- More than 2 years ago
In a vote of confidence that nanotechnology might be the next big thing, Congress has passed the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. The law authorizes $3.7 billion in spending on nanotechnology over 4 years starting Oct. 1, 2004. It also calls for the creation of a national research hub–the American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center–charged with investigating the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of this rapidly growing field.