If you're worried about the nanotech military applications described in my last two posts, you may be able to defend yourself with a nano-enabled bullet-proof t-shirt.

Nanowerk reports that a team led by Professor Liangchi Zhang at the University of Sydney is investigating ballistic-resistance materials using carbon nanotubes.

"Especially in making bullet-proof vests, shields, and explosion proof blankets," said Zhang, "the best protective material will have a high level of elastic storage energy that will cause the projectile to bounce off or be deflected."

In his experiments, Zhang found that carbon nanotubes could be resilient to projectiles traveling at speeds of 200-1400 meters per second. The velocity of a typical rifle bullet is between 180 and 1500 meters per second. (photo of non-nano bullet-proof t-shirt LBA International)