] Leading experts are meeting this week to take a longing
] look at the idea of a space elevator. The idea is a
] stretch, no doubt, with plenty of work to do before
] travelers have push-button, top floor access to space.

[ I've wanted to see one of these since the first time i happened across one in a scifi novel, when i was maybe 12. Even then, it was obvious that we'd never see it with conventional tech, concrete, steel, etc. But that was before nanotubes. As the article states, there's a lot to do, and some serious tech advancments needed, but the payoff is absolutely enormous. Here's to the diamond age. -k]

Space Elevator: Momentum Building

] Now, realizing that public perception may be at a tipping
] point, the fledgling industry and government agencies are
] taking a novel tack, funding sociologists, philosophers
] and even ethicists to study the public's distrust of
] nano. Supporters of the approach say these experts will
] serve as the industry's conscience and ensure that the
] science moves forward responsibly. Others suspect it is
] an effort to defuse nano's critics.

[ The post examines the state of the nano industry, and takes the pulse of the current attitudes towards it... -k]

For Science, Nanotech Poses Big Unknowns (TechNews.com)

] USC nanotube device uses 'Stochastic Resonance' to
] enhance subthreshold signals

neat

To see the message, just add noise

] Researchers have developed a process to create wires only
] 50 nanometers (billionths of a meter) thick. Made from
] silica, the same mineral found in quartz, the wires carry
] light in an unusual way. Because the wires are thinner
] than the wavelengths of light they transport, the
] material serves as a guide around which light waves flow.
] In addition, because the researchers can fabricate the
] wires with a uniform diameter and smooth surfaces down to
] the atomic level, the light waves remain coherent as they
] travel.

very nice...

pretty pictures here : http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/03/pr03147_images.htm

Researchers develop nanoscale fibers that are thinner than the wavelengths of light they carry

] In this C&EN exclusive "Point-Counterpoint," two of
] nanotechnology's biggest advocates square off on a
] fundamental question that will dramatically affect the
] future development of this field. Are "molecular
] assemblers"--devices capable of positioning atoms and
] molecules for precisely defined reactions in almost any
] environment--physically possible?

it's not short, but probly worth reading for all the nanotech peoples out there.

C&EN: COVER STORY - NANOTECHNOLOGY

] A functional electronic nano-device has been manufactured
] using biological self-assembly for the first time.

it's a start...

New Scientist - Nano-transistor self-assembles using biology

] Tiny particles of ultra pure iron, each as small as a
] billionth of a metre, are being developed by Sydney
] researchers as a new weapon to fight pollution.
]
]
] If it works, nanoparticles of iron could be used to sweep
] clean contaminated industrial sites, filter agricultural
] chemicals from water running off farms, and even recycle
] drinking water for cities.

Iron's desire to mingle means chemistry's right to clean up - www.smh.com.au

] Georgia Tech will soon have its very own nanotechnology
] research and development center thanks to a $36 million
] pledge from an anonymous donor.

HOT DAMN!

Georgia Tech gets $36M for Nanotechnology Research Center - 2003-10-21 - Atlanta Business Chronicle

] Nano-velcro could hold objects together as tightly as a strong
] adhesive, say US researchers.

The real question is, would the inventor of velcro make a few more billions by exercising patent rights? (read as: half joking)

Nano-velcro binds faster than strongest glues: Super-strong adhesive planned with hooked carbon strands.

] If tests run true, then one day diabetics may never have
] to prick their fingers to test their blood sugar.

nice.

La. Tech researches 'smart tattoo' to benefit diabetics