Nanotechnology

General Info
Nanotechnology is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale; it could also be used as a general term for and technology that works on the molecular or sub-molecular level. In Red Faction, it pertains specifically to nanorobotics. Nanorobotics is the engineering discipline in which machines are created on the microscopic scale. These nanorobots will herein be referred to as nanites.

Uses
Uses of Nanotechnology don't necessarily have to be malicious. Nanites can also be used for engineering purposes such as construction, for example in the reconstructor. In real life, Nanotechnology is also being pursued in the medical field; nanites can also be used to make repairs to the inside of bodies through relatively non-invasive procedures.

Nanites
Nanites are microscopic robots or machines. These nanites are what caused the ugly bulging of the the Plague and would replicate themselves, eventually taking over the body. The nanites are also what the nanorifle fires, but instead of being self-replicating, they are made in the nanoforge

Nanoforge
The nanoforge is a small factory that produces nanites. It is the heart of the nanorifle and is highly advanced technology, that the EDF is after. If the nanoforge were able to be replicated by the Red Faction, they would be able to not only make many weapons, but it is even possible that they could make some sort of nanite firing tank. There are endless possibilities in ways to weaponize the nanoforge, although the only uses could also be medical or mechanical in nature.

Nanorifle
The nanorifle uses the nanoforge to create nanites, these nanites then go on and destroy whatever obejct they come in contact with by disassembling it at the molecular level. The object will then lose cohesion and fall apart.