In the early 1990s, scanning probe microscopy was empowering researchers to view nanoscale features, previously the domain of imaginative theorists. Such images undoubtedly sparked the imagination and goaded researchers into ever more creative endeavours to understand nanoscale systems. At the same time, reports on molecular self-assembly were revolutionizing the philosophy behind how such systems could be produced, and promoting genuine bottom-up fabrication technology. The nanoworld was not only available to be gazed at and probed, but could be recreated by imposing the right conditions for the self assembly of complex and controlled structures. Many creative variants of self-assembly processes have been investigated. Researchers in Germany demonstrated that block copolymer micelle nanolithography could be used to generate nanostructured interfaces, where the pattern dimension and geometry is controlled by a combination of the self-assembly of block copolymer micelles with pre-structures formed by photo or electron-beam lithography [1]. The building blocks of life, DNA molecules, have also bred novel synthesis techniques as described in work by researchers in Finland, in a study of two different techniques of 'DNA origami' for the fabrication of complex protein structures [2].Some fascinating properties have been revealed in self-assembled structures. Researchers in the US demonstrated extraordinary transmission in the infrared using self-assembled monolayers, phospholipid bilayers, and membrane-bound proteins on a subwavelength metallic array [3]. The surface plasmon properties of the arrays are accentuated by stacking them one upon the other, thus enabling extraordinary transmission and providing the basis of a nanospaced capacitive sensor.So-called nanoscaffolds have been used to promote assembly of biological matter in organized forms. A particularly inspiring application of nanoscaffolds has been found in nerve regeneration. Researchers in Singapore demonstrated the potential of biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanofibres to guide axon regeneration in vivo [4] and showed that aligned nanofibrous poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds could be used as a potential cell carrier in neural tissue engineering [5]. In this issue, researchers in Italy demonstrate the use of magnetic bio-hybrid porous scaffolds for nucleating nano-apatite in situ on self-assembling collagen in the presence of magnetite nano-particles [6]. The magnetic nanoparticles provide a sort of crosslinking agent for the collagen, inducing a chemico-physical-mechanical stabilization of the material and allowing control of the porosity of the scaffold network. The work contributes towards developing assistance to bone regeneration guided by an external magnetic field.Another application of nanoscaffolds is in the development of hydrogen storage technology. Scaffolds can be used to help avoid aggregation of hydrogen storage nanoparticles and aid efficient cycling of storage and release [7, 8]. For more on hydrogen storage and other work on developing energy sources using nanotechnology, keep an eye out for our new Energy section to be launched this spring, 2011. The section will consider both the technological aspects and fundamental physics associated with innovations in the energy industry that exploit the properties of nanoscale structures.As we usher in the new year we can be sure that nanotechnology will remain a topic at the forefront of research agendas. There has been much hype over developments in nanotechnology over the years, and without a doubt the smart self-assembling of complex systems and materials has provoked awe of both a positive and negative nature in its time. Great progress has been made in advancing our control over promoting and guiding the self assembly of biological and industrial materials. The benefits available in applications of such research in medicine, renewable energy and many other industries are evident. Richard Feynman, often touted as a pioneer of a 'bottom-up' approach to nanotechnology, once said 'I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there'. In a similar sense, what we do not yet know and understand about the ability to create and manipulate nanosystems is apparently infinite, but as can also be acceded in the case of Richard Feynman, the 'little' we have had time learn so far holds more than a little promise.References[1] Glass R, Möller M and Spatz J P 2003 Nanotechnology 14 314[2] Kuzyk A, Laitinen K T and Törmä P 2009 Nanotechnology 20 235305[3] Williams S M, Rodriguez K R, Teeters-Kennedy S, Shah S, Rogers T M, Stafford A D and Coe J V 2004 Nanotechnology 15 S495[4] Bini T B, Gao S, Tan T C, Wang S, Lim, A, Hai L B and Ramakrishna S 2004 Nanotechnology 15 1459[5] Yang F, Murugan R, Wang S and Ramakrishna S 2005 Biomaterials 26 2603–10[6] Tampieri A, Landi E, Valentini F, Sandri M, D'Alessandro T, Dediu V and Marcacci M 2011 Nanotechnology 22 015104[7] Gross A F, Ahn C C, Van Atta S L, Liu P and Vajo J J 2009 Nanotechnology 20 204005[8] Zhang S, Gross A F, Van Atta S L, Lopez M, Liu P, Ahn C C, Vajo J J and Jensen C M 2009 Nanotechnology 20 204027