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As artists and manufacturers explore the use of spray-on carbon nanotube coatings, Andrew D. Maynard explores the state of the science around nanotube safety.
Discussions about nanotechnology and development focus on applications that directly address the needs of the world's poor. Nanotechnology can certainly make an impact in the fight against global poverty, but we need to broaden our imagination.
Nature Nanotechnology talked to Michael A. Meador, director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office in the US, about the way in which the US National Nanotechnology Initiative operates and how this has changed since its launch in 2001.
There is no unique definition of nanotechnology because its breadth and complexity mean that people with different backgrounds and interests have their own view of the subject, explains Chris Toumey.