Scientists at the
University of Bristol are turning to nature in their attempts to
further their research into Nano-science.
Nano-science is the study of structures and properties at the
nano-metre scale - a millionth of a millimetre - and the principle
research tool is the Atomic Force Microscope. By looking at the
ways in which insects "hear" very faint vibrations, the
researchers at Bristol have been able to apply these techniques to
Atomic Force Microscopes, significantly improving the sensitivity
of these instruments, making it possible to record molecular
structure with increased accuracy.
And at the nearby University of Bath they're applying Nano-science
to investigate new lighting technology which could recreate natural
sunlight in offices and homes, potentially saving billions on
energy bills. Known as Solid State Lighting, researchers now
estimate that in the next 20 years 90 per cent of the world's
lighting will be provided by this technology.
Nano-science may be about the smallest things but its impact on our
future will be very great indeed.
ALL STORIES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL
APTN SUBSCRIBERS ON THURSDAY 03 FEBRUARY 12:15 TO 12:25 GMT.
AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL VIEWING FROM 12:00 GMT ON
THURSDAY 03 FEBRUARY. ALL SCRIPT INFORMATION AND VIDEO
PREVIEWS ON WWW.RESEARCH-TV.COM. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
RESEARCH-TV ON: 44 (0) 207 004 7130.