Aug 15 2007
Bourne Research LLC today announced publication of the book titled, ‘A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology.’ Written by Marlene Bourne, an industry analyst with more than a decade of expertise covering emerging technologies, the book examines how MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) and nanotechnology are playing an integral role in many of today’s must-have products.
“As a topic, nanotechnology is complex, controversial and cool all at the same time,” says Marlene Bourne, President & Principal Analyst of Bourne Research and the book’s author. “A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology puts it all into perspective-not by looking at future ‘imagine this’ or ‘what if’ scenarios—but at how and why emerging technologies are being put to use in all kinds of really cool products today.”
Divided into two parts, the first half of the book examines the commercial history of MEMS and nanotechnology, their evolution into the marketplace, and how material science (nanotech) and engineering (MEMS) have become intertwined. Dozens of MEMS devices and nanomaterials are discussed in detail—including how they work, what makes them unique and why they’re useful.
The second half of the book provides countless examples of real-life applications of MEMS and nanotechnology in cars, homes, consumer electronics, cosmetics/personal care, apparel/textiles, sporting goods, healthcare/medicine, food production, oil exploration and more.
‘A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology’ also yields some surprising findings.
“Much of what is being touted as nanotechnology technically isn’t,” says Marlene Bourne. “The particle size of many materials currently labeled ‘nanotech’ doesn’t fit within the specified threshold of 1-100 nanometers. This mislabeling is most prevalent with cosmetics and silver nanoparticles.”
The book also reveals that current applications of MEMS and nanotechnology are far more innovative, and diverse, than many might think. Examples include:
- Self-cleaning windows-some of which also lower energy costs
- Interactive sensing for gaming systems and movie production
- Flat-irons with nanocoatings to reduce hair damage
- Permanent (yet removable) tattoo ink
- Swimwear with special fibers that prevent sand from sticking
- Protective gear for football, hockey, snowboarding, motocross and more
- Lab-on-a-chip devices that can detect a heart attack in just minutes
- Sensors implanted into the body to wirelessly monitor pressure
- Plastic bottles that prevent beer from going flat
‘A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology’ is a must-read for anyone interested in emerging technologies-from curious technophiles and university students, to scientists, engineers, executives, the media and more. The 287-page book includes more than 60 black & white and color illustrations.