Nanotechnology: Small Size Equals Big Potential

The ability to manipulate materials and create structures at the molecular level is spurring research in a spectrum of fields--from computing, materials science, and manufacturing, to medicine and diagnostics. Much of the work is still being done in academic laboratories and in big corporations with no near-term plans to launch nano-products. But lately, several new companies have been forming, convinced they can turn blue-sky nanotechnology research into greenback dollars. Their goals range from the deliberately practical to the decidedly high-risk but potentially paradigm-shifting.