What Can Nanotechnology Learn From Biotechnology?: Social and Ethical Lessons for Nanoscience from the Debate over Agrifood Biotechnology and GMOs

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.

Addresses the growing concern over the responsibility of science to the impacted populationUses real-world experience to outline practical approaches for emerging technologiesAddresses the concerns of science as well as social science

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: Participants in the October 2005 Workshop