The reason behind this vague subject matter is the lack of time I have had to concentrate on any single specific development in the recent press (read the ABOUT ME page if you are wondering where my time goes), and simultaneously the fact that recently, in the attempt to find some focus of interest, I have been besieged and, admittedly, a little distracted, by a) the increase in interest in my site (~400 hits per week mainly on OLED hits) and b) the amount of literature being produced out there ‘on the web’ about such a wide variety of subjects WITHIN nanotech (my favourite area of the vast and all-conquering discipline ’science’) that I think it is stupid to try and concentrate on one area when there are issues out there that need to be covered which cover the whole science area.

That incredibly long winded introduction was a means of covering my lazy behind for momentarily focusing on the more recent news in nanotechnology that concern cancer detection, nanotube applications and, of course as is always the case with such ground-breaking, newsworthy innovations their inevitable governing, restriction and enforced guidelines as set down by Uncle Sam (the US gov) and Uncle Keith (UK’s gov with, in my opinion, a particularly apt nomenclature).

Already concerns are springing up over the possible problems caused by the new products and technologies allowed by nanomaterials. Regardless of their potential for amazing advances in the fields mentioned above their possible hazards are being called into question (FDA finds no proof of harm with nanotech products, Editorial: Governments differing over Nanotech safety). Fortunately, the FDA has, as yet, found no evidence that these nanomaterials now being included in everything from cosmetics (eg. sunscreens) to sports equipment (eg. baseball bats) pose a significant threat.

I guess it is a good thing that these things are treated with suspicion, seeing as these nanoparticles are being used to address cancer-detection, and it would be an horrific irony and potential legal-minefield if the detection system helped induce secondary cancers in the patient.

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