Study: Most people nanotechnology ignorant

[nanoorg]

One of the most dramatic of today's emerging technologies is nanotechnology, yet a U.S.-led study suggests most people are nanotechnology ignorant.

"In the last 15 years we have continuously been exposed to a variety of emerging technologies -- biotechnology, information science and technology, cognitive science and now nanotechnology," said Akhlesh Lakhtakia, a professor of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State University.

However, when it comes to nanotechnology, Lakhtakia and his colleagues found most people aren't paying much attention. Or, if they are aware of the field, their reactions are too often overly enthusiastic, uninformed or alarmist.

Lakhtakia -- working with Debashish Munshi and Priya Kurian of the University of Waikato, New Zealand, and Robert Bartlett of the University of Vermont -- found the paucity of debate and critical analysis on the implications of nanotechnology in the popular media is reflected in the general lack of public awareness of the implications of nanotechnology.

"Schools must find a way to interweave science, engineering, liberal arts, literature and history so that emerging fields like nanotechnology, biotechnology and cognitive science can be understood and evaluated by the general public," Lakhtakia said.





Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved





Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/



Story first posted: 23rd January 2007.