Enthusiasts of nanotechnology—and there are many—envisage new materials lighter and stronger than currently exist, computer chips and quantum computing devices far more capable than today’s, and medical applications including sensors that operate inside the body, new biocompatible materials for implants, and more effective systems for delivering drugs or for gene therapy.

The U.S. government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a National Nanotechnology Initiative; Japan and European nations have similar programs.  In addition, private firms, including established technological powerhouses like IBM and new entrants, such as Zyvex, are investing a great deal in the basic and applied research that, it is hoped, will permit them to exploit the enormous potential of this field.  And, having learned some lessons from experience with other revolutionary technologies, technologists and social scientists are collaborating in examination of the social, ethical, legal, cultural, and political implications of the developments that are beginning to take place.  (See the workshop link below and Part 3 of the 2001 AAAS Science and Technology Policy Yearbook.)

Links:
= highly recommended

The Institute of Nanotechnology--a U.K. organization, established in 1997, that promotes the development of nanotechnology and its industrial applications.

Nanotechnology in the European Union, including funding opportunities in Europe, publications, and a "nano debate."

Nanotechnology:  The Coming Revolution in Molecular Manufacturing--from The Foresight Institute, a nonprofit institution formed to help prepare society for anticipated advanced technologies.  Its primary focus is on nanotechnology and its board is chaired by Eric Drexler, one of the leading figures in the nanotech field.

AAAS 2001:  Nanotechnology Update.  Report on a special seminar on nanotechnology at the recent AAAS annual meeting by well-known science fiction writer Jerry Pournelle.

Special issue of Science magazine devoted to Issues in Nanotechnology, November 24, 2000. (Registration required; full access restricted to AAAS members.)

Nanotechnology Database, sponsored by the National Science Foundation at Loyola College in Maryland, presents up-to-date information on major research centers, funding agencies, major reports and books.

Zyvex--"the first molecular nanotechnology company."  Located in Richardson, Texas, this firm's staff includes Ralph Merkle, one of the stars of nanotech.  Merkle is co-inventor of public key cryptography and (among other distinctions) great-grand nephew of baseball's Fred Merkle, known principally for a mental error that cost the New York Giants the 1908 pennant.  Ralph Merkle's nanotechnology page on Zyvex's site is an excellent resource.

IBM's nanoscale science department, featuring investigations of carbon nanotubes,  nanolithography and silicon nanoelectronics.

Nanotechnology in science fiction.  Nanotech is a popular theme in science fiction and  Anthony S. Napier has collected a substantial amount of information about it.

Nanotechnology, the journal.  Includes a number of mpeg movies of molecular simulations.

NanoTechnology Magazine, a publication aimed at a more popular audience.