Science of Small
May 2008 — The nano world offers exponential surface area upon which to work. Through the funding support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (CREES), land-grant university researchers are learning how to manipulate matter like never before.
- New Skin: Scientists in Illinois are using corn protein to create new skin and deliver medicine through nanotubes.
- Following the Flow: Researchers are discovering how nano-scale tracers can uncover the sources of pollution in America's farm fields and waters.
- Super Cloth: Using nanotechnology, Cornell scientists created a fabric that can detect biohazards like E. coli and other pathogens.
- Disease Detectors: Scientists have developed nanoscale biosensors that can help detect diseases on farms and in hospitals.
Nanotechnology: The Power of Small
Credit:The Convergence ProjectApril 2008—Nanotechnology: The Power of Small
is a 3-part,
in-depth television series examining the implications of advances in nanotechnology, the art of manipulating matter at the nanoscale. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the programs ask policymakers, scientists,
journalists, and community leaders to explore the promises and problems of this new technology.
The series will air on public broadcasting stations beginning in April 2008; see "Station Locators" on the Power
of Small website for local air times.
NNI Releases FY 09 Budget and Highlights to Accompany President's 09 Budget
February 14, 2008.—A summary of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Fiscal Year 2009 Budget (PDF) was released today by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Technology. The report is a supplement to the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2009, providing additional details on the NNI budget request, as well as highlights of planned activities to be conducted under that budget. Described in the report are the programs and activities taking place across all 25 of the Federal agencies participating in the NNI. News Release
Big Things from a Tiny World
New nanotechnology brochure released.
The world of nanotechnology can be difficult for a non-scientist to
grasp, and few publications for general readers exist. Now, the
National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), with assistance
from scientists in the 26 agencies of the National Nanotechnology
Initiative, has produced a brochure that is geared to a broad public: Nanotechnology: Big Things from a Tiny World
NNI News Update
The NNI is now posting news media coverage of nanotechnology.
Report Probes Key Tools for Nanoscience Research
X-Rays and
Neutrons: Essential Tools for Nanoscience Research
is the report of the NNI workshop, held June 16-18, 2005, that explored
how x-ray and neutron scattering techniques are being used to
characterize and process materials, devices, and systems at the
nanoscale and are considered prospects for advancing the field. The
meeting participants and chairs propose a 20-year roadmap for x-ray and
neutron nanoscience, and identify cross-cutting themes to catalyze
future research.
NNAP Reviews NNI
April 8, 2008—The National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP) today released The National Nanotechnology Initiative:
Second Assessment and Recommendations of the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel
(PDF). The NNAP is responsible
for a periodic review of the Federal nanotechnology R&D program
under the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of
2003. In 2004, President Bush designated the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) as the NNAP.
NSET Releases Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related EHS Research
February 14, 2008.—The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and
Technology Council's Committee on Technology today released Strategy for
Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research (PDF), describing the National Nanotechnology Initiative’s (NNI)
strategy for addressing priority research on the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) aspects of nanomaterials. News Release