RS20589
Manipulating Molecules: The National Nanotechnology Initiative
May 05, 2003

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University of North Texas Libraries

Summary:

The Bush Administration has requested $849 million for nanotechnology research for FY2004, a 9.7% increase over FY2003. (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 level in order to obtain materials and systems with significantly improved properties. Ten nanometers is equal to one-ten thousandths 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 applications10 to 30 years away. Congressional concerns center around coordination and priority setting for the NNI, challenges associated with interdisciplinary research, and potential environmental and health concerns associated with the deployment of nanotechnologies. Both the House (H.R. 766) and Senate (S. 189) have introduced legislation that would establish the NNI in law. On May 1st, the House Science Committee marked up H.R. 766, and added a provision requiring that interdisciplinary nano centers address the potential ethical, legal, and social implications related to the development and deployment of nanotechnologies. This report will be updated as events warrant.