Nerdy Science Blog

The Australian:

THE Rudd Government’s budget axe will fall on the technology behind self-cleaning windows and stain-resistant clothes, after unions expressed concerns over the safety of the emerging field of nanotechnology.

As Treasurer Wayne Swan seeks to make savings of more than $10 billion, it has been decided that one of the casualties will be the four-year, $21.5 million National Nanotechnology Strategy launched by the Howard government. It is to be cut short by two years, saving Treasury almost $12 million.

Mike Ford, associate director of the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Nanoscale Technology, said the surprise decision could leave Australia “out of the game” on nano-technology.