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Ethics Lag in Nanotechnology
Feb. 14, 2003
With scientists and activist groups on a collision course over
the rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology, experts at one
of the world's leading medical ethics think-tanks warn that
the coming confrontation could derail the first major scientific
revolution of the 21st Century.
In a paper published today in the Institute of Physics journal
Nanotechnology, Canadian researchers from the University of
Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics (JCB) claim that although
the research is still in its early stages and most applications
may be decades away, the backlash against the new technology
is already gathering momentum.
Once the stuff of science fiction, nanotechnology is the process
of building working devices, systems and materials molecule
by molecule by controlling matter measured in billionths of
a metre. More importantly, it is about exploiting the unique
and powerful electrical, physical and chemical properties found
at that amazingly small scale.
"Over the past few years expenditure on research and development
in nanotechnology has increased dramatically," the report says.
"These two trends seem to be on a collision course towards a
showdown of the type we saw with genetically modified crops."
Dr. Peter Singer, one of the authors of the report, said: "It
is to be expected that a technology that promises to make massive
changes in our lives would be viewed with suspicion and, perhaps,
outright fear. Open public discussion of the benefits and risks
of this new technology is urgently needed."
Using nanotechnology techniques, scientists have already created
single-molecule transistors, an enzyme-powered bio-molecular
motor with nickel propellers and a tiny carrier able to cross
from the blood into the brain to deliver tumour-fighting chemicals
efficiently and directly. Nanotechnology also holds the promise
of dramatically improving the performance of materials and devices
with cheap, pollution-free production processes. It brings hope
of raising living standards in developing countries without
the threat of environmental disaster.
Of concern to the University of Toronto team is that, while
most industrialised countries are investing heavily in nanotechnology
research and development (see table below), the ethical, environmental,
economic, legal and social implications have not yet been taken
seriously and pursued on a large enough scale.
Global Growth in nanotechnology R&D - figures in millions of
US dollars Country/Region - 1997 (2002)
USA - 432 (604)
Western Europe - 126 (350-400)
Japan - 120 (750)
South Korea - 0 (100)
Taiwan - 0 (70)
Australia - 0 (40)
China - 0 (40)
Rest of World - 0 (270)
The team asks the following questions about nanotechnology that
require detailed discussion now and, perhaps, specific regulations
in the future:
Equity: Who will benefit from advances in nanotechnology? Will
it be just another way for rich nations to get richer or should
we be taking steps now to ensure that developing countries participate?
Privacy and security: How will personal privacy be protected
in an age of invisible microphones, cameras and tracking devices?
Will these technologies increase security or usher in a new
era of nano-terrorism? Who will regulate military nanotechnology
research?
Environment: Where do the new nano-materials go when they enter
the environment and what are their effects?
Human or machine: With many people sceptical about modification
of living systems how will they view the prospect of implanting
artificial materials or machines in humans?
The paper identifies several lessons for nanotechnology from
earlier efforts to address the social and ethical implications
of genomics and biotechnology. They include the need for adequate
funding of this type of research and the importance of an inclusive
and multi-disciplinary consultation process involving developing
countries, scientists, pressure groups, government, industry
and the public.
"Calls for a moratorium on deployment of nano-materials
should be a wake-up call for nanotechnology developers," said
study co-author Dr Abdallah Daar. "The only way to avoid a GM
foods-style confrontation is to take immediate steps to close
the gap between the science and ethics of nanotechnology."
The Institute of Physics
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