Origins of (the nano-uses of) Carbon Species
Nanotechnology is not as new as many people believe. Its vision dates back to 1959, with a series of speeches by Richard Feinman. Nanotechnology research has been published in scientific journals since the 1970s.
Various worldwide governments and agencies strongly funded nanotechnology in the 1990s. According to an article in Scientific American, "Between 1997 and 2005, investment in nanotech research and development by governments around the world soared from $432 million to about $4.1 billion, and corresponding industry investment exceeded that of governments by 2005."
Considering the epic debates ensuing on the subjects of stem cell research and gene modification, the government funding presented to researchers in nanotechnology practically endorses the field. Clearly, the NSF (National Science Foundation) studies its monetary benefactors, and has placed its trust in the field. Dr. El-Sayed's research, specifically, has earned him what some consider the highest honor in Chemistry next to the Nobel: The United States National Science Medal in Chemistry in 2007.
Various worldwide governments and agencies strongly funded nanotechnology in the 1990s. According to an article in Scientific American, "Between 1997 and 2005, investment in nanotech research and development by governments around the world soared from $432 million to about $4.1 billion, and corresponding industry investment exceeded that of governments by 2005."
Considering the epic debates ensuing on the subjects of stem cell research and gene modification, the government funding presented to researchers in nanotechnology practically endorses the field. Clearly, the NSF (National Science Foundation) studies its monetary benefactors, and has placed its trust in the field. Dr. El-Sayed's research, specifically, has earned him what some consider the highest honor in Chemistry next to the Nobel: The United States National Science Medal in Chemistry in 2007.
