Policy for Promotion of Nanotechnology
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Policy for Promotion of Nanotechnology

Policy for Promotion of Nanotechnology
Compiled information
 


December 16, 2001


Definition:
There is some ambiguity about the definition of nanotechnology. In the pamphlet Nanotechnology published by the American National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) at the President´s Office, it is defined as follows: ´´The term ´nanotechnology´ refers to the world as it functions on a nanometric scale - that is between one and several hundred nanometers. This is the natural spatial context for molecules and for interactions between them.
Importance of the field:
Scientists believe that a scientific revolution is awakening today - nanotechnology - which may invade all areas of human activity and radically change the course of our lives.
Applications:
Several applications are expected in the near future, such as biosensors; improved systems of channeling and delayed release of medicaments in the body; cutting tools of improved strength and hardness, and more. Other applications are proposed for the future, such as building materials that change their characteristics according to the weather; devices that wander around in our bodies, locating and destroying cancerous cells; pigments that change color according to the environment, etc.
United States policies for promoting nanotechnology:Toward the end of the 1990s, the Interagency Working Group on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology (IWGN) was established in the United States. In 2000 President Clinton proclaimed the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI).
 
Research centers on nanotechnology across the world:
There are 89 academic research centers in the world - 56 in the United States, 9 each in Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as in other countries.
 
Related publications: ד´´ר יוסי סגל