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New research confirms that the proportion of the public that knows about nanotechnology has reached a plateau, which means that it is now necessary to develop new approaches to explore public perceptions in greater detail than before.
From single-electron physics and DNA-based sorting techniques to efforts to improve the performance of atomic force microscopes, carbon nanotubes are still at the forefront of research in many areas of nanoscience and technology.
Materials can have one, two or three dimensions in the nanoscale regime, which adds to the variety of phenomena that can be explored in nanoscience and technology.
As research into the public perception of nanotechnology becomes more complex and rigorous, it is increasingly clear that greater public awareness of nanotechnology will not, on its own, automatically lead to widespread public acceptance.
The commercial success of low-tech nano-enabled products, such as sports equipment and lubricants, could pave the way for more advanced nanodevices and applications.
Another panel of experts in the UK has published another report calling from more research into the effects of nanomaterials on health and the environment. Will anyone listen this time?
Publishing a paper in a journal has traditionally marked the end of a research project, but increasing numbers of academics are becoming interested in the publication process itself.
A fundamental understanding of many factors — including composition, size, shape and surface structure — is vital for the development of new and improved catalysts.
Once the preserve of physicists, graphene is now attracting the attention of growing numbers of chemists, who are discovering new ways to produce this remarkable material.
From nanomechanical mass sensors to superconducting nanobolometers for astrophysics, the links between physics and nanoscience and technology are deep and varied.
Scientific meetings and conferences come in all shapes and size, and love them or loathe them, they have an important role to play in all areas of science.