Researchers looking at tiny robots for big changes

DENVER - To most people, the word "nano" refers to an electronic device that plays music. However, to a growing community in Colorado, the whole world will soon be impacted by a far different kind of "nano."

The word refers to a new body of research involving the manipulation and construction of strange new materials, one atom at a time.

Scientists have long known that materials often behave differently on an atomic and sub-atomic scale. However, it's only recently that they have learned how to actually begin building devices on such a tiny scale. The result is a burgeoning world of exotic machines that will eventually impact every human being.

Dr. Rahmat Shoureshi, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Denver, predicts a future where molecule-sized robots do everything from curing cancer to warning of imminent bridge collapses. He says the most immediate thing that will impact people is the development of radical new ways to cure disease.

"It's not that far from reality," Shoureshi said. "These tiny machines are already in the works here at DU and at other universities, not only in the U.S., but globally. It's going to take a while to get FDA approval, but in terms of the technology readiness we will have those machines ready in five years. When you look at the level of advances of technology that we see in university and government labs, then you realize it's close."

DU researchers are working on exotic devices such as a shoe insole that calculates biological and balance problems in the elderly. Assistant Professor Corinne Lengsfeld showed off the new device. She says the insole will actually warn its wearer of an impending fall.

Lengsfeld says scientists are facing one roadblock in their quest for nano-robots that will seek out and destroy such diseases as cancer. That roadblock involves teaching the robots which cells to attack.

"I don't think it's pie in the sky. Once we get past this roadblock there's going to be a flood of advancements that are going to happen. I don't think the average individual sees all the work that's happening," Lengsfeld said. "You're going to see cures to diseases that we didn't think were curable, and I think that those will evolve rather quickly. You will be surprised how fast it will happen. This could be an astounding advancement in medicine."

Colorado is shaping up as a major hub for developments in nanotechnology, some involving research in alternative fuels. In the past year or two, more than 100 companies have formed along the Front Range to market the new advances in science.

In July, several hundred scientists from around the world will gather at the Cable Center in south Denver for the first-ever Nanotech Renewable Energy Summit. It will be hosted by the Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance and will focus on developments and commercialization of emerging technologies. Among the participants will be officials from various government agencies and labs, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.