Detecting cancer at a pre-cancerous stage, identifying chemical-warfare agents, removing contaminants from ground water: these and many more efforts are underway as the era of nanotechnology dawns. The newest of the new technologies, nanotechnology is this century's gold rush to build manmade machinery from microscopic particles. The nanotechnology explosion is affecting the shape and arrangement of university laboratories. Collaboration no longer is just a goal of lab scientists; integrating nanotechnology is a necessity. To remain competitive, universities must challenge their own assumptions about lab design and construction. This article reports three key trends in lab design as the result of nanotechnology infusion: (1) Collaborative multi-disciplines; (2) Communications and lab design; and (3) Basic design changes to the lab.