Focus
Public perceptions of nanotechnology
Research into public perceptions of nanotechnology is becoming more rigorous with social scientists developing and testing increasingly complex theoretical models. Researchers have explored, among other things, how the public's reaction to nanotechnology depends on cultural predispositions, religiosity and the specific application of the new technology. It is clear that increased public awareness of nanotechnology will not, on its own, automatically lead to widespread public acceptance. This page brings together all the articles that Nature Nanotechnology has published on this topic.
Meta-analysis
Article:
Anticipating the perceived risk of nanotechnologies
Terre Satterfield, Milind Kandlikar, Christian E. H. Beaudrie, Joseph Conti & Barbara Herr Harthorn
doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.265
Abstract - Anticipating the perceived risk of nanotechnologies |
Full text - Anticipating the perceived risk of nanotechnologies |
PDF (444 KB) - Anticipating the perceived risk of nanotechnologies |
Supplementary information
See also: News and Views by Kahan
Original research
Letter:
Cultural cognition of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology
Dan M. Kahan, Donald Braman, Paul Slovic, John Gastil & Geoffrey Cohen
doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.341
Abstract - Cultural cognition of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology |
Full text - Cultural cognition of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology |
PDF (176 KB) - Cultural cognition of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology |
Supplementary information
See also: News and Views by Currall
Letter:
Religious beliefs and public attitudes toward nanotechnology in Europe and the United States
Dietram A. Scheufele, Elizabeth A. Corley, Tsung–jen Shih, Kajsa E. Dalrymple & Shirley S. Ho
doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.361
Abstract - Religious beliefs and public attitudes toward nanotechnology in Europe and the United States |
Full text - Religious beliefs and public attitudes toward nanotechnology in Europe and the United States |
PDF (177 KB) - Religious beliefs and public attitudes toward nanotechnology in Europe and the United States |
Supplementary information
See also: News and Views by Currall
Letter:
Deliberating the risks of nanotechnologies for energy and health applications in the United States and United Kingdom
Nick Pidgeon, Barbara Herr Harthorn, Karl Bryant & Tee Rogers–Hayden
doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.362
Abstract - Deliberating the risks of nanotechnologies for energy and health applications in the United States and United Kingdom |
Full text - Deliberating the risks of nanotechnologies for energy and health applications in the United States and United Kingdom |
PDF (116 KB) - Deliberating the risks of nanotechnologies for energy and health applications in the United States and United Kingdom
See also: News and Views by Currall
Commentary:
Scientists worry about some risks more than the public
Dietram A. Scheufele, Elizabeth A. Corley, Sharon Dunwoody, Tsung–Jen Shih, Elliott Hillback & David H. Guston
doi:10.1038/nnano.2007.392
Abstract - Scientists worry about some risks more than the public | Full text - Scientists worry about some risks more than the public | PDF (164 KB) - Scientists worry about some risks more than the public
Correspondence:
Risks and nanotechnology: the public is more concerned than experts and industry
Michael Siegrist, Arnim Wiek, Asgeir Helland & Hans Kastenholz
doi:10.1038/nnano.2007.10
Full text - Risks and nanotechnology: the public is more concerned than experts and industry | PDF (462 KB) - Risks and nanotechnology: the public is more concerned than experts and industry
Commentary:
What drives public acceptance of nanotechnology?
Steven C. Currall, Eden B. King, Neal Lane, Juan Madera & Stacey Turner
doi:10.1038/nnano.2006.155
Abstract - What drives public acceptance of nanotechnology? |
Full text - What drives public acceptance of nanotechnology? |
PDF (556 KB) - What drives public acceptance of nanotechnology?
See also: Correspondence by Wintle et al. | Reply by Currall et al.
Opinion articles
Correspondence:
The complexity of public engagement
Craig Cormick
doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.5
Abstract - The complexity of public engagement | Full text - The complexity of public engagement | PDF (79 KB) - The complexity of public engagement
Commentary:
Who or what is 'the public'?
Fern Wickson, Ana Delgado & Kamilla Lein Kjølberg
doi:10.1038/nnano.2010.197
Abstract - Who or what is 'the public'? | Full text - Who or what is 'the public'? | PDF (136 KB) - Who or what is 'the public'?
Editorial:
Keeping the public under the microscope
doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.320
Abstract - Editorial: Keeping the public under the microscope | Full text - Editorial: Keeping the public under the microscope | PDF (81 KB) - Editorial: Keeping the public under the microscope
Editorial:
Getting to know the public
doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.419
Abstract - Getting to know the public | Full text - Getting to know the public | PDF (199 KB) - Getting to know the public
Selected thesis articles
Democratizing nanotechnology, then and now
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.168
Full text - Democratizing nanotechnology, then and now | PDF (267 KB) - Democratizing nanotechnology, then and now
Science in the service of citizens and consumers
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2010.263
Abstract - Science in the service of citizens and consumers | Full text - Science in the service of citizens and consumers | PDF (219 KB) - Science in the service of citizens and consumers
In the footsteps of biotech
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2010.136
Abstract - In the footsteps of biotech | Full text - In the footsteps of biotech | PDF (115 KB) - In the footsteps of biotech
Hearts and minds and nanotechnology
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.16
Abstract - Hearts and minds and nanotechnology | Full text - Hearts and minds and nanotechnology | PDF (219 KB) - Hearts and minds and nanotechnology
When it pays to ask the public
Richard Jones
doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.288
Abstract - When it pays to ask the public | Full text - When it pays to ask the public | PDF (260 KB) - When it pays to ask the public
Rules of engagement
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2007.204
Abstract - Rules of engagement | Full text - Rules of engagement | PDF (588 KB) - Rules of engagement
What have we learned from public engagement?
Richard Jones
doi:10.1038/nnano.2007.123
Abstract - What have we learned from public engagement? | Full text - What have we learned from public engagement? | PDF (673 KB) - What have we learned from public engagement?
Science and democracy
Chris Toumey
doi:10.1038/nnano.2006.71
Abstract - Science and democracy | Full text - Science and democracy | PDF (324 KB) - Science and democracy