What the heck is a Nanoparticle?

I peeked at the The NY Times.com Technology section again. It's still a bit iPhone crazy, making you wonder if the page is Apple's advertising supplement with the newspaper.

There was one article sort of about real technology:
"Teeny-Weeny Rules for Itty-Bitty Atom Clusters"

An exerpt...

Nanoparticles are generally defined as clusters of atoms and molecules used in a rapidly growing range of invisible products and microscopic manufacturing processes measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter. The largest particle subject to Mr. Al-Hadithy’s regulation is roughly 800 times thinner than a human hair.

For now, nanotechnology is limited to somewhat mundane applications, including stain-resistant clothing, transparent cosmetics and antimicrobial surfaces for medical and household products. Promoters, however, have not been shy about predicting how nanotechnology might transform everything from health care to energy production.

I'm kind of interested in continuing on this trip on "Real Technology" (as opposed to Gadget Technology, like cellphones...) If you found any cool articles on something you'd consider interesting Real Technology, please post a comment.