Wonders of nanotubes, rat sense and alternative energy

Carbon nanotubes are stronger and lighter than steel. You're not. But you and nanotubes have something else in common, according to researchers at Rice Unviersity. You and the little guys are self-healing. Carbon nanotubes can regrow their own molecular skin. Now that you may be intrigued, check out CNET News.com's special report on nanotubes.

You may like being similar to a nanotube, but a rat? English research shows rats' whiskers are similar to your fingertips. Whisker sensing makes rat sense.

And at U.C. Berkeley they use organic molecules and metal nanoparticles to create heat. So what? Scientists hope this can lead to creating electricity from heat currently wasted by numerous engines. This nanotech could produce alternative energy.

If you can't get enough of the latest science, check News.com's coverage of the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) meeting that is underway in San Francisco. Stories will be posted tomorrow and this weekend.