The September issue of Materials World has been enlarged in order to bring its readers greater coverage of a small subject - nanotechnology. Through five feature stories, we explore the possible benefits of nanotechnology within the cement, healthcare, energy, microsystem and packaging industries. As this new technology continues to grow rapidly, some experts fear that not enough emphasis is being placed on its potentially negative side effects. Professor Geoffrey Hunt makes the case for more responsible use of nanotechnology. In other feature stories, Michael Forrest takes a look at the rise of Russian aluminium producer Rusal, and he also investigates new polymer technologies that are being used to tackle concrete corrosion problems.

In our news section, Materials World previews a muscular, bouncing probe that is being developed by MIT researchers to explore the tunnels of Mars. Finish Technologies Ltd has created a sample pack to keep designers updated on the latest trends and innovations in materials. Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the USA are making use of UV light to transform the sticky surfaces of synthetic polymers to a more slippery feel. And Rupal Mehta talks to Hugh Clare about his role as Director of the UK's Micro and Nanotechnology Network.