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DNA nanotechnology has proven to be a powerful approach for fabricating active nanostructures with biological functionality. Now, it is time to investigate more solutions from biology to downscale robotics, says Christian Martin.
Although numerous statements on ethics in nanotechnology have been published, they exist as seemingly disparate, stand-alone works. Inspired by a process that the field of genetic engineering went through in the 1970s, Chris Toumey suggests one way in which some clarity could be brought to the topic.
Nanomaterial risks are often considered in terms of novel material behaviours. But, as Andrew D. Maynard explains, does this framing end up obscuring some risks, while overplaying others?
High-capacity silicon anodes could improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, but their cyclability has been limited. Christian Martin analyses recent progress in nanoscale engineering that addresses this shortcoming.
Reflecting on a provocative report from 2002 on the benefits of fusing different technologies, Chris Toumey considers the importance of being realistic about the potential of nanotechnology.
Ten years after the publication of an influential report on the uncertainties in nanoscale science and engineering, Andrew D. Maynard asks, are we in danger of creating a new metaphorical grey goo?
Since the 1960s, improvements in integrated circuit design and processing have generated exceptional growth in the semiconductor industry. With feature sizes approaching a few nanometres and 450-mm-wide wafers looming, nanoelectronics is now facing its defining years, says Christian Martin.
Nanobots have in the past been a fixture of science fiction writing and illustration, and such ideas are now also appearing in scientific research. But, as Chris Toumey explains, practical nanobots are different from their science fiction counterparts.
A recent book on risk in nanotechnology highlights the different forms of risk studies — analysis, perception and communication — and explores the relationships that exist between them. Chris Toumey reports.
What does the theory of atoms have to do with religious belief? Chris Toumey explains how historically the link between atomism and atheism has been quite strong.
Ethical questions arising from biotechnology first, then nanotechnology, and synthetic biology now, present common features, but as Chris Toumey explains, the scientific and ethical issues arising in each case should be treated individually.
Gender is less of an issue in nanotechnology than in other areas of science and technology but, as Chris Toumey explains, public attitudes to nanotech do depend on gender.
Scanning probe microscopes feature prominently in the history of nanotechnology but, as a recent book on the subject makes clear, this history could have been very different. Chris Toumey explains.
The golem stories of Jewish history can provide a framework for thinking about some of the ethical questions involved in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, as Chris Toumey explains.
What progress has been made in efforts to engage the public in decisions about nanotechnology over the past five years? Chris Toumey asks various experts in the field.
The prefix nano, which is based on the Greek word for dwarf, became part of scientific nomenclature in 1960. Chris Toumey explores the role of language and languages in science.
To explore the meaning of inter-instrumentality, Chris Toumey provided samples of his blood and hair to be imaged by four different types of microscope. Here he describes the results.
A new approach to public knowledge of science focuses on what the public want to know rather than what scientists think they should know. Chris Toumey reports.