Nano Technology, the Key to the Future

By mimicking structures found in seashells, scientists have created a transparent plastic that is as strong as steel.

For years scientists have tried to build sturdy materials for larger products from ultrastrong nano-size building blocks, such as nanotubes, nanosheets and nanorods, only to have the larger structures turn out comparatively weak.

"When you tried to build something you can hold in your arms, scientists had difficulties transferring the strength of individual nanosheets or nanotubes to the entire material," said study leader Nicholas Kotov of the the University of Michigan.

There is also a experiment going on in M.I.T. to create a "elevator" that reaches to other plants. This "elevator's" support is going to be nano tubes, which are stronger than any material on Earth alone.