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Nano looms as the next pervasive technology

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Harmeet
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FAIRFAX, USA: Scientists working on a nanotechnology initiative that involves more than two dozen government agencies say that tiny is poised to be the titan of future technologies.

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The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which also is engaging industry, academic partners and international participants, aims at moving discoveries from the laboratory into products that benefit both the military and public.

Lisa Friedersdorf, senior scientist, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office said: "It's hard for me to imagine an area that won't be impacted by nanotechnology. If we manipulate matter at these size scales, it's going to be part of everything we do."

"Because of the broad reach promised by nanotechnology, partnerships will be important to ensure that fundamental research matches key needs. In addition, ensuring that the next-generation work force is well trained will result in commercialization of what nanotechnology enables and help overall economic health", Friedersdorf adds.

Lew Sloter, associate director, materials and structures, Office of the assistant secretary of defense for research and engineering, says he could see a period in which the military will intensively exploit the understanding of nanoscale phenomena, nanoprocesses and nanomaterials for more specific defense applications, such as flexible display devices.

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