The Pros And Cons Of Nanotechnology

1057 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Nanotechnology in medicine essays

Picture a world where material can be changed at the molecular level or put tiny machines into human beings for disease treatment, sounds like a sci-fi movie right? Since the turn of the 21st century, society has made major leaps in technology and one of the most recent developments is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacturing of very small mechanical machines that are able to operate at the molecular level of matter. The goal of researchers of nanotechnology is to be able to manipulate materials at the atomic level to suit certain needs. Presently nanotechnology is still in the research stage and is not in mass production yet; however it will be used for industry purposes in the near future. All new technology comes with ethical concerns on where and how to use it along with what it would be used for and who might benefit from its use. Scientists claim that nanotechnology can bring benefits to our society in the medical field, environment and manufacturing, but with this new technology there is always a danger of it being used for things like weaponry, possible surveillance, and self-replicating. A more ethical solution would be to set up a non-government regulatory commission for nanotechnology with no hidden agenda for the development of nanomachines and adopt design parameters that are safe for the environment and the health of human beings.
Since 2000, nanotechnology has been funded by the U.S. government which has created the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) to guide research and monitor its development [1]. Advocators of NNI “assert that nanotechnology is one of the most important emerging and enabling technologies and that U.S. competitiveness, technolo...

... middle of paper ...

...s
1. Chen, Andrew. “The Ethics of Nanotechnology”. Santa Clara University. Internet: www. scu.edu. [Mar. 20, 2014]
2. Sargent Jr, John F. “The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and
Appropriations Issues”. Internet: www.fas.org, Dec. 17, 2013 [Mar 21, 2014].
3. Spagnolo, Antonio. “Outlining Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology”. Bioethics Vol. 23 Number 7, 2009, pp. 394-402.Internet: http://web.a.ebscohost.com.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu/. [Mar 20,2014].
4. Paddock, Catherine. “Nanotechnology In Medicine: Huge Potential, But What Are The Risks?”. Medical News Today. Internet:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/244972.php.
May 2012 [Mar 20, 2014].
5. Wiesner, Mark.“ Introduction Environmental Nanotechnology”. Environmental Engineering Science. Vol 24, Number 1, 2007. Internet: http://online.liebertpub.com.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu/. [Mar 20, 2014].

Show More
Related

  • Frankenstein: "Playing God" - Advancements in Biomedical Techology

    875 Words  | 2 Pages

    The fact that there have been many advancements in biomedical technology over the years have given us the ability to cure and prevent diseases that have once devastated the human population. These breakthroughs have allowed people to live longer and healthier lives, yet others believe that it runs the risk of “playing God” and that such matters should be left into the hands of a higher power. Today, this ethical debate still continues to raise questions on whether these scientific breakthroughs are morally acceptable. While I support the use of scientific breakthroughs, I believe that it should only be used for human benefit to cure those who are suffering from cancer. This approach seems more reasonable than using this technology to choose one’s eye color or keep someone on life support just because it is something that can be done, whether or not that is acceptable or not.

    Read More

  • Questions and Answer: What Makes Us Different From Chimps and Other Species?

    1091 Words  | 3 Pages

    Lovgren, Stefan. Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier t Understand? 23 December 2003. Web. 3 May 2014. .

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Pinpointing Cancer Fight By Liz Szabo

    379 Words  | 1 Pages

    In the article “Pinpointing Cancer Fight,” Liz Szabo states the uses of nanotechnology and how researchers are attempting to use this advancement to fight cancer. She defines that nanotechnology is a type of technology that creates devices on an atomic level; this equipment can allow people such as researchers to use its ability to detect cancerous cells as well as treat them. Szabo remains a neutral tone as she states that while some are against the idea of using nanotechnology since there are many risks, others are optimistic that it may lead to transformational results. She presents a list of some products developed through nanotechnology and explains its usage in addition to mentioning the failure of those nanotech products. Szabo provides

    Read More

  • Morality In Michael Sandel's The Case Against Perfection

    744 Words  | 2 Pages

    With a consequentialist tone of approach, he describes human society having an imbalance between two ideals: the acceptance of oneself as a gift and the strive for perfection. The usage of technology for enhancement purposes pushes us away from the first and more towards the latter. Bioethics’ main principle revolves around the concept of morality, defined by beliefs regarding actions that are often split between being right or wrong in interpretation and character (Vaughn). Sandel upholds to this stance, confronting it with our own ideology that through the pronouncement of terms of biotechnology, we seem to accept more than reject what is brought up in the culture of society, this type of thinking reaffirming our current beliefs of the nature of controversial

