Tiny technology carries big promise

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize materials, manufacturing, energy, security and healthcare. At the Research and Development Conference of MIT's Industrial Liaison Program last month, Professor Edwin L. Thomas, director of the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at MIT, discussed the promises and challenges of nanotechnology.
"Nano is huge, with pervasive benefits for society, the economy and national security," said Thomas. In terms of its potential impact, "nano is on par with electricity, transistors, the Internet and antibiotics," he said.