Product Description

This title demystifies the topic for investors, business executives, and anyone interested in how molecule–sized machines and processes can transform our lives. Along with dispelling common myths, it covers nanotechnology′s origins, how it will affect various industries, and the limitations it can overcome. This handy book also presents numerous applications such as scratch–proof glass, corrosion resistant paints, stain–free clothing, glare–reducing eyeglass coatings, drug delivery systems, medical diagnostic tools, burn and wound dressings, sugar–cube–sized computers, mini–portable power generators, even longer–lasting tennis balls, and more.

• Nanotechnology is the science of matter at the scale of one–billionth of a meter or 1/75,000th the size of a human hair
• Written in the accessible, humorous For Dummies style, this book demystifies nanotechnology for investors, business people, and anyone else interested in how molecule–sized machines and processes will soon transform our lives
• Investment in nanotechnology is exploding, with $3.7 billion in nanotechnology R&D spending authorized by the U.S. government in 2003 and international investment reported at over $2 billion

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186330 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

From the Author
I’m one of the authors for the book and a graduate student at Rice University in Houston, Texas - one of the many academic leaders in nanotechnology. Personally, my unique background allows me to speak to a wide audience: my engineering degree has given me insight into transitioning research into practical applications; my Air Force experience has allowed me to understand the needs of our government and military (huge financial backers of university research). Now, while working in the trenches of nanotechnology, I’ve come across a disconnect between this research and the average person. How do we communicate this technology’s importance and potential applications to the business leader, venture capitalist, investor, or entrepreneur to make it widely available in every day uses?

This book does just that by identifying needs and separating science fiction from science fact – dispelling the myths and laying out realistic expectations not only in applications but timeframe as well. We identify three industries: materials, computers, and healthcare. These areas will be greatly affected by nanotechnology and advances in each will continue to feed each other. For example, future nano-scale processor fabrication methods will be used to create unique materials for healthcare applications.

Another "vision" of the authors was to "show" nanotechnology – there are over 100 line art and photos illustrating the science and applications of nanotechnology distinguishing this book from other nano books. This makes it far easier for the average high school student or even baby boomer to pick up and quickly understand this emerging technology and provide them the tools to choose either a career in the sciences or invest in a nano-company stock.

A true testament to this book was its positive reception at a recent NanoSummit (28 July 2005) in Houston. Additionally, its timeliness and relevance were seen in: the key speakers were described in our "Movers and Shakers" chapter; research that was described at the conference are detailed in the book; nano-materials that were pointed out as "big" players are illustrated in the book’s pullout cheat sheet; and terms that were used are defined throughout the text and in the glossary.

I encourage those interested in this technology, whether it is for shear interest or for business ideas, to closely read this book.

From the Back Cover
See how this "little" technology can generate BIG profits!

Will nanotechnology change the future? How will it change your life? Find out here!

Nanotechnology is a huge, complex field of study about matter 1/75,000th the size of a human hair. Here′s a plain–English look at what it can mean to you and your business. See how discovering more about nano–size particles will let scientists build better materials, enhance medical care, aid the environment, and much more.

Discover how to

• Understand nanotechnology terms
• Identify applications for the technology
• See how nanotechnology affects computer science
• Recognize potential benefits to the environment
• Decide if you should invest in nanotechnology

About the Author
Richard Booker is a doctoral student at Rice University working under Dr. Richard Smalley, discoverer of the buckyball. He was lucky enough to get an outstanding education, starting with four intense years at Boston University earning a computer–engineering degree. After college, he joined the Air Force, where he managed weapon systems and researched battlespace networks while simultaneously working on his master’s degree in computer engineering.
After four years, Captain Booker left the wild blue yonder to pursue his Ph.D. in applied physics at Rice and delve into the “new” world of nanotechnology. Rich’s next ambitious adventure will be developing the armchair quantum wire (see Chapters 4 and 5 of this book) and helping to bring other nanoapplications to market. His interests include flying, skydiving, scuba diving, music, art, movies and, in his spare time, working on being humble.

Earl Boysen is an engineer who, after 20 years in the computer–chip industry, decided to “slow down” and move to a quiet town in Washington. Earl is the co–author of Electronics For Dummies, and holds degrees in chemistry and physics. He lives in a house he designed and built himself, and keeps as busy as ever writing, acting, teaching math and science, dancing, and walking.