Technology at the Nanoscale

Take a look at this graphic here: 

This should help give you a perspective of just how small the nanoscale is.  Nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this scale.  The upshot is that matter in all forms (solid, liquid, and gas) can exhibit unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties at the nanoscale; properties that they might not otherwise exhibit at any other size.  Nanoscale science and engineering is about taking advantage of these unique properties to benefit mankind in one way or another.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is leading force that propels advancements in the nanotechnology field.  You can read more about nanotechnology and the NNI at their website: http://www.nano.gov/