The report from the September 2005 workshop on The Nanotechnology-Biology Interface: Exploring Models for Oversight has been issued today by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. In addition to the usual nanoparticle safety discussions, the report touches on bigger issues. From the press release: “The report also calls for more conversation about nanotechnology… Continue reading Nanobio governance: exploring models for oversight
We earlier covered informal comments by Sonia Arrison of PRI, but the organization also has an official press release on the recent widely-publicized Wilson Center report calling for regulation of nanotechnology. Some excerpts: “The Pacific Research Institute (PRI), a California-based free-market think tank, has challenged the conclusions reached by a recent report released by the… Continue reading Pacific Research Institute disputes prominent Wilson Center nano report
A prominent new report on nanoparticle safety issues from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is generating a bit of controversy. Author J. Clarence Davies, a former EPA Administrator, advocates new federal legislation, while others see the situation differently. From a Chicago Tribune article: “Davies said that because nanoparticles behave differently than traditional materials,… Continue reading Controversy over proposed U.S. nanotech regulatory legislation
In a TechNewsWorld column Sonia Arrison, director of Technology Studies at Pacific Research Institute, calls for strong self-regulation in nanotech: “The scientific community is well aware of the potential dangers with nano-scale particles. The public will be glad to know that the discussion over proper methods is thriving and developing in tandem with the technology.… Continue reading Arrison calls for strong self-regulation in nanotech
In a study by Edna Einsiedel of University of Calgary, it was found that the U.S. and Canadian publics trust nanoscientists much more than they do those in charge of nanotech regulation. About a quarter of those responding claimed to have discussed nanotechnology previously. Over 70% agreed that “Nanotechnology will be one of the most… Continue reading Public trusts nanoscientists more than nanoregulators
John Bartlett of U.S. EPA has let us know how and when to submit public comments on the recent EPA Nanotechnology White Paper draft: “EPA states in the notice that all comments received by January 31, 2006, will be shared with the external peer review panel that is being convened to review the White Paper.… Continue reading Deadline January 31 for comments to external review panel for EPA Nanotechnology White Paper
The Motley Fool’s Jack Uldrich on DuPont: “Essentially, DuPont is publicly acknowledging that there are possible risks in nanoscale material and nanoparticles; and it’s actively working to identify and — if feasible — minimize or eliminate those risks as quickly and efficiently as possible… “DuPont’s stance is a refreshing change from your typical corporate position,… Continue reading DuPont gets investor kudos for nanotech responsibility
California’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology (on which I am privileged to serve) issued its final report today. From Keay Davidson of the SF Chronicle: “In effect, it calls for a nanotech version of the state’s stem cell initiative, another instance in which the Golden State jumped on a high-tech bandwagon that many claim… Continue reading California aims to expand nano role
In an op-ed in the Ft. Wayne News Sentinel picked up by Knight Ridder, the NanoBusiness Alliance joined with Environmental Defense in calling for increased nanosafety funding by the U.S. federal government: “For a technology as new, untested and potentially pervasive as this, we should be spending at least 10 percent of our research budget,… Continue reading NanoBusiness Alliance joins call for nanosafety funding
Now is the time to get your comments in on the U.S. EPA’s draft white paper on nanotech. An excerpt: “We are currently nearing the end of basic research and development on the first generation of materials resulting from nanotechnologies that include coatings, polymers, more reactive catalysts, etc. (Figure 2). The second generation, which we… Continue reading Public comments open on EPA nanotech white paper
