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TITLE: NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Nanotechnology refers to a variety of activities which involve
investigations at the level of atoms and molecules where
dimensions and tolerances in the range of 0.1nm to 100 nm play a
critical role. The field encompasses precision engineering as
well as electronics; electromechanical systems (lab-on-a-chip
devices) as well as mainstream biomedical applications such as
gene therapy, drug delivery and novel drug discovery techniques.
Researchers are beginning to create large structures with
fundamentally new properties and functions which are leading to
unprecedented understanding and control over the basic building
blocks and properties of all natural and man-made things. In the
United States, ten federal departments and independent agencies
have collaborated to form the National nanotechnology Initiative.
It emphasizes long-term, fundamental research aimed at
discovering novel phenomena, processes, and tools; addressing
grand challenges; supporting new interdisciplinary centers and
networks of excellence including shared user facilities;
supporting research infrastructure; and addressing research and
educational activities on the societal implications of advances
in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
For additional information, access: NANO-GOV
The International Technology Research Institute at Loyola College
in Maryland hosts a website sponsored by the National Science
Foundation to provide up-to-date sources and links about
nanotechnology research centers, funding agencies, reports and
books. For additional information, access: NANOBASE
The Institute of Nanotechnology, located in the U.K., was
established in 1997 to provide a focus for the burgeoning
interest in nanotechnology, encourage new research and keep the
public aware of developments in this emerging field. For
additional information, access: NANO-ORG
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