The field of nanoethics has just gained two new organizations, both quite ambitious: The Center on Nanotechnology and Society at Illinois Institute of Technology, is headed by Nigel Cameron: “the Center is taking the lead in agenda-setting for the ethical, legal and social issues raised by nano. Our unique network of civil society leaders brings… Continue reading Nanoethics heats up
You may recall this nanotech debate held at University of Nottingham. Organizer Philip Moriarty reports that “The debate video footage is currently being put together by the team from Sheffield who filmed the event. As soon as the video stream is available, I’ll let you know. Moreover, the debate will be transcribed for a journal… Continue reading Debate update — Nanotechnology: Radical new science or plus ca change
From Capitol Reports: Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed Special Act 05 – 13 — an “Act Concerning Nanotechnology, Molecular Manufacturing And Advanced And Developing Technologies At Institutions Of Higher Education” — to help create higher education degree programs in nanotechnology. The new law requires the Commissioner of Higher Education, in consultation with the… Continue reading Connecticut to take lead in molecular manufacturing education
Foresight Research Associate Bryan Bruns reports: “Will heavy investments in nanotechnology lead to a North-South nanodivide? In the Policy Forum of the July 1 issue of Science, an article, Small Things and Big Changes in the Developing World, argues that the answer appears to be no. Mohammed H.A. Hassan of the Academy of Sciences for… Continue reading Nanotechnology in the developing world
Recently there have been a spate of media articles triggered by a July 13 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office to the effect that, as an LA Times piece put it: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is failing to protect the public from tens of thousands of toxic compounds because it has not gathered… Continue reading Let's put nanotechnology in larger chemical context
My first column is up over at Always On, and you can rate it on a scale from “Way Off” to “On the $”. Excerpts: “So there’s a big international race on to see which country will lead the Nanotechnology Revolution. How will the U.S. do?…you can have lots of venture capital looking to invest… Continue reading Nanotech in U.S.: Find more molecule geeks soon or lose out
The International Risk Governance Council, an independent foundation started in 2003 at the instigation of Switzerland and based in Geneva, has given nanotechnology top level priority. Their nanotechnology fact sheet explains their plans, which include the usual examination of nanoparticle risks but also fourth-generation issues as well (e.g., nanomanufacturing including self-assembly and robotic systems, and… Continue reading Int'l Risk Governance Council to take on nanotech
A National Research Council report titled “Nanotechnology for the Intelligence Community” takes a short-term view that may not serve that community well. Defining “long term” to be 10 years (page eight), the report concludes (page 12): “the committee remains skeptical of claims that nanotechnology will have the kind of broad, revolutionary impact that has characterized… Continue reading NRC nanotech report to intelligence community is too near-term
A massive amount of new writing on societal and ethical issues is available in a special double issue on nanotechnology jointly published by HYLE: International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry and TECHNE: Journal of the Society for Philosophy and Technology, edited by Davis Baird & Joachim Schummer. Read more for the tables of contents and links. Includes everything from "Noumenal Technology: Reflections on the Incredible Tininess of Nano" to a very long discussion of the Drexler/Smalley debate. ["Noumenal"? Now we must study Kant to understand nanotech? Argh. –CP] Source: ICON list.
