Nanotechnology will make possible the realization of Mankind's noblest aspirations - and his darkest nightmares. How we handle, or mishandle, nanotech will determine the fate of this planet, and the destiny of Mankind. Because of this, it is vital that as many people as possible understand the technology's capabilities, both good and bad - and act to ensure a safe and prosperous future for humanity. Scientist are actively involved in pursuing promising research to develop equipment and procedures to manipulate single atoms or molecules with the goal of establishing a new class of man-made atomic structures constructed one molecule at a time. Nanotechnology is expected to have an impact on nearly every industry. Indeed, there is no life, no community, no company or nation which will not be profoundly affected by this technology. The U.S. National Science Foundation has predicted that the global market for nanotechnologies will reach $1 trillion or more within 20 years. The research community is actively pursuing hundreds of applications in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and bionanotechnology. Most near term (1-5 years) applications of nanotechnology are in the form of nanomaterials. These include materials such as lighter and stronger nanocomposites, antibacterial nanoparticles, and nanostructured catalysts. Nanodevices and nanoelectronics are farther off, perhaps 5-15 years, and will have applications in medical treatments and diagnostics, faster computers, and in sensors.

Just a few of the many good things this technology will make possible: pollution reversal because pollutants can be reduced to their component atoms and recycled; elimination of disease and genetic defects, because the body's cells and DNA can be altered; eradication of poverty as production costs of nearly all products - including food - will drop to near-zero; microscopic computers faster than today's best supercomputers and this will be because of radical miniaturization; inexpensive space travel at low production costs for lighter and stronger materials and the most important one is indefinite extension of human lifespan as cells which grow old or damaged can be completely restored.