Listed below are links and papers dealing with the challenges and fears raised by nanoscience and technology.

The selection of material reflects this class's general emphasis on non-biological nanoscience and technology (and is not meant to dismiss the huge issues raised by biological nanotechnologies such as genetic engineering).

For the convenience of teachers and students, both links and cached versions of the readings are supplied.

General Resources:

Wikipedia webpage on molecular nanotechnology / manufacturing (link / cached article)

Wikipedia webpage on molecular assemblers (link / cached article)

Wikipedia webpage on self-replicating machines (link / cached article)

Homepage of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (link / cached page)

Homepage of the virtual journal on Nano Environmental Health and Safety (link / cached page)

The Debate:

The Fears:

Bill Joy's dark musings on: "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us" (link / cached article)

David Rejeski on: "Why Nano Fear will not Disappear" (link / cached article)

K. Eric Drexler's concerns about nanoweapons: "The Stealth Threat" (cached article)

The Medical Potential:

"Nanoparticles Enable Surgical Strikes against Cancer" (link / cached article)

The Views of Two Think Tanks:

ETC Group's: "Tiny Primer on Nanotech" (link / cached article)

Center for Responsible Nanotechnology's: "Safe Utilization of Nanotechnology"
(link / cached article)

Trying to Separate Nano Fact from Nano Fiction:

Gimzewski & Vensa's: "Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science"
(link / cached article)

Tom Kennan: "Cutting Nanotech Down to Size" (link / cached article)

The View of an Ethicist:

Berne on "Tiny Ethics for Big Challenges" (cached article)

The View of Policy Makers:

NSF's Rocco and Bainbridge on "Societal Implications of Nano . . ."
(cached article)

Molecular Manufacturing / "The Gray Goo":

Phoenix & Drexler on taming self-replicating machines: "Safe Exponential Manufacturing"
(cached article)

Consultant David Forrest on: "Molecular Manufacturing and Technology Planning"
(link / cached article)

Scientific Studies of Nanoparticle and Nanofiber Toxicology

Andrew Maynard's: "Safe Handling of Nanotechnology" (cached article)

Vicki Colvin's: "The Potential Environmental Impact of Engineered Nanomaterials"
(cached article)

Karen Florini et al.: "Nanotechnology: Getting it Right the First Time" (link / cached article)

Gwinn & Vallyathan: "Nanoparticles: Health Effects - Pros and Cons" (link / cached article)

Kipin & Laskin: "Smaller is not Always Better: Nanotechnology Yields Nanotoxicology"
(link / cached article)

Mossman et al.: "Particle and Fiber Toxicology: Mechanisms of Action of Inhaled Fibers, Particles and Nanoparticles in Lung and Cardiovascular Diseases" (link / cached article)

Shukia: "Multiple roles of oxidants in the pathogenesis of asbestos-induced diseases"
(link / cached abstract)

Albrecht et al.:"The crucial role of particle surface reactivity . . ." (link / cached article)

A Case Study from Today's Headlines: The Use of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen

Friends of the Earth's: "Guide to Nanotechnology and Sunscreens" (link / cached article)

Scientific American on: "Do Nanoparticles and Sunscreen Mix?" (link / cached article)

Consumer Reports on: "More Testing and Regulation Needed for Nanotechnology"
(link / cached article)

A rebuttal from the blog of: "The Angry Toxicologist" (link / cached article)