What Can Nanotechnology Learn From Biotechnology

Hardcover  360 pp  ISBN 9780123739902      £42.00

What Can Nanotechnology Learn From Biotechnology? presents diverse perspectives on biotechnology and nanotechnologies. Avoiding extreme perspectives, unwarranted hype and absolute rejection, this book explores the diverse territory of proponents and opponents of challenging but potentially risky technologies.

Contributions from recognized experts in their fields represent the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders. This book details the lessons to be learned from the controversy over genetically modified foods, and how those lessons can be applied to developing nanotechnologies, particularly agricultural and other food-related applications. Exploring the environmental, social and ethical impact of nanotechnology in addition to the technical and economical impacts, it an ideal reference for any scientist, engineer, research program administrator, resource allocator, and NGO advocate.

Of interest to researchers, scientists and engineers working in food sciences, but also sciences generally who will appreciate not only the contribution of the information to the field in general, but also as an application of results that have been building in science studies over the past 20 years. The second audience is those scientists who have begun to call for studies on the social, ethical and regulatory questions posed by their ciences. Research administrators and public servants working in regulatory or civil society organizations will find this book valuable as they consider this rapidly evolving technological environment.

Contents

• Introduction: Putting Nanofears and Nanobenefits in Context;
• Learning from mistakes: Missteps in public acceptance issues with GMOs;
• Building a new technology business: A framework for translating biotechnology experience to nanotechnology;
• Of Hype, Home, and Handles: A Biotechnologiy Activist Looks at Nanotechnology;
• Values Matters: Science, Technology, and Social Values;
• The Lessons of Biotech Patenting;
• The Ethics of Agri-Food Biotechnology: How can an Agricultural Technology be so Important?;
• Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Media and Public Opinion;
• From Bio to Nano: Learning the Lessons, Interrogating the Comparison;
• Nano and Bio: How are they Alike? How are they Different?;
• Legal Lessons Learned from Agri-Food Biotechnology and GMOs;
• Understanding the Basis for Public Acceptance or Rejection of Technology: The Need for Theoretical Integration;
• Nanotechnology as Viewed by a Research Scientist: A Counterpoint Between Technological Development and Public Acceptance;
• Conclusions and Reflections for Future Nanotechnologists;
• Appendix: