Nanotechnology helps make the pervasive aspect of pervasive computing possible. To envision nanotechnology's potential, think about building things from the molecular level up. At that level, you can build in characteristics and capabilities that aren't readily apparent. Fueled by numerous drivers, projects from data storage to power generation to medical exploration are all putting nanotechnology to use.

Also in this issue: "Robo-Teddy: Today's Stuffed Toys, Tomorrow's Intelligent Agents," by Benjamin Alfonsi. The good old-fashioned teddy bear has become an intelligent agent. Computer scientists are now using stuffed toys as intelligent agents in an array of applications-from bunnies and squirrels that serve as cell phone answering devices to bears that function as "living" log recording devices. What's the significance of equipping stuffed toys with emerging technological capabilities? And how could this type of research affect computing on a larger scale?