Molecular nanotechnology involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to produce materials and devices with very precise, predictable properties. This is the first volume to cover this new and exciting field. The book's 13 chapters feature:
• The nature of nanotechnology
• Differences between top-down and bottom-up research approaches
• Potential benefits and threats to society from future developments in nanotechnology
• Current nanotechnology research
• Brief biographical sketches of key individuals
• A chronology of important events
• Significant documents
• Careers in nanotechnology
• Data and statistics, especially in relation to President Clinton's National Nanotechnology Initiative of 2000
• A list of relevant organizations, research associations, corporations, and academic institutions
•  A list of print and nonprint resources
• A glossary of commonly used terms