The definition of nanotechnology that is used in the textbook is, the science revolving around the use of nanostructures to build devices on an extremely small scale.  The whole idea behind nanotechnology is to change the way science works from big to a much smaller scale; making objects so small that they can not be seen by the naked eye. 

Scientists have made this idea popular for the last ten to fifteen years.  There are different areas that are being tested to use this technology and make daily tasks easier.  Medicine and industry are all part of this new form of machinery.  Desktop computers and laptops can be replaced by smaller devices with more room for memory.  Batteries can last longer and programs can be easier for others who are not as computer literate as others might be.  Nanotechnology is part of a movement to engage more people in this digital age by showing how simple it can be to operate so that we can bridge together the digital divide. 

This form of nanoscience can be used to solve problems that are in every aspect of our culture.  In medicine, nanotechnology can make it easy for people to get their medication faster than anyone ever thought possible.  This can prove to be helpful for surgeons working in the operating room along with emergency room doctors, who are trying to save a critically wounded person in a short amount of time with limited resources.  The government is another form for people to make advances.  More than ever we can use nanotechnology for national security purposes, like protecting our borders.  Some of these uses are still far from being a reality but now that we have people working on this it is only a matter of time before we will be seeing this technology in our everyday lives.