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Nanotechnologies information

There are many sources of information about nanotechnologies available from scientists, science communicators and other sources. Here is a list of what Small Talk considers to be the best, most understandable and useful resources for event organisers and participants.

Small Talk's own briefing note

Nanotechnology Briefing Note

A one page summary explaining what nanotechnologies are and why they are worth discussing.

Demos

Governing at the Nanoscale: People, policies and emerging technologies

This pamphlet presents the findings of a two-year ESRC-funded project, which aimed to understand the social and scientific visions that are influencing nanotechnology research, and develop opportunities for ‘upstream’ dialogue between scientists and the wider public.

Royal Society & Royal Academy of Engineering

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties

In June 2003 the UK Government commissioned the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to conduct an independent study into the current and future developments in and impacts of, nanotechnologies. Their final report was published on 29 July 2004. The report gives an in-depth overview of the significance of nanotechnologies, information on its current and potential future uses, and identifies their possible impacts upon health, the environment and society. It also assesses how nanotechnologies should be regulated as they develop. The entire report is extremely detailed, but the report’s summary gives adequate information about the main findings and recommendations.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology - Science Issue

The Royal Society's website features a portal area devoted to all things nanotechnological with lots of useful non-technical information and links.

Science Media Centre

Nanotechnology in a Nutshell

This pamphlet has been produced as part of the ‘Science in a Nutshell’ series, designed to be a resource for journalists, but is also very useful introduction to nanotechnologies for event organisers and participants. It contains bite-size information about what nanotechnologies are and how they work, as well as a glossary of ‘nano’ terms, a summary of the current and future applications of nanotechnologies and a list of relevant websites for further information.

Economic & Social Research Council

The Social and Economic Challenges of Nanotechnology

This report provides another in-depth analysis of the science behind and applications of nanotechnologies and addresses their social, political and economic effects. It also assesses current conceptions of and debate surrounding nanotechnologies and identifies emerging issues and concerns about nanotechnologies.

ETC Group

Down on the Farm: The Impact of Nano-Scale Technologies on Food and Agriculture

This report, published in November 2004, provides an alternative view of the impacts of certain nanotechnologies, calling for an urgent public debate about the use of nanotechnologies in food and agriculture and recommending that un-assessed nano-foods and pesticides be removed from the market. It focuses on how nanotechnologies may transform farming, food and agriculture, including risks, regulation and economic and social impacts such as those on the developing world. The report also calls for wider society to engage in debate about nanotechnologies and their economic, health and environmental implications.

The Royal Institution

Atom by atom: thinking about the prospect of nanotechnology

This report, of a meeting held by the Royal Institution in partnership with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Times Higher Educational Supplement and the Institute of Nanotechnology in March 2003, discusses whether there should be a public debate about nanotechnologies. The report outlines the science behind nanotechnologies, their possible ethical and social issues and ways in which effective public debate might be stimulated in the UK.

Department of Trade & Industry, Office of Science & Technology

UK Government's response to the Royal Society/Royal Academy of Engineering's report on nanoscience and nanotechnologies (Feburary 2005)

In the report the Government makes a committment to public dialogue on nanotechnologies and highlights Small Talk as a project that will help them achieve their objectices in this area. It also lays out the Government's guidelines for public dialogue in science and technology.

New Dimensions for Manufacturing: a UK Strategy for Nanotechnology

This report of the UK Advisory Group on Nanotechnology Applications was submitted to Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science & Innovation, in June 2002. It outlines the views of academic and industry experts on the investment needed for the UK to become a world class player in nanotechnologies research. It assesses where the UK stands in relation to its international competitors, analyses the current global position of nanotechnology and makes recommendations for future UK nanotechnology strategies.

Wired Magazine

Why the future doesn't need us

By Bill Joy

In this article Bill Joy, cofounder and Chief Scientist of Sun Microsystems, argues that twenty-first century technologies such as nanotechnologies are threatening to make humans an endangered species. He examines the ethical dimensions of new technologies and where they could lead us if they continue unchecked.

Better Regulation Task Force

Scientific research: innovation and controls

This report, pubished in January 2003, contains recommendations for the regulation of a number of areas of scientific research, including nanotechnologies. The recommendations to government for nanotechnologies research are based around dialogue with the public and communication of risks and uncertainties. The report also provides useful comparisons with other technologies.

3I, The Economist Intelligence Unit & The Institute of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology — size matters. Building a successful nanotechnology company

This white paper of July 2002 draws from a series of insights by nanotechnologies experts, defining what nanotechnologies are, highlighting their commercial potential, identifying their complexities and advising how to make nanotechnologies companies commercially viable.

The National Science Foundation & The Meridian Institute

International Dialogue on Responsible Research and Development of Nanotechnology

This report, published in June 2004 by a group of nanotechnology experts from twenty-five countries and the European Union, focuses on the risks and benefits of nanotechnologies to the environment and human health, their socio-economic and ethical implications and their impact on developing countries. It looks at international regulation ad governance of nanotechnologies, as well as their applications, implications and the need for dialogue.

Nanotechnology and the poor: opportunities and risks

The Meridian Institute has developed a Paper to raise awareness about the implications of nanotechnology for poor people, both the potential opportunities and risks. Between January 24 and March 1, 2005, Meridian Institute sponsored an on-line consultation process, which enabled anyone to submit their responses to a set of questions related to the Paper. More than 280 people registered for the consultation; more than 600 individual comments were submitted. The paper and on-line consultation aim to identify ways for science and technology to close the gaps within and between sectors of society.

Biological Buckyball Hazards?

Simulations by Vanderbilt researchers suggest possible impact of buckyballs on DNA

A new study published in December 2005 in Biophysical Journal raises a cautionary note regarding the safety of buckyballs when dissolved in water. It reports the results of a detailed computer simulation that finds buckyballs bind to the spirals in DNA molecules in an aqueous environment, causing the DNA to deform, potentially interfering with its biological functions and possibly causing long-term negative side effects in people and other living organisms.

AZoNano – Online Journal of Nanotechnology

In the Public Eye: The Early Landscape of Nanotechnology among Canadian and U.S. Publics

Based on national surveys in the U.S. and Canada, this study reports on public awareness and early perceptions of this technology. Results show early optimism for nanotechnology and expectations of societal benefits. These views are influenced by individual characteristics such as degree of civic involvement; perceived attributes of the technology; as well as institutional factors, including confidence in regulatory institutions. While initial attitudes at early stages of technology development tend to be unstable, it is expected that over time, these perceptions and attitudes will crystallize and will continue to provide an important window into how technology is successfully (or unsuccessfully) embedded in society.