Down at these near-atomic sizes, materials exhibit unique properties that dramatically alter their physical, chemical or biological behaviour.

ECONOMIST: The dulling of nanotech��s silver lining

Their theory is that smokers smoke because their brains have high levels of dopamine, a brain chemical believed to stimulate addictive behaviour.

BBC: Smokers and drinkers 'protected against Parkinson's'

One compound synthesised by Dr Blackwell's team is more effective than the natural signalling chemical at turning on this group behaviour and works even when there are not enough bacteria around to induce the process naturally.

ECONOMIST: Novel antibiotics