Universities are being increasingly called upon to partner with government in the transfer of new discoveries and knowledge from the laboratory to life. We are grateful to the Governor for his leadership in this important area. Nanotechnology is a broad term, encompassing research in the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering. It refers to scientists' growing interest in manipulating single atoms and molecules in new ways to create new and ever-smaller products. These self-assembling materials could lay the groundwork for new products such as microscopic capsules that selectively deliver drugs to tumors, Herculean carbon fibers to bulk up weak plastics, artificial proteins that harness the best properties of natural ones, and electronic circuits a fraction of their current size.
Nanotechnology also offers the promise of countless other applications yet to be envisioned.
In humans and other animals, a couple of cells give rise to an amazingly diverse array of tissues and organs. Similarly, nanotechnology seeks ways for single atoms to assemble themselves into complex structures. While nanotechnology is still in its infancy, the approach will likely see dramatic growth in the coming decade. Nanotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary, a discipline that draws from every branch of engineering and technology. It offers great promise and is certain to deliver wonderful new technologies for the region and for the country.