Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology may become the most influential force in the world since the emergence of the World Wide Web. It may end world hunger, increase the speed of memory chips, modify the human body or become a devastating weapon. This guide explores what nanotechnology is, how researchers are hoping to use it and what the critics are saying about the consequences of using this potentially world-changing technology.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Nanotechnology?
The most concise and consistent definition of nanotechnology ... read more »
The Uses of Nanotechnology
For something so small, the implications and breadth of the uses of nanotechnology are vast, ... read more »
Nanotechnology Ethics
Whenever a new technology comes along, people tend to align themselves into a strictly polarized ‘for’ or ‘against’ attitude. Careful weaving through the Web can help you separate the cheerleaders from the Cassandras, and provide you with a balanced, if not diverse, view of the issues.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Nothing is as simple as it seems. When biofuels were seen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, little attention was initially paid to the ecological hazards of growing huge crops in particular environments.
- In December of 2006, the city of Berkeley, California, amended its hazardous materials law to include nanoparticles. More recently, the EPA has required that all products containing nanotechnology for antibacterial purposes must have applied for registration by March 21, 2008. As the technology develops, expect more debate and legislation on this issue.
Dulcinea's Picks
For the ethics of nanotechnology …
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
is concerned about such issues as a “knowledge divide” between industrial and developing nations, as so often occurs with bleeding edge technologies. This excellent report also raises questions about nanotech’s health and environmental implications, and how to determine which ethical issues have serious ramifications and which are frivolous, such as the “grey goo” scenario.
Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology
from philosopher-ethicist Chris MacDonald provides an excellent directory of links to online articles around the Web. Best of all is a page of summaries and annotations on some available articles.
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
is an advocacy think tank concerned with the major societal and environmental implications of advanced nanotechnology.
For a blog on the potential consequences of nanotechnology …
Switchboard
is a blog that often deals with the dark side of tiny tech, written by Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist with the activist organization Natural Resources Defense Council. You may also want to hear her on the Leonard Lopate Radio Show in October, 2007 discussing the issues of using nanosilver as an antibacterial substance.
Speculations about Nanotechnology in Fact and Fiction
Not long ago, technology on a very, very tiny scale was merely the province of science fiction. ... read more »
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