We fell short of our Fall Fundraiser goal of 2,500 donations. Help us catch up ⏩ Give Now

Nope…even thinner than that

Marketplace Staff Mar 1, 2007

TEXT OF INTERVIEW

MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: It might sound like science fiction but it’s actually a fact of science: graphene. Remember that name because you’ll be hearing it a lot. Scientists say it’s the thinnest material in the world and could revolutionize computer and medical research. Lewis Smith is a science reporter for the Times of London. He wrote an article about graphene for today’s edition. Lewis what is graphene?

LEWIS SMITH: Well it’s composed of carbon atoms. It’s been described as a tiny-scale chicken wire that’s 200,000 times thinner than a strand of human hair. That gives you an idea of the scale.

THOMAS: When and how was graphene discovered?

SMITH: It was discovered two or three years ago. This development takes it forward. Until now, they’ve been unable to make it freestanding.

THOMAS: I know that some theorists were skeptical that this could ever be effectively harnessed. What are some of the ways that scientists believe now that graphene will be used?

SMITH: They think its primary uses are going to be in computers and for medical research. In computers, it’s being put forward as a possible replacement for silicon. It conducts very well indeed so it’s more efficient than silicon. That means that our computers should be more powerful.

THOMAS: How soon before graphene is used in computers and medical devices on the market?

SMITH: That I imagine is anybody’s guess. I would imagine we’re looking at a minimum of a few years.

THOMAS: Thanks for your time.

SMITH: No problem at all.

THOMAS: Lewis Smith, science reporter for the Times of London.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.