The Sciences of Nanotechnology?

[Plutarck]

I'm rather interested in the actual real-world science of nanotechnology, and was wondering what kinds of base knowledge are required to understand the field much, if at all. IE, mechanical engineering and its related maths and sciences, certain fields of physics, etc?


Similarly, anyone know some good sources to learn about the real-world science of nanotechnology such as where we are now, what obstacles stand in the way of advancement, useful technologies and applications obtained from past and present research, etc?

[Plutarck]

Uhhh...like, bump? :confused:

[Agammamon]

Molecular Biology, cellular anatomy. At the larger scales, nanotech looks pretty much like microbes. And since life has already provided solutions (not necessarely the best mind you) to many of the basic problems of creating a machine on the nanoscale.

The problem right now is that nanotech as a definition is very broad and many technological disciplines are converging on the nano realm from a variety of directions.

[dsm]

Originally posted by Plutarck
I'm rather interested in the actual real-world science of nanotechnology, and was wondering what kinds of base knowledge are required to understand the field much, if at all. IE, mechanical engineering and its related maths and sciences, certain fields of physics, etc?


Similarly, anyone know some good sources to learn about the real-world science of nanotechnology such as where we are now, what obstacles stand in the way of advancement, useful technologies and applications obtained from past and present research, etc?

I'd say that the place to start is the Foresight Institute. Their FAQ (http://www.foresight.org/NanoRev/FIFAQ.html) might help.

http://www.foresight.org
http://www.nanodot.org