We will discuss recent developments involving a new scientific interface between quantum optics, many body physics, nanoscience and quantum information science. Specific examples include the use of quantum optical techniques for manipulation of individual spins and photons using ultra-cold atoms and atom-like impurities in diamond as well as control of light-matter interactions using sub-wavelenth localization of optical fields. Applications of these techniques ranging form novel approaches to quantum computation at room temperature to strongly interacting photonic systems and nanoscale sensing in biology will be discussed.