Nanotechnology

Imagine ... a single area of scientific discovery with the potential to enable a wealth of innovative new technologies across all areas of our society. Nanotechnology, utilizing the manipulation of individual atoms, has this potential. Besides making existing products and processes better, nanotechnology has the potential to:

• profoundly change our economy
• improve our standard of living,
• bring about the next industrial revolution.

Nanotechnology research and development (R&D) is aimed at understanding and creating improved materials, devices and systems that utilize nanoscale properties and functions. These innovations have potentially broad societal and ethical implications, some positive and some negative. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) was established to oversee these Federal R&D programs. One of NNI's responsibilities is to distribute available monies to qualifying agencies.

Objective

This outreach activity is designed to engage you in a debate on nanotechnology. Click on "Scenario" on the navigation bar at the top of the screen to read the scenario for this activity. Instructions will follow.

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