Tiny Technologies, Incredible Impact

From lightweight sports equipment to potable water, here are ten ways that nanotechnology is changing our lives.



#2 SUNSCREEN

Many sunscreens and skin lotions contain nanoformulations of titanium oxide and zinc oxide that protect against the harsh UV rays of the sun. These newer formulations provide sun protection without the telltale chalky white sunscreen residue that used to be synonymous with beach and pool time fun.

One in every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is a skin cancer, most of them caused by UV radiation through sun exposure. Hence, use of these sunscreens helps to reduce the likelihood of developing a skin cancer.


Photo: earthlydelights/Flickr/CC.
Photo: earthlydelights/Flickr/CC.

Dr Edward Chow is an assistant professor and junior principal investigator at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore. The Chow lab is interested in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and developing carbon-based nanoparticle drug-delivery platforms for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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