Thesis

There are many different ways to introduce the public to nanotechnology, writes Chris Toumey. Just don't mention human hairs or the space elevator.

Is nanotechnology an example of a new approach to science and technology, or have commercial considerations always played a major role in decisions about funding research? Richard Jones looks at both sides of the argument.

It is difficult to be definitive about certain aspects of nanotechnology, especially the use of nanoparticles in medical applications. Chris Toumey looks at two views.

Synthetic biology and nanotechnology have much in common, including the presence of competing schools of thought within each field. Richard Jones explores the parallels between the two subjects.

How has science fiction been influenced by nanotechnology? And why do so many reports about the possibilities of nanotechnology read like science fiction? Chris Toumey looks for answers.

Is it possible to reconcile the caution of most scientists about their results with the demands of the media for headlines and the growing emphasis placed by funding agencies on the economic impact of research? Richard Jones urges scientists to be careful in their claims.

Debates about nanotechnology and religion have become dominated by the concepts of transhumanism and cyberimmortality, but, argues Chris Toumey, there are more interesting topics to discuss.

Private investors have a lot to offer universities who are interested in developing and commercializing new technologies. Michael N. Helmus and Anil K. Rao describe how such partnerships can work in practice.

Many economies in the developing world rely heavily on the export of minerals. Richard Jones discusses what the development of new nanomaterials will mean for such countries.

Some of the most famous images in nanoscience and technology have been produced by scanning probe microscopes but, as Chris Toumey explains, there is much more to these images than meets the eye.

As companies rush to bring new products to market, they may be cutting corners in ways that will backfire on them in the future. Spending more time on the early stages of the development process will, says Michael Helmus, save time later.

Nanotechnology could lead to materials that are stronger, lighter and stiffer. This is not a new claim but, as Richard Jones explains, it is an important one.

When involving the public in discussions about new developments in science and technology, there are important differences between nanotechnology and other areas that need to be taken into account, as Chris Toumey explains.

Nanotechnology could have an enormous impact on medicine but, says Michael Helmus, the regulations that govern new drugs and medical devices need to be updated before nanomedicine can be commercialized.

The results of exercises in which members of the public discuss nanotechnology with scientists might not be surprising but, as Richard Jones explains, they are still worthwhile.

Nanotechnology will make it easier for governments and companies to invade the privacy of citizens and customers, warns Chris Toumey.

Patent protection and freedom to operate are essential for the commercialization of nanotechnology. Michael Helmus offers a step-by-step guide on how to deal with intellectual property.

Nanotechnology offers the promise of better solar cells and cleaner drinking water, but there are many practical obstacles to be overcome before nanotechnology can benefit the developing world, as Richard Jones explains.

Everyone has heard of Feynman, Binnig and Rohrer, and the scanning tunnelling microscope, but where does Conrad Schneiker fit in? Chris Toumey explains.

If we want nano-enabled tools that can increase our understanding of the physical and biological world, and also improve our quality of life, it will be necessary to overcome a complex set of commercialization challenges. Michael Helmus explains.