What do a new antenna that improves computer displays, a new approach for selectively killing cancer cells, and more efficient ethanol fuel production have in common?

Each employs nanotechnology-to make light-emitting diodes more efficient, to deliver light-sensitive material to tumor cells killing them with light, or to exploit high-combustion boron in nanoparticles to improve fuel efficiencies. And the work is being done in Utah.

Successful research on dozens of projects is taking place at institutions across the state, and results will be presented at the sixth annual nanoUtah Conference October 14 and 15 at the Marriott City Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The conference is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, a workshop specifically aimed for high school students and teachers and college undergraduates will cover educational and career opportunities in the growing field.

“We are so excited to showcase the amazing progress that has been made in nanotechnology in the state of Utah over the past year,” said Bruce Gale, conference chair and associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Utah. “Those not familiar with ‘nano’ research in Utah will be pleasantly surprised to find all the great work going on in areas from medicine to energy that will have a long-term positive impact on the economic growth and development of the State.”

Nanotechnology derives its name from the size of a particle called a nanometer. One nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. The comparative size of a nanometer to a meter is the same as that of a marble to the size of the earth, or the amount a man’s beard grows in the time it takes him to raise the razor to his face.

A full program of events and registration information is available at http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/nanoutah10.