Provides basic information on a new and rapidly developing form of technology that involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to produce materials and devices with very precise, predictable properties. Recent Advances and Issues in Molecular Nanotechnology provides basic information on a new and rapidly developing form of technology that involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to produce materials and devices with very precise, predictable properties. This is the first volume to cover this new and exciting field. The book’s 13 chapters discusses the nature of nanotechnology in general and explain the differences between top-down and bottom-up approaches to research; focus on potential benefits and threats to society from future developments in nanotechnology; present current nanotechnology research; provide brief biographical sketches of some important individuals and a chronology of important events; include important documents relating to molecular nanotechnology; discuss nanotechnology as a career, offer data and statistics, especially in relation to President Clinton’s National Nanotechnology Initiative of 2000; list organizations, research associations, corporations, and academic institutions involved in research related to molecular nanotechnology; and list print and nonprint resources and a glossary of commonly used terms.