
Concern on risks of nanotechnology raises even though they are versatile tools for the medical field. There are small possibilities that nanoparticles are absorbed into human organs such as skin, lungs, and digestive systems. Consequently, nanoparticles cause cell damage, which causes organs to function improperly. For example, carbon nanotubes can deteriorate the immune system seriously by attacking T cells, white blood cells that fight against bacteria or viruses. Also, while humans manufacture medicine with nanoparticles and accidentally flow into the environment, nanoparticles will severely affect the environment due to toxic substances within nanoparticles and uncontrollably small size; especially, engineered nanoparticles are susceptible to negative aspects.
Do The Benefits of Nanotechnology for Medical Uses Outweigh The Risks?
Usage nanotechnology for medical uses certainly both contain advantages and disadvantages. Nanotechnology contributes to the development of medicine at rapid speed while careless supervision might cause disastrous consequences for both human cells and the environment. Therefore, nanotechnology should be improved for more practical and safe uses.
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