In lecture 4 Lord Broers identifies the main ‘threads that make up the tapestry of nanoscience and nanotechnology’: miniaturized electronics; the scanning tunnelling microscope; precision-engineered components; thin film technology; composite materials; and the molecular manipulation of proteins and DNA. For each of these he gives examples of the benefits they have brought and the achievements they have made possible.

He also welcomes the precautions recommended in connection with the use of nanoparticles and emphasises the ‘speculative and unproven’ nature of molecular manufacturing before ending his lecture with the warning that now the term nanotechnology ‘covers almost all modern technologies’ it is in danger of losing its value.

Our Experts' Responses

'We need shock as well as awe,' says Joyce Fortune

'Fear can take many forms,' says Derek Matravers

'Precaution and accountability are crucial in technological endeavour,' says Tom Hewitt

'Things just got complicated again' says Nick Braithwaite

Your Responses
What do you think about Broers' view and our experts' responses? Join the debate.

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