They are currently being integrated into hundreds of different applications, from green tech to clothing and medicine. Here’s a peak at some uses for this wonder material.

 

Carbon nanotubes can be modified with protein receptors or DNA that pick up faint traces of chemical. Once the receptor interacts with the chemical, a current surges down the nanotube, identifying the target. It can be used to sniff bombs, search for toxins in the air and water, or be used to test whether someone has skin cancer by checking for a chemical called dimethylsulfone.