Big Picture on Nanoscience

Dealing with things smaller than 100 nanometres (for comparison, a human hair is 80 000 nm wide), nanotechnologies are fast becoming the 'next big thing' (only not so big at all). Yet while nano-enthusiasts say they are the future, nano-sceptics are concerned about potential dangers.

From nano-hype to nano-nonsense, this issue in the 'Big Picture' series sifts sense from speculation.

• What are nanotechnologies and what might they do for us?
• What (if anything) do we need to worry about?
• How are potential benefits weighed against possible downsides?
• What role should the public play in the process of nano development?

This supplement to the print issue offers exclusive online content, in the following areas:

Exclusive online articles

Learn more with exclusive, additional content for use with the print version of 'Big Picture on Nanoscience'.

Student activity

Democs: the game to play to have your say.

A-level curriculum matching

Teachers: find out where this all fits in with your big picture.