September 1, 2005 - Scientists have created transparent sheets of carbon "nanotubes" that could be used for artificial muscles, strong electric cars, and paper-thin electronics. Carbon nanotubes are like tiny bits of thread that can be strung together to make larger sheets that are super-strong, thin, highly conductive, and very flexible. The thinnest sheet is about 2-millionths-of-an-inch thick.

Because of the sheets’ properties, they could be used for ultralight air vehicles and solar sails for space applications, researchers reported in the Aug. 19 edition of Science. A square mile of the thinnest sheet would only weight about 170 pounds. The sheets can also be heated to emit light or be used as solar cells, collecting sunlight to produce electricity.

The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative Designing Nanostructures at the Interface Between Biomedical and Physical Systems: Conference Focus Group Summaries describes how nanosystems could be used for medical research to identify and sequence DNA and proteins, detect disease in vivo, and other innovative applications. A National Research Council report, Implications of Emerging Micro and Nanotechnology, examines how nanotechnology could be used for warfare and recommends that the Air Force take a role in developing a nanoscience program.

• The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative Designing Nanostructures at the Interface Between Biomedical and Physical Systems: Conference Focus Group Summaries
• Implications of Emerging Micro and Nanotechnology

• University Texas Dallas Press Release
• International Council on Nanotechnology