Exclusive online articles
Browse the library of exclusive online articles below - produced to complement the print issue of 'Big Picture on Nanoscience' - to find out more about nanoscience.
Navigating the nanoworld
Animation: How small is small?
Imagine if a nanoparticle was scaled up to the size of a football. How big would you be if you were blown up by the same amount? Find out using our interactive nanoconverter.
Viewing nature
During the past 400 years, microscopes have proved key to our study of the natural world. Now, the scanning tunnelling microscope allows us to look at matter at nanoscales.
Nanoscience potential
Moore of the same?
Computers continue to grow more and more powerful. Can this continue forever?
Nanotechnology in medicine
Researchers invent drug-dispensing contact lenses.
Nanotechnology against bioterror
Nanoparticles are being used in a new non-injected anthrax vaccine.
Nanotechnology detects bacteria
Researchers have created a nanowell device to identify bacteria.
Nanotechnology repels bacteria
Scientists use nano-silver to create germ-resistant phones.
The downside
Too much information?
Nanosensors and enhanced data storage could help us keep tabs on our health status in real time. Is that always going to be a good thing?
Tibbs and the precautionary principle
Nan O's cat, Tibbs, is poorly. Could her new 'FelineFine' supplement be to blame? Should Nan O follow the precautionary principle and stop using it, just in case?
Risky business
Listening to the people
There are many ways to involve the public, but no perfect solutions.
What do the public think of nano?
Not many people have heard of nanotechnology yet. Attitudes are generally positive, though the public has some concerns about specific aspects of nanotechnology.
DDT: Angel or devil?
DDT was first thought to be a saviour but was then recast as a villain. Some say it now needs to be rehabilitated.
GM: A not so great debate
In 2003, the UK Government launched 'GM Nation?', a wide-scale public debate into GM crops. It was then accused of ignoring the results. What can be learned from the experience?
Tricky innovation
New technology case study: Genetic testing
We have a growing capacity to test for genes that cause or predispose to disease, but the take-up of this technology is not straightforward.
Where now for nano?
Biobarcode
See how the 'biobarcode' technique works.
Killing machines: Anticancer treatments
Special nanoparticles are being developed that can home in and destroy cancer cells.
Chips with everything: Lab-on-a-chip
By making everything smaller, more and more things can be crammed into minute devices. Scientists have a vision of a miniature 'laboratory on a chip' that could carry out many experiments at the same time.
Replacement parts: Medical implants
Devices with nanoscale pores may be able to protect living tissue from the immune system's battery of weapons. Such devices could form the basis of implants for people with diabetes or other diseases.