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The concept of wireless sensor networks conjures up images of a world of ubiquitous sensing, but it requires a massive increase in the number of sensors available. Although there has been considerable activity in transducer-based 'sensor nets', there have been virtually no corresponding deployments of chemical- or biological-sensing networks — considerable advances in materials science are needed before these can be used on a large scale.
Following a recession in the telecommunications industry, the appointment of Jeong Kim as president of Bell Laboratories comes at a critical time. Nature Materials spoke to him about his diverse career, his vision for Bell Labs, and the global environment the labs are operating in.
There is no doubt that the possible hazards associated with nanomaterials are significant, and that concern is valid; but how do we begin to address the challenges that lie ahead? Expanding our scope and increasing the diversity of subject matter is the key to attaining the knowledge we will need to protect against the new range of nanohazards.
The race is on for developing environmentally friendly energy from fusion. Can modelling speed up the design of materials necessary for good economic performance?