Investigating a nanotechnology company, she is thrown out and goes back to her house, when suddenly, an alien space pod crashes into a building.

But to some nanotechnology companies, consumer batteries are too competitive to be a high priority.

And Dr. Lichtenhan realized there would be other business benefits from leaving a region where nanotechnology companies "are a dime a dozen."

Harris & Harris Group's current portfolio includes over 25 nanotechnology companies.

But many nanotechnology companies that are already public seemed to suffer by association yesterday.

Oxonica is nanotechnology company that develops new products from nanomaterials research.

According to the report, further studies, legal structure, and safety should be required of nanotechnology companies.

Mr. Abbruzzese was the first investor in Evident, a nanotechnology company, but no longer serves as a director.

Mr. Wolfe said last week that investors should remember that most nanotechnology companies would not be chosen to receive federal financing.

Still, Mr. Jurvetson said, valuations are clearly rising for many private nanotechnology companies.