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    Graphene has been among the fastest growing areas of nanoscience and technology in recent years. This two-dimensional hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms has been found to have remarkable physical and chemical properties, and is also being considered for applications in areas as diverse as plastic packaging and next-generation gigahertz transistors.

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    Nanopore-based sensors allow DNA and other biomolecules to be analysed with subnanometre resolution and without the need for labels or amplification. Researchers are working on naturally occurring biological nanopores, solid-state nanopores and hybrids of the two, along with a variety of new readout methods. The ultimate goal of this research is to be able to rapidly and reliably sequence the human genome for under $1,000.

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    Two decades of nanotoxicology research has shown that the interactions between nanomaterials and cells, animals, humans and the environment are remarkably complex. Researchers are still trying to understand in detail how the physical, chemical and other properties of nanomaterials influence these interactions, and thus determine the ultimate impact of nanomaterials on health and the environment. There is also an ongoing debate about the regulation of nanomaterials.

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    Research into public perceptions of nanotechnology is becoming more rigorous with social scientists developing and testing increasingly complex theoretical models. Researchers have explored, among other things, how the public's reaction to nanotechnology depends on cultural predispositions, religiosity and the specific application of the new technology. It is clear that increased public awareness of nanotechnology will not, on its own, automatically lead to widespread public acceptance.

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    50 years after Richard Feynman delivered his famous lecture, 'There's plenty of room at the bottom', Nature Nanotechnologylooks at its influence on subsequent developments in nanoscience and technology.

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    Organic semiconductors are easy to process and can be used to make devices that are transparent, flexible and cheap. However, they are also fragile and not particularly good at conducting electricity. Three papers in the October 2009 issue of Nature Nanotechnologyshow that careful processing can redress these drawbacks, without compromising those qualities that make organics attractive in the first place.

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    Theory and computation have important roles to play in driving forward new ideas in nanoscience and technology. Although the level of detail needed to interpret the results of specific experiments can make it difficult to draw more general conclusions, the best theory papers will stimulate researchers to try new measurements or revisit old experimental data in a significantly different light.

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    October 2007 marked the first anniversary of the launch of Nature Nanotechnology. To mark this occasion the editors collected some highlights from the first 12 issues of the journal. The selection reflects the diversity of nanoscience and technology, and includes contributions from chemists, physicists, material scientists, engineers, biomedical researchers and others. We hope that you enjoy it.