Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Nanomanufacturing Center of Excellence have created nano-heater elements and systems to overcome the limitations of macroscale heaters, The nano-heaters may be used in nanoscale manufacturing or on-board thermal actuation and for autonomous powering during operation of nanosized devices such as Micro and Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS & NEMS).

Nano-heaters can be used as a power source for nanorobots or find use in biomedical applications, pharmaceutical and chemical devices using on-board thermal conditioning for sensors and processing, industrial and military biochemical detectors and patterned porous scaffolds for tissue engineering. Nano-heater elements and systems that could make nanofabrication processes cheaper and more precise.

But this technology has been used in the kitchen to heat and make tea.

Mexican designer Emma Moreno has come up with an innovative infuser entitled the “Duo” that uses nanotechnology for heating, giving an entirely new meaning to the traditional way of making tea. The new infuser is simple to use, all you need to do is fill it up, turn it on and choose the heating level, and then put it into your cup where it heats up as soon as it gets in touch with hot water. Leave it there for a few minutes, before enjoying the refreshing cup of tea. Featuring a touch screen interface with on/off and heating button, the Duo attaches the tea tag at the bottom cap to keep all the pieces together, while the transparent cover ensures that you see the whole process. Hope this technology makes a refreshing tea.