Information on Loughborough

NanoWhat? Totally tiny technology!

Posted on 28/12/2008

Loughborough University Website

NanoWhat? Totally tiny technology!

The iPod Nano is a household name, and the Tata Nano — the world’s least expensive production car — is set to become one. But marketing buzzwords aside, what does the term ‘nano’ actually mean?

The 2008 East Midlands Nanotechnology Roadshow arrives in Loughborough on 15 May to explain just that. Featuring academics, research students and experts from universities across the region, including Loughborough, the event will illustrate how this tiny technology, so small that you need powerful microscopes just to see it, has such a huge impact on our everyday lives.

Interactive displays, games and videos will show how nanotechnology is used in sports, clothing, electronics, motoring, engineering, medicines and forensics. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions on how this tiny science affects our lives. So if you want to know how nanotechnology can help your golf balls fly straighter or how geckos stick to the ceiling by their adhesive ‘nano’ feet, here’s your chance to find out.

This free event aims to boost public interest in nanotechnology by applying it to everyday life. Visitors will be able to:

• Catch that molecule — Play on the super-sized bagatelle to catch a molecule.

• Drive a Lotus — Feel the effects at the wheel of a racing car in this fun challenge.

• Spy tiny technology — Use microscopes attached to computer screens to examine tiny ‘nano’ components in detail.

• Meet NanoMan — This contortionist can squeeze himself into tiny spaces, just like the molecules and forces essential to nanoscience.

• Play nano computer games — Basic concepts in nanotechnology can be absorbed and understood while playing these games.

• Win an iPod Nano by entering the nano quiz — Use the magnifying glass provided to read the ‘nano’-sized questions dotted around the exhibition and win an iPod Nano.

• Watch the nano films — Based around the themes nano in nature, nano gadgets, nano on the go, nano lifestyle, the nano hospital and nano in forensics, these short films explain how nanotechnology impacts on our lives and how it will affect us in the future. The facts and the fiction of nanoscience is also explored, looking at the myths that have arisen around the concepts of self-replicating nanobots and ‘grey goo’, and separating reality from science fiction.

Academics from Loughborough University will be on hand at the roadshow to explain how this tiny science can help us to improve developments in healthcare, transport, lifestyle, electronics and manufacturing.

Professor Jon Binner of Loughborough University comments: “We are delighted to be taking part in this roadshow to highlight the leading work we are undertaking in this field. It is an exciting area that is beginning to have a great impact on our lives and we hope to be able to convey this to those that come along.”

The roadshow follows on from last year’s successful ‘Nano in Nottingham’ event, which saw more than 5,000 people visit the event in Market Square over two-and-a-half days.

The event in Loughborough is being organised with the support of Charnwood Borough Council.

Cllr Stephen Hampson, cabinet member for Regeneration, said: “We are very keen for events like this to take place around our local community, to promote more of an interest in the progress of modern technology.

Many people may not be aware of just how important such products are to their daily lives and I would encourage residents of Charnwood to attend this event and satisfy their curiosity.”

The roadshow will be in town from Thursday 15 May to Saturday 17 May on Granby Street Car Park. On Friday it will be visited by local schools. It will be open to the public on Thursday between 10am and 6pm, on Friday between 3pm and 6pm and on Saturday between 10am and 6pm.

The 2008 East Midlands Nanotechnology Roadshow is an excellent example of partnership working. It has been organised by the University of Nottingham with the support of the other seven Universities in the East Midlands Loughborough, Nottingham Trent, Leicester, De Montfort, Derby and Lincoln.

Funding for the project has been provided by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). Andrew Morgan, Skills and Communities Director at emda said: “As part of the iFestival and funded through emda’s £6 million STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) initiative, the Nano roadshows will be interactive, inspirational and engaging. It’s terrific that so many partners are working together to help more people in the East Midlands discover how exciting the practical application of science can be.

“We’re delighted to support such an imaginative programme as part of our vision for a flourishing region.”