Nanotechnology! Is it ethical? The good, the bad and the ethics of nanotech! Professional Science Essentials Sean Ross

“Nanotechnology is being heralded as the next big technological revolution. It promises advances in many fields. Some believe that these influences will be overwhelmingly positive, while others see more sinister implications”

Benefits of nanotechnology

Electronics Aim: Increase the capabilities of electronic devices, while reducing its’ weight and power usage

Electronics Examples: Improving display screens on electronic devices. Increasing the density of memory chips. Reducing the size of transistors.

Energy Aim: Gathering and storing energy in a way that is more efficient and cost effective while reducing harm to the environment

Energy Examples: Solar energy – through creating specialised solar panels Wind energy – windmills/wind turbines

Medicine Aim: Creating more effective ways to detect and treat damage and disease to the human body.

Medicine Examples: Nanoparticles Nanosponges Nano-robots

Issues involved with nanotechnology

Ethics sacrificed for competitive advantage Loss of jobs Exposure to materials at nanoscale Creation of miniature weapons and explosives Surveillance monitoring and tracking

Nanotechnology is still a very new area of research