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Nanotechnology For Dummies
This title demystifies the topic for investors, business executives, and anyone interested in how molecule-sized machines and processes can transform our lives. Along with dispelling common myths, it covers nanotechnology's origins, how it will affect various industries, and the limitations it can overcome. This handy book also presents numerous applications such as scratch-proof glass, corrosion resistant paints, stain-free clothing, glare-reducing eyeglass coatings, drug delivery systems, medical diagnostic tools, burn and wound dressings, sugar-cube-sized computers, mini-portable power generators, even longer-lasting tennis balls, and more.Nanotechnology is the science of matter at the scale of one-billionth of a meter or 1/75,000th the size of a human hairWritten in the accessible, humorous For Dummies style, this book demystifies nanotechnology for investors, business people, and anyone else interested in how molecule-sized machines and processes will soon transform our livesInvestment in nanotechnology is exploding, with $3.7 billion in nanotechnology R&D spending authorized by the U.S. government in 2003 and international investment reported at over $2 billion
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2005
37 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2011
I have a love-hate relationship with the “For Dummies” series of books. I hate them because I don’t appreciate being called a dummy. I am coming to the book looking for information and explanations of subjects that I don’t know a whole lot about, but I don’t think that makes me a dummy—to me, a dummy is somebody that doesn’t know a lot about something but refuses to try to learn more. I’m a failure, but not a dummy.
What I do like about this series is the fact that, generally speaking, these books are a decent introduction to an area of knowledge. And usually, if you like the material and want to learn more, there is a list of sources in the back of the book that you can pursue for further information.
I had purchased this book a couple of years ago because I had an idea for a novella (or novel, if I got long-winded) and was going to use this as research. Then I got busy with other stuff and the writing didn’t happen (yet). But I was still interested in nanotechnology, so I put it in the To Be Read heap.
Overall, I did like the book. Most of the time, it broke down the concepts into language that a person with only high-school chemistry could understand. A lot of the concepts that the authors talk about sound science-fictiony, like there’s no way in hell that they could happen. But there are people who are studying these things and trying to make them happen—and if they can succeed, wow will things change!
One problem I have with the book is when it doesn’t succeed in explaining concepts in language I can understand. At those times, getting through the chapter is like trying to swim through honey. But, if you’re reading a book on such a cutting-edge technology, you have to think that there are going to be times when you’re completely at sea. If you can accept that, you’ll do okay. Plus, there is supposed to be a Website with the book. I went to look it up to see what had changed in the five years since the book was written, but the site has been taken down.
My other problem with the book is the style. I appreciate the attempts at humor, to help lighten the mood and make things more accessible. But there are times when the authors try too hard to be funny and they just fall flat and become almost annoying. I have this problem with most of the books in the series. I guess you just have to accept that not all the jokes will work and move on.
If you’re looking for a decent, low-tech introduction to the promises of nanotechnology, you could do worse than this book. I just wish there was another edition that was more up-to-date.
What I do like about this series is the fact that, generally speaking, these books are a decent introduction to an area of knowledge. And usually, if you like the material and want to learn more, there is a list of sources in the back of the book that you can pursue for further information.
I had purchased this book a couple of years ago because I had an idea for a novella (or novel, if I got long-winded) and was going to use this as research. Then I got busy with other stuff and the writing didn’t happen (yet). But I was still interested in nanotechnology, so I put it in the To Be Read heap.
Overall, I did like the book. Most of the time, it broke down the concepts into language that a person with only high-school chemistry could understand. A lot of the concepts that the authors talk about sound science-fictiony, like there’s no way in hell that they could happen. But there are people who are studying these things and trying to make them happen—and if they can succeed, wow will things change!
One problem I have with the book is when it doesn’t succeed in explaining concepts in language I can understand. At those times, getting through the chapter is like trying to swim through honey. But, if you’re reading a book on such a cutting-edge technology, you have to think that there are going to be times when you’re completely at sea. If you can accept that, you’ll do okay. Plus, there is supposed to be a Website with the book. I went to look it up to see what had changed in the five years since the book was written, but the site has been taken down.
My other problem with the book is the style. I appreciate the attempts at humor, to help lighten the mood and make things more accessible. But there are times when the authors try too hard to be funny and they just fall flat and become almost annoying. I have this problem with most of the books in the series. I guess you just have to accept that not all the jokes will work and move on.
If you’re looking for a decent, low-tech introduction to the promises of nanotechnology, you could do worse than this book. I just wish there was another edition that was more up-to-date.
December 14, 2022
A very very basic and toned-down overview of nanotechnology, but certainly a book that I would want to look through many more times later in my scientific career. The scientific content is mostly skimmed off, however, so I am a bit dissatisfied but very impressed with how the authors conveyed the ideas without the hassle of dense scientific jargon. I would still strongly recommend anyone interested in nanotechnology take a look at this book.
January 7, 2019
Does what it says. A good grounder in the subject
March 15, 2020
Gutes Buch zum Einstieg in die Materie.
Etwas störend ist die ständige Wiederholung von bestimmten Sachverhalt, aber das ermöglicht natürlich das Themen spezifische Springen.
Etwas störend ist die ständige Wiederholung von bestimmten Sachverhalt, aber das ermöglicht natürlich das Themen spezifische Springen.
May 25, 2020
I wish I had read it when I was studying materials science, even though it's already outdated
December 12, 2012
Ok, so I read a lot of these Dummy books, I will admit to it. Nanotechnology captured my fascinations years ago when I read a book about it that blew me away. Of course progress has been slow in getting to the point where this technology will truly revolutionize our lives in so many ways. The applications are limitless and promise some amazing things particularly in medicine.
Like viewing sausage being made I suppose it is not always so glamorous to see what is behind the scenes it what it consists of. Meaning you need to be a bit of a technical wonk, especially in chemistry to understand and apply. Yet this book offers a good rendition of what it is all about and the many areas it affects. Well worth the time spent.
Like viewing sausage being made I suppose it is not always so glamorous to see what is behind the scenes it what it consists of. Meaning you need to be a bit of a technical wonk, especially in chemistry to understand and apply. Yet this book offers a good rendition of what it is all about and the many areas it affects. Well worth the time spent.
January 21, 2008
I felt like I had to read this one. It IS the coming technology and I do understand it a bit more now. Not light beach reading okay. But, beware, nanotechnology is coming to your home (if not already there) very soon so you might want to read up on it.
August 9, 2016
For me the for dummies book is basically a specified "Google" on a topic ; any question I need answered is in there somewhere . Irrelevant to that I figured out that I'm not really interested in pursuing Nanotechnology as a career (so my review is on the for dummies not Nanotechnology
Read
February 20, 2008In the beginning of the book , it briefly introduce about the definition of nanotechnology .
March 25, 2008
gotta read it
July 27, 2008
Wasn't really about nanotechnology. Concentrated on the buisness angle of it.
December 20, 2012
Could be better, but it is complex material...
Want to read
August 24, 2013What can I say? I dated Rich back when he was writing this book and it never occurred to me to add this. And yes ladies, he's incredibly hot! ;p
August 18, 2014
This book is highly informative and gave me great ideas about a possible career choices with my Bioengineering degree.
January 28, 2016
Excelent Nano Overview
Well summarice trends and basics Nano information. Specially for all of us we want to dive in this fascinating world.
Well summarice trends and basics Nano information. Specially for all of us we want to dive in this fascinating world.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews