Attack of the hive-minded shape-shifting sand grains

Coolest technology story I've read in a bit.

Imagine explaining that one at the bar just off campus. "So, what do you study?" "Oh, smart dust, mostly."

I think the one mildly creepy thing that doesn't get mentioned is the possibility that alien dust designed in much the same way has already been covertly blowing around the Earth for years, gathering information as a prelude to an invasion. Help us Black and Decker. You're our only hope.

Looking for "Cochrane, Zefram"

The various research proposals linked-to on this site have been an invaluable weapon in my three-day-long battle against insomnia. It might just be a product of the late hour, but I think I've convinced myself that I comprehend most of it. Well, "ponderomotive forces" required a Wiki run. But solar shields at Lagrange points? Psssh. Easy stuff.