Nanotechnology highlights from the ACS national meeting in Anaheim, Calif., March ...( EMBARGO NOTE FOR REPORTERS: EACH PAPER...)

ANAHEIM, Calif. From stain-free clothing to scratch-resistant eyeglasses to longer lasting sunscreen lotions, nanotechnology the science and technology of the ultra small is already making an impact on our lives. Now, it's poised to make an even broader impact with promises of faster computers, better diagnostic tests and improved ways to remove toxins from contaminated sites. More than 15 symposia will feature these and other topics related to this growing field of research including its promises, challenges and potential risks during the 227^th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, in Anaheim, Calif., March 28-April 1.

On Sunday, March 28, the program features a special Presidential Colloquium: "Big Promise from 'Small' Science - How Nanotechnology will Change Our Lives," which includes several leaders in the field who will discuss what is and is not possible with the emerging science. ACS President Charles P. Casey will introduce the session, which concludes with a panel discussion on the topic.

Highlights from selected symposia and research presentations are described below:

Sunday, March 28

World's smallest lasers may pave the way for faster computers Researchers at Harvard University say they have developed the world's smallest lasers. The lasers, composed of cadmium sulfide nanowires, can be driven by simple electrical current. What's more, several different types of nanowire lasers can be bundled together on a single chip, allowing more versatile applications. The development could lead to faster, more efficient computers, high density information storage, improved fiber optics and more precise lithography. (PHYS 27, Sunday, March 2
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1-Apr-2004