Speaking on a visit to the University of Virginia, John Holdren,
President Obama's chief science and technology adviser, said the
research being done at the nation's universities is a key engine in
the drive for economic recovery. During the tour, Holdren witnessed tools for early tumor detection in a chemistry lab studying microfluidics, the development of new nano-magnetic technology for mobile phones and laptop computers in a nanotechnology lab in Wilsdorf Hall, cutting-edge battery and low-power electronics technology in Rice Hall, and 3D fabrication printers in a mechanical engineering lab that could help bring manufacturing back to the United States.