Showing posts with label nanotechnology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nanotechnology. Show all posts
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Nanotechnology and the Global South

Sunday, March 27, 2011

I come across this very interesting paper from Maclurcan about nanotechnology discourse in the global south. Of a particular interest is his elaboration on the conscious debate of both ‘short-term’ and ‘long-term’ nanotechnology:
 

In the meantime, the debate about Southern engagement with nanotechnology has forged ahead, assuming common understandings about what nanotechnology is and what it is not, as well as the general irrelevance of definitional debates. This is potentially problematic, given the conflicting way that nanotechnology is framed in the literature relating to the technology’s impact on, and in, the South. At different times, Southern nanotechnology debates have consciously drawn on understandings that correlate with both ‘near-term’ and ‘advanced’ nanotechnology. Whilst most writing presents near-term nanotechnology as the mainstream, there are instances where advanced nanotechnology has also been presented as ‘the reality’ for the South. Bruns, for example, sees answers for global poverty through a future of accessible abundance based on the application of advanced nanotechnology [27]. Al'Afghani, on the other hand, focuses on the need for future environmental laws in the South to incorporate “mechanisms for licensing, supervision and control of emissions and disposal methods for both MNT [molecular nanotechnology] products and nanofactories” [28]. Furthermore, a 2003 briefing document for a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Expert Group Meeting, predominantly attended by representatives from the Global South, refers to the ability for advanced nanotechnology to address medical, energy and environmental challenges via “…factories operating at the nanometer level, including nanoscale conveyor belts and robotic arms bringing molecular parts together precisely…” [29].


The bottomline of his paper is that how nanotechnology is framed will affect its regulation. Most debate has been focused on ‘near-term’ nanotechnology as opposed to ‘speculative’ (borrowing Maclurcan’s own words) nanotechnology.

As I have gathered mode knowledge on regulation, my perspective on license-management in molecular nanotechnology has changed. The more detailed explanation has to wait a bit however, since I am still preoccupied with water. 

Download the paper from SSRN (click here).



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Democratizing Technologies

Friday, July 6, 2007

You might want to read a report from Nanotechnology Engangement Group. Here's a snippet:
The power of technology is clear, but its governance is not. Who or what makes these world-shaping decisions? And in whose interests are they made? These are the questions posed by a growing number of researchers, NGOs, citizens, politicians and scientists who seek to challenge the way that science and technology is governed and invent new ways to democratise the development of new technologies.
Read the rest yourself here.

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Your Nanotechlaw Reading List

Sunday, June 17, 2007

  1. ITAR-TASS

    MOSCOW, June 4 (Itar-Tass) -- A drat law authorising the creation of a nanotechnology corporation in Russia has been submitted to the State Duma.

    to nanotechnology+law russia ... on june 07
  2. Meridian Institute Nanotechnology and Development News

    A draft law has been submitted to the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, authorizing the creation of a state-run nanotechnology corporation that will “seek to implement scientific, technological and innovation policies, and facilitate the

    to nanotechnology+law russia ... on june 07
  3. Nanotechnology Law Framework

    to nanotechnology+law ... on june 02
  4. Nanotechnology, Privacy and Shifting Social Conventions

    Nanotechnology promises (or perhaps threatens) to change the way we live. Like other novel technologies, nanotechnology will allow us to do new things, and so will present us with new choices. Importantly, nanotechnology may also influence the very values

  5. nanotechnology regulation

    http://nanotechlaw.blogspot.com/2006/12/so-called-berkeley-nanotechnology.html (viewed 15/01/07). 44 DEFRA “Voluntary Reporting Scheme for engineered ...

    to nanotechnology+law ... on may 26
  6. Workplace Exposure To Nanomaterials and The Question Of Will Nano Be The Next Asbestos

    Workplace Exposure To Nanomaterials and The Question Of Will Nano Be The Next Asbestos Topics Covered Background Insurers Nanotechnology Safeguards Commercial Products Evidence Of Probable Harm Associated With Workplace Exposure To Nanomaterials Diseases

  7. Nanotoxicology at the University of Florida

    Even those skilled in particle characterization face difficult challenges when faced with nanomaterials in the physiological environment. Schemes for dispersion such as changes in pH or the use of dispersion aids are difficult to implement in the body wi

  8. Opinion on the ethical aspects of nanomedicine

    What are the challenges for future laws and regulations? The challenges are primarily: - the risk evaluation for nanomedicine may not be adequate in all areas; - the implementation of risk evaluation measures should be carried out in a scientifically soun

  9. Growing nanotechnology problems: navigating the patent labyrinth

    Nanowerk News) Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to the most exciting nanomaterials discovered so far and the buzz associated with them has to do with their amazing properties. Depending on their structure, they can be metals or semiconductors. They exhibit

  10. Scientific Technology Options Assessment - STOA (Important links for eu nanotech law)

    The social and political relevance of nanotechnology and its applications are beginning to crystallise. Citizens will be confronted with nanotechnology applications at work, as consumers, or through the possible effects on the environment, public health a

