Here we present current issues in understanding the mechanical behavior of nanoporous foams as a new class of high yield strength / low density materials. Gold nanoporous foams are used for a systematic study of mechanical properties since they can be synthesized with a wide range of ligaments sizes and densities. Preliminary tests demonstrate that a) Au foams have a fracture behavior dictated by the ligament size, and b) nanoporous Au is a high yield strength material.