coincidentally the same day as Bushs bill signing, San Diegobased biotech outfit Nanogen NGEN jumped 51 on news that it received key nanotechnology patent. The prefix nano means onebillionth. It also isnt process specific to one industry Nanotechnology can be applied to spectrum of disciplines, from biotech to semiconductors to manufacturing. Subscribe for only 1 an issue. Dont let someone steal your identity. Sunscreen makers are using nanoscale methods to eliminate that pesky, cakey white buildup in lotions. That news only added to the nanotech hype machine, which has been cranking full blast for months.

Just think what nanotech can make possible Drugs that can be administered more effectively at the molecular level, semiconductors that are more powerful and smaller than ever before, and computers that are instant on. And there are more farreaching hopes tiny probes capable of detecting cancer in the earliest of stages, and tiny nano particles that could be sprayed to immunize vast populations for bioterror agents. That hybrid process incorporating nanotech with existing manufacturing techniques is critical, explains Dr. were beginning to see classic signs of speculative mania.

Stewart SmartMoney TV SmartMoney TV HomeSmartMoney TV GuideRetiring RightSmart AdviceDeal of the DayTechsmartSmall BusinessSpotlightThe CaseOne Day Wonder Magazine Magazine ContentsCover StoryStock ScreenSubscribeGive giftCustomer ServiceMedia KitEditorial CalendarCustom PublishingAdvertiser Info Financial FitnessSmartMoney Home Stocks Sector Patrol Small Is Big By Monica Rivituso .Monica Rivituso Archive .Published 19, Tiny Triumphs Stock Compare See how the stocks on this page stack up. Price Check Calculator Whats this stock really worth? Try our new valuationcalculator. ReadPost Comments Add this column to your News Alerts Print Send Buzz up this storyon Yahoo! NANOTECHNOLOGY, IN case you havent heard, is the biggest littlest thing around.

But count on some nanotech impact before then. MORE ON STOCKS FROM SMARTMONEY. COM Summer Thaw for Frozen ARPS? High Wheat Prices Leave Bread Maker StaleStock Buyback Triggers Rare Rally in Kodak As with all stockmarket crazes, misconceptions and lofty ideas abound. Few analysts cover the industry, few publicly traded pureplay companies exist, and there are no marketshare data available. Three of our funds made Smart Moneys Best 35 list. were beginning to see classic signs of speculative mania.