  11. Nanotechnology and Regulation within the framework of the Precautionary Principle

    Some elements of the Precautionary Principle exist in different regulation approaches. The regulation of Chemicals especially the proposal of the REACH regulation as well as the regulation of pharmaceuticals are examples for a precautionary approach with

  12. Article on Intellectual Property - 12 JAN.pdf (application/pdf Object)

    The challenges in the nanotechnology intellectual property arena are numerous. The battles have moved from

  13. Search

    Nanotechnology and the United States National Plan for Research and Development in Support of Critical Infrastructure Protection Lisa Campbell Canadian Journal of Law and Technology Volume 5, Number 3, November 2006 December 29, 2006 TOC Harmonization of

  14. 2006-12-05 Item 13 Manufactured Nanoparticle Health and Safety Disclosure.pdf (application/pdf Object)

    AMENDING BERKELEY MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC) SECTION 15.12.040 TO ADD SUBSECTION I AND AMENDING BMC SECTION 15.12.050 TO ADD SUBSECTION C.7, REGARDING MANUFACTURED NANOPARTICLE HEALTH AND SAFETY DISCLOSURE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Berkeley a

  15. Environmental Regulation of Nanotechnology : Some Preliminary ...

    Environmental Regulation of Nanotechnology:. Some Preliminary Observations. by Glenn Harlan Reynolds. T. he relationship between new technologies and the en .

  16. Nanotechnology & Regulation

    “Environmental Regulation of Nanotechnology: Some Preliminary ... conclusion, and a critical one, is that nanotechnology regulation is a process

  17. REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC HEALTH

  18. Regulations for Nanotechnology in Consumer Products

  19. globeandmail.com: The promise and perils of nanotechnology

  20. Nanotech NIOSH to Issue Guidance for Employers

    "The presence of an occupational health surveillance program – represented at the minimum level as a needs assessment – indicates that workplaces have taken appropriate steps in evaluating and preventing potential occupational exposures," Trout said l

  21. Nanotechnology Policy and Environmental Regulatory Issues

  22. Reproductive Rights Blog: Liquid Condom Introduced in China

  23. Chinese float liquid condom concept | The Register

  24. The Volokh Conspiracy - Regulating Nanosilver:

  25. EPA Region 5: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

  26. Deciding the Future of Nanotechnologies: Legal Perspectives on ...

  27. Legal Lookout: Nanotechnology : EPA Considers How to Proceed

  28. EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases

  29. REACH is not enough, new labelling method might be required

  30. Section Nanotechnology Project - Nanotechnology Law - ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Law

    aba's briefing paper in nanotech

  31. European Union Nanotechnology Law | Stanford Law School

    to eu+law nanotechnology+law ... on nov 23
  32. P6_TA-PROV(2006)0392

    european parliament action plan on nanotech

  33. Nanotech the IP issues

    For example, a paper from Lawrence Letham which highlights general legal issues relating to nanotech, a general IP trend on nanotech from Chemical and Engineering magazine, Nanotech patent application in Japan from D. Kanama, Nanotech patent trends by Kal

  34. Berube on Michael Taylor's analysis

    Everyone knows the FDA is missing tools for regulating cosmetics like it does drugs. And everyone knows the FDA needs a bigger budget if we are going to ask it to treat all nanoproducts it regulates as "new" rejecting the bio-equivalence fast lane. We kno

  35. Nanotechnology under the Toxic Substances Control Act | Prevention, Pesticides and Toxics (OPPTS) | US EPA

  36. Connotea: msredsonyas's bookmarks for http://www.epa.gov/oppt/nano/index.htm

  37. FDA needs industry support on nanotechnology

  38. Let practicality guide nanotechnology regulation

  39. Nanotech-Regulation.pdf (application/pdf-Objekt)

    to nanotechnology+law ... on sept 15
  40. Patenting Nanotechnology - an Overview of the Current Climate and Explanation of Classification 977

  41. The Journal of Philosophy, Science & Law - Nano-Conceptions

  42. OnPoint -- 03/01/2006 -- Nanotech: RFF's J. Clarence Davies explains the need for new nanotechnology law

    to nanotechnology+law ... on sept 10
  43. SSRN Electronic Library

    ssrn page on nanotech

  44. SSRN-International Regulatory Regimes for Nanotechnology by Kenneth Abbott, Sandeep Gopalan, Gary Marchant, Douglas Sylvester

    to nanotechnology+law ... on sept 06
  45. Blawg Republic News Search: nanotechnology

    to be reviewed and discussed on the blog

    to nanotechnology+law ... on sept 06
  46. WorldChanging: Tools, Models and Ideas for Building a Bright Green Future: Nanotechnology and the Developing World: The Regulatory Gap

    regulatory gap

  47. SciDev.Net

    regulatory gap in nanotech

    to nanotechnology+law ... on aug 18

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Nanotechnology Regulation in EU

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Prof. Van Calster's article for NLB on european nanotechnology regulation is available for download at Nanoforum's website here (free signup required). Here's a quote:
The expectation is that the EU will adopt a cautious approach, following the example of the European Chemicals policy under REACH. In that case, the burden of proof of safety is shifted from the authorities to the manufacturer. Product liability law is less likely to be applied, because this area is not harmonised at EU level. Geert van Calster compares the EU and US legislative framework and trends.

