The work could help spot consistent flaws in nanoparticle products, which could be vital in health care and other areas where you can't afford a mistake. And even if it doesn't, there are numerous other practical purposes. Scientists hope to create an internet database that illustrates atom-level material properties, and the 3D algorithm could be used for CT scans and other imaging tech. In short, this clearer look at the nano-scale world could have a tremendous effect on many fields -- it may just be a matter of time.