For the past several years, Newman’s chemistry club has celebrated National Nanometer Day (or National Nanotechnology Day), to honor scientific advancements and to remind everyone of the beneficial nature of technological progression.
This year’s multi-activity Nanometer Day event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, outside the Bishop Gerber Science Center.
A fun spin on an important scientific breakthrough
Joshua Dessenberger, a sophomore studying biochemistry and president of the chemistry club, spoke on the significance of this celebration and the importance of nanotechnology.
“National Nanometer Day is a celebration of science’s microscopic innovations, specifically in terms of nanotechnology. It is a day used to celebrate all of the exciting discoveries that have happened and that are happening in nanotechnology today.”
This year, the chemistry club will hold an exciting array of activities on the day, bringing back some old favorites and adding in some new events as well.
“The NU chem club is planning on bringing back the annual 100 billion nanometer dash, where students, faculty, and staff can all participate to see how fast they can run 100 billion nanometers or 100 meters. On top of that, we will also be having a 10 billion nanometer disc toss, games of nanometer corn hole, and nanometer spike ball. The event will also have assorted snacks and drinks that anyone can take part in.”
The festivities always occur on or around Oct. 9, which according to the Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, “pays homage to the nanometer scale, 10–9meters.”
Why nanotechnology matters
While the holiday is a fun reminder, it venerates the grand achievements of nanotechnologies and nanomedicine.
“There are many ways in which nanotechnology has benefited science and humanity as a whole,” Dessenberger said. “A few examples include cancer detection and treatment, absorption in spills like oil or other chemicals, and even the ability to manipulate food supply in the agricultural industry. Without nanotechnology, we would be unable to combat a lot of the diseases and infections of the present day.”
By getting together and celebrating the wonders of science and reminding ourselves to keep progressing, we can take pride in our scientific community.
“Nanotechnology is everywhere around us. Between treating different diseases and illnesses, or the manufacture of materials, we would not be able to live as we do today without it. I hope everyone can take part in this celebration, and realize how big of an impact nanotechnology has had on our lives,” Dessenberger said.