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Nanotech regulations in Canada?

Saturday, December 23, 2006

This column written by a lawyer for The Globe is worth to read:
How many nanotech products are being manufactured and sold in Canada? What kind of emissions are being produced and released? What happens when nanomaterials enter the environment? Do they break down into other substances or are they persistent? Do they build up in the bodies of living organisms? What is the level of exposure of Canadians to nanomaterials? What are safe levels of exposure? What are the health effects of exposure to nanomaterials? What laws or regulations will ensure the safety of workers, consumers and the environment?

There are no answers to these questions. There has never been a debate in the House of Commons or even in a parliamentary committee about the policy implications of this new technology. As Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl has acknowledged, "none of us knows anything about nanotechnology."

"None of us knows anything bout nanotech". As has been previously discussed, this does not necessarily means that it is entirely not regulated. When there is a case, courts will decide based on legal principles. The drawbacks: more to risk-mitigation than risk avoidance. The GMO and asbestos case may reoccur.

Hat tip: Mike Treder/CRN

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Defend yourself using blog networks

Friday, December 22, 2006

Emerging technologies such as nanotech is a two-bladed sword for venture capitalists. It is a raising trend as more and more products are sold on the market, it is strongly associated with modernism, it is very promising as it will shape the future world. These factors will trigger people to invest. The media and blogosphere contributed a lot to these developments. On the other hand, a single defective nano product can ruin the whole thing. The media and the blogosphere also plays a major stake here: what brings you up can always take you down.

Forbes had a good article which illustrate this case:
Then the bloggers attacked. A supposed crusading journalist launched an online campaign long on invective and wobbly on facts, posting articles on his Web log (blog) calling Halpern "deceitful,""unethical,""incredibly stupid" and "a pathological liar" who had misled investors. The author claimed to be Nick Tracy, a London writer who started his one-man "watchdog" Web site, our-street.com, to expose corporate fraud. He put out press releases saying he had filed complaints against Circle with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Yahoo and Google is responsible for this (un?)holy alliance. Not only Google has its adsense advertisement network that feeds bloggers with money, not only that it hosted blogs and provide blogsearch, it also include blogger comments in its finance site. The commentaries will affect people's decision to invest.

Those are the drawbacks the longtail gives to the economy. Are there any remedies to this? Well, Forbes recommends to start building a blog network.

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Nanotech will affect every regulations within five years.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

I mean what I say and I say what I mean.

Do you know why EPA bothers regulating a washing machine? It's because it contains tiny beene silver nanoparticles that can kill germs. Hell, it may even be the most primitive form of nanotech but look at its impact, they are declaring washing machine as pesticide!

Do you know that silver nanoparticles has been used in underwear, shirts, paint, deodorant, mineral supplement, toothpaste, liquid condom, refrigerator, vaccuum cleaner, ink, porcellain, make up, soap, rubber gloves, dental LED, dishwashing liquid, baby milk bottle, door handle, handy coating and air conditioner? Of course, not all of them will be categorized as pesticide!

Not only that we are only talking about a primitive use of nanotechnology, we also "only" talk about silver nanoparticles. There are still plenty other nanoparticle which its usage is still unknown. That's not all, this has not include "passive" nanostructures such as carbon nanotube, which will be used in transistors, computer hardware and medical appliances.

Nanotech market is going to be bullish in the next two years. Some even predicted that within a decade, people will no longer use the word "nanotechnology" because "Today's 'nano materials' are tomorrow's 'materials.'

The good news is (I mean, for lawyers) the regulation is still unclear and the risks associated with it is also unclear. This means not only more lawsuit but also more deals. So, let's catch up...

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Eye on Israel

Sunday, November 12, 2006

A business opportunity for you! Israeli nano centers receive 230 million USD of funding:
In addition to matching funds, the Israeli government will also provide over $8 million for nanotech-related equipment purchases and for advanced research projects in water treatment using nanotechnology.The triangle donation matching program will give preference to research in areas considered to have the strongest potential for Israeli breakthroughs: nanomaterials, nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, and nanotech for applications in water treatment and alternative energy.
You can download the complete press-release from the Israeli's National Nanotechnology Initiative here. The map of the Nano-biotech industry is provided by d&a hi-tech information here. A very complete compendium and links to Nano Industries and companies in Israel is available here.

(Thanks to d&a hi-tech information for providing me with preliminary insight via email)