Just to give you an idea, DNA is approximately 2.5 nanometers. Red blood cells are 2.5 micrometers (1,000 times larger).

And how about something we’re all familiar with … a sheet of paper? Although it’s difficult to comprehend, a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.

To provide you with more of a scale, the head of a pin is 1-2 millimeters. An ant is about 5 millimeters. Both are gigantic compared to the nano-sized objects!

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM), invented in the mid-1980’s is a breakthrough instrument allowing researchers to observe and even manipulate nano-sized particles.

But as you can imagine, it is still very difficult to scale and mass produce objects within the realm of nanotechnology. Their minute size makes them nearly impossible to manipulate. But scientists and engineers have teamed up to make the seemingly impossible a reality.

Which means those with the proper training will be highly sought after in the future. The National Science Foundation estimates that the U.S. alone will need up to 1 million nanotechnology researchers. It is estimated that the need for nanotechnology workers will reach 2 million by 2015.

Only a few degree programs in the field of nanotechnology are available nationally (and globally). These include programs at Rice University, University of Albany, University of Washington, and University of Pennsylvania. Therefore, many students choose to major in traditional biology, engineering, chemistry, physics or technology fields when pursuing a career in nanotechnology. Science and engineering training should go hand in hand as a foundation for a nanotechnology career.

Evidence of the importance in advancing nanotechnology as a career includes the granting of major scholarships in this field. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Science Foundation (NSF) are promoting the advanced research of nanotechnology and cancer by granting over $12 million dollars to science and engineering PhD students.

The best site to visit for more information related to nanotechnology and a career in this exciting new field is The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)

The NNI provides leadership in nanotechnology, focusing on it’s implications toward improving human health, national security and increasing our nations economic stability. The NNI contributes to the research and technology transfer of nanotechnology.