Japanese green technology startup Green Science Alliance announced that it has synthesized “carbon quantum dots” from organic biomass waste like wood and food. This is believed to be the world’s first instance of carbon quantum dots demonstrating insect-repellent properties. Nanotech repellent Quantum dots are minuscule, man-made semiconductor particles measuring between 1 and 9 nanometers in diameter. Mysterious working Curiously, the exact mechanism behind why these eco-friendly quantum dots scare off insects remains a mystery, even to their creator. In addition, as a naturally derived and eco-friendly alternative, these innovative quantum dots offer a potentially much safer option than petroleum-derived synthetic chemicals.