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Ethics and Nanotechnology

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Washington, Jan. 28, 2009 – Recent action in Congress to reauthorize the US federal nanotechnology research program offers the chance to address the social and ethical issues concerning the emerging scientific field, experts say.  Currently, nanotechnology is the focus of an annual $1.5 billion federal research investment. “It is crucial to address social and ethical issues now as we consider both the substantial potential risks of nanotechnology and its possible significant contributions to our well-being and environmental sustainability,” said Ronald Sandler, Northeastern University philosophy professor and...Read full article

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    Published: January 2009
    Glossary
    nano
    An SI prefix meaning one billionth (10-9). Nano can also be used to indicate the study of atoms, molecules and other structures and particles on the nanometer scale. Nano-optics (also referred to as nanophotonics), for example, is the study of how light and light-matter interactions behave on the nanometer scale. See nanophotonics.
    nanotechnology
    The use of atoms, molecules and molecular-scale structures to enhance existing technology and develop new materials and devices. The goal of this technology is to manipulate atomic and molecular particles to create devices that are thousands of times smaller and faster than those of the current microtechnologies.
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    David RejeskiH.R. 554nanonanotechnologyNews & Featuresphotonicssciences ethical and social issuesUS federal nanotechnology research programUS House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology

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