China, Russia, and the United States have invested billions of dollars in nanotech research. And it’s actually working! That pile of cash has helped scientists come up with all kinds of exotic uses for these tiny particles. Their structure and size help them fight cancer, manipulate light, and carry electrons in ways that neither individual atoms nor bulk macroscale materials can. Here is a guide to some of these handy specks.

• Quantum dots
  Made of semiconducting molecules, they glow fluorescently and are great at absorbing light.
  Used for: More efficient solar cells and microscopy dyes for cell biology research.
• Silica
  These silicon dioxide nanoparticles enable so-called shear thickening fluid to become stronger on impact.
  Used for: Stab-resistant Kevlar for body armor.
• Zinc oxide
  The tiny crystals stop UV radiation and are toxic to microscopic life.
  Used for: UV-resistant packaging; paint and textiles that inhibit bacteria and fungi.
• Aluminosilicates
  Basically just clay: The particles’ negative charge triggers clotting.
  Used for: Battlefield wound dressings.
• Nano barcodes
  Bits of various metals linked into tiny wires make good tags for microscopic things.
  Used for: Tracking DNA and cells.
• Lithium iron phosphate
  Particles organize themselves into an anode, which allows batteries to charge and deliver power extremely quickly.
  Used for: Electric cars, power tools.
• Liposomes
  These little blobs of fat (and sometimes protein, too) can protect DNA and RNA as they move through the human body.
  Used for: Delivering gene therapy.
• Iron oxide
  The mini magnets can stick to certain chemicals.
  Used for: Steering cancer drugs and genes to targets in the body while minimizing collateral damage.