A nanoguitar of silicon, made by electron beam lithography. Courtesy Craighead Group. Cornell University.

Researchers are manipulating matter at the molecular level , working to engineer everything from better batteries to stronger sunscreens. But while there's lots of talk about applications that sound like science fiction, much of the real research in nanotech slips by unnoticed. In this hour of Science Friday, Ira and guests look at the future of nanotechnology, including the promise of nanomedicine.

Plus, how can researchers ensure the safety of these new technologies? Some of the very properties of nanomaterials that make them attractive for applications mean that they interact with the world around them in unusual ways. We'll talk about on the care and handling of nanotech when it comes to potential health and environmental effects. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Barbara Baird
Horace White Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Rosalyn Berne
Associate Professor, Department of Science, Technology and Society; and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Lawrence Goldberg
Senior Engineering Advisor, Division of Electrical and Communications Systems
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia

John Silcox
David E. Burr Professor of Engineering, School of Applied and Engineering Physics
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth