WASHINGTON—The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars today released a new report by one of the country's foremost authorities on environmental research and policy, which examines the strengths and weaknesses of the current regulatory framework for nanotechnology and calls for a new approach to nanotechnology oversight.

"Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology", authored by J. Clarence (Terry) Davies, former assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the George H.W. Bush Administration, argues that better and more aggressive oversight and new resources are needed to manage the potential adverse effects of nanotechnology and promote its continued development.

In automotive development there is a high demand asking for use of nanotechnology which is beneficial for high efficiency and performance as well as in emission and safety norms. Nanotechnology is being used in automotive industry to reduce costs in making metallic paints, catalytic converters etc. In fact, the first automotive nanotechnology application, scratch resistant nano paint has been innovated by Daimler Chrysler, a leading automotive company in the world.

Two reports released in as many weeks indicate California must get ready for the next industrial revolution: the advent of nanotechnology. Following their suggestions would be well advised.

Once the realm of science fiction, nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the molecular level. Its impact on everything from clothing to computers is expected to result in a $1 trillion industry by 2020. Investing in it now would be like spending research and venture capital dollars for the semiconductor industry in 1975 in anticipation of the 1990s tech industry boom.

Indeed, a semiconductor-industry report released Saturday proposed that businesses allocate more research and development money into nanotechnology. The private industry forecast, "International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors," lends credence to the state's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology report that on Dec. 19 urged more education and infrastructure investments in anticipation of the nanotechnology revolution ...more >>

Europe is currently at the leading edge of advances in nanomedicine, an emerging area of technology with the potential to transform medical care and research, according to a newly published report by the European Science Foundation (ESF).

The 'Scientific forward look on nanomedicine' report follows two years of study by leading European experts, who were asked by ESF to define the field, assess its future impact on healthcare and society, characterise Europe's strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations on future research priorities and the required structural changes needed to ensure Europe's success.