Nanostructured coatings and layers, only billionths of a meter thick, can be applied to an object to protect against water, dirt, wear, and even bacteria. Working at the nanoscale, scientists and engineers are developing new and innovative applications in the fields of energy, electronics, and medicine. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Today's microchips and computers are much smaller than computers of the past, and yet significantly more powerful. Their increased processing power and decreased size is possible thanks to nanotechnology. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

A research group at CalTech is proving big and heavy materials are not the only ways to build strong, robust structures. By scaling the structure of materials down to the nanoscale, just billionths of a meter in size, it's possible to make structures that are lightweight, resilient, and more than 99% air. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Medical technology is big business, and some of the biggest advances may soon come from devices built on the nanoscale. Two researchers are using nanotechnology that may one day sense, diagnose, and even treat cancer. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Quantum dots are nano-sized crystals that are used in displays to produce brighter, more vivid color. Because they efficiently process energy in the form of light, Paul Alivisatos' team at the University of California, Berkeley wants to use quantum dots to capture energy from the sun to develop a new type of solar cell. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.

Scientists and engineers are researching materials only billionths of a meter in size. The ability to control and manipulate material at this extremely small scale is having a big impact around the world, offering solutions in fields such as medicine, energy, and electronics. "Nanotechnology: Super Small Science" is produced by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation.