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Summary:
The Bush Administration requested $1.447 billion for nanotechnology research in FY2008, a $56 million increase over the estimated $1.391 billion for FY2007. (See Table 1.) Nanotechnology is a newly emerging field of science where scientists and engineers are beginning to manipulate matter at the molecular and atomic levels in order to obtain materials and systems with significantly improved properties. Ten nanometers is equal to one-ten thousandth the diameter of a human hair. Proponents of this technology argue that nanotechnology will lead to a new industrial revolution in the 21st century. Scientists note that nanotechnology is still in its infancy, with large scale practical applications 10 to 30 years away. Congressional concerns include the distribution of Program Component Area funding levels, the potential environmental and health concerns associated with the development and deployment of nanotechnology, and the role of the Food and Drug Administration as nano products move into the marketplace.
