Key to the importance of this discovery is that it happens at room temperature. In contrast, the best superconductors need to be supercooled to hundreds of degrees below zero to achieve similar current densities. Some scientists are worried that carbon nanotubes may pose an environmental hazard. This worry is based on the carbon nanotubes' similarity in shape to asbestos fibers, which are known carcinogens. Until these concerns have been properly investigated, researchers are exercising caution in their laboratories.
Carbon atoms are far smaller than their silicon siblings.
The vast majority of all existing computer technology is silicon-based. On the other hand, all known life forms are carbon-based. Maybe Nature knows something. Find out how.