From Nanotechnology's Sidelines, One More Warning

Overhype

from the doesn't-seem-to-work-that-way dept

I have no problem with groups pointing out the dangerous possibilities of certain technologies. It’s good to know what they are and to have that information out there. More information lets people make more informed decisions. However, it sounds like the group ETC, profiled in this NY Times piece, is going a bit overboard in their fear mongering about nanotechnology. They want to stop all research and commercialization of nanotech until the risks have been assessed. It’s a nice thought, but things don’t work that way. The research and the products will continue. What people need to do is be ever vigilant about the potential downsides, while not continuously cutting off the upsides as well.