IMBO Magazine Issue 33: One Love | Page 80

TECH SHIFTERS 1. Nanotechnology We begin with nanotechnology, which is perhaps the coolest (in my opinion) development of the century. For the uninformed, this innovation allows us to fiddle with matter on an atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale. I’m sure you can feel your brain imploding. So before your cranium completely collapses, allow me to deactivate your disbelief by sharing some of the awesome possibilities we can expect from nanotech. Healthcare Imagine being invaded by hundreds of thousands if not millions of little machines. Before you know it, your cancerous tumor has disappeared. Your schizophrenia has subsided and your organs are regenerated. These are but a few applications of this tiny tech. Modern medicine will be revolutionized once these little bots get inside of us. Don’t be afraid. Be anxious. Clothing Obviously, being able to manipulate matter on a small-scale means we’ll be playing around with a lot of different things. In particular, nano-fibers will give us more comfortable, durable and responsive clothing. In other words, all clothes will be one size. And when you slip into that shirt or dress you fancy, the fabric will automatically conform to your body. Now, isn’t that awesome? Yeah it is! Currently, we’re on the verge of messing around with fabrics to the point that the textile industry will most certainly be facing some tough times ahead. IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14 80