I’m a graduate student at Rice University in Houston, Texas, one of the premiere universities excelling in research and commercializing nanotechnology. During my studies, I noticed a disconnect between nanotech research and what the average person knows about nanotech – they didn’t match. As a graduate student, I was in the unique position to understand the science of nanotech but not in too deep that I couldn’t communicate it to the layperson. Therefore, I set out to dispel science fiction and lay out realistic expectations of nanotechnology as clear as possible.

Nanotechnology is in its commercial infancy – the technology has been around for a while but it’s just now showing unique promise. We now have tools capable of aiding our discovery. Commercial applications will begin to emerge within the next five years making profound impact to computers, materials, and healthcare. In the book, we draw relationships between these industries hopefully facilitating long-term understanding and nanotech growth while quelling unnecessary fear.

Let’s keep in mind that this is a “for Dummies” book and I knew my audience would want information disseminated to them quickly. To address this, we added over 100 line art and photos making it that much more real to the reader that nanotechnology isn’t just science fiction and will eventually lead to tangible products. Feel free to read the entire first chapter and table of contents on dummies.com.

This isn’t “Rocket Science for Dummies.” It’s meant for everyone – the high school student to the baby boomer. Even my dad is reading it…and more importantly understands and asks good questions. I encourage those that are interested in nanotechnology to take a closer look at this book.

Thanks, Rich

According to the Foresight people who really do understand this stuff, Nanotech for Dummies is due out on Monday. I don’t want to seem diparaging, but what’s next? Rocket Science for Dummies?