    Read More

  • Tiny Robots in Your Bloodstream: The Future of Medicine

    1524 Words  | 4 Pages

    It is clear that nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize health care and even transport

    Read More

  • Artificial Intelligence In Prey, By Michael Crichton

    1087 Words  | 3 Pages

    K. Eric Drexler is known to be “the founding father of nanotechnology,” and theorized the creation of mechanical nanoscale systems that would revolutionize the world of manufacturing and technology. However, many opponents of his theory feared the implications and applications of such nanotechnology, and therefore began to spread panic through the concept of the menacing “grey goo.” “Prey” by Michael Crichton delves into the concepts Drexler proposed concerning nanorobotics computation and artificial intelligence through an interesting and insightful science fiction novel. Crichton delves in to the ethical implications of the unpredictability of evolutionary and machine learning programs, inability of technologists to learn from past mistakes,

    Read More

  • Nanotechnology And Plastic Surgery Essay

    1128 Words  | 3 Pages

    Nanotechnology is defined as the science of design, synthesis and characterization of matter at the nanoscale, which mesures one billionth of the meter [1,2] On that scale, structures exhibit novel chemical, physical and biological properties and processes, which enables the creation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), with various characteristics and potential applications. [3] It’s not just that though. Nanotechnology shows the ability to eliminate the gaps among medicine, material engineering and science, computer technology and public policy, creating new clinical and medical approaches to better diagnose, treat and prevent any kind of illness. In fact, it is already moving from simple passive structures

    Read More

  • Treatments For Cancer Essay

    1285 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...nessing “the power of nanotechnology” to radically change the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer.” The most likely method implemented will by the use of nanovectors for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, and then heating nanoparticles that are attached to cancer cells so that the cancer cells explode. (5, 9) There are still many obstacles that must be overcome before this is a reality: from the ethical concern by some that nanobots will take control of the body to the more practical problem that this method of treatment will be very expensive and funding will be an issue. (6) But with millions of people suffering from some form of cancer, scientists are searching for cures and treatments and nanotechnology offers the greatest promise. One day, cancer may be completely curable thanks to nanotechnology which is something everyone would benefit from.

    Read More

  • The Sociological Impact of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology

    2224 Words  | 5 Pages

    First things first, what exactly are nanotechnology and biotechnology? There has been some less than mild discussion of late about what constitutes legitimate nanotechnology, and suffice it to say that it doesn’t include things like laundry detergents, chemical additives, makeup micro-beads or anything of the like that may be claimed by some companies that are looking for an advantage over their competitors. Also, neither of these growing scientific disciplines includes any of the many terrifying, often alien technologies that swarm and smother, seek and destroy, or otherwise attempt to eradicate the human race from the face of the earth, ad nauseam. Here is a concise definition from The American Heritage Science Dictionary: “Nanotechnology is the science and technology of precisely manipulating the structure of matter at the molecular level. The term nanotechnology embraces many different fields and specialties, including engineering, chemistry, electronics, and medicine, among others, but all are concerned with bringing existing te...

    Read More

  • Assisted Suicide Should Not be Legalized

    1627 Words  | 4 Pages

    20 Feb. 2014. Nardo, Don. A. Biomedical Ethics.

    Read More

  • The Ethics of Genetically Modified Food Production

    4155 Words  | 9 Pages

    Before we begin to delve into the ethical depths of biotechnology and genetic engineering, we must first understand how this technology works. To do this let’s start by discussing cells. All organisms are made up of microscopic entities called cells. The human body consists of about ten trillion cells of about two hundred different types, such as skin cells, blood cells, and muscle cells. To gain a general understanding of how cells work, we will look at some of the simplest cells possible- bacteria cells. Once we have an understanding of how bacteria work, it is not hard to see how cells function in other organisms.

    Read More

  • Space Exploration and Travel: Necessary or Waste?

    865 Words  | 2 Pages

    (Source I) Lin, Patrick. “Space Ethics: Look Before Taking Another Leap for Mankind.” Editorial. Nanoethics. N.p., 7 May 2006. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. .

    Read More

  • Synthetic Biology Essay

    1679 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...follows the general code of ethics, but it only has one specific code of ethics for gene synthesis. This worries many people because they cannot see synthetic biologists’ ethical procedures and how these researchers would apply these rules in different situations. In time, there will be an agreed upon code of ethics for synthetic biology and this will help relieve people because they will believe that valuable, but possibly dangerous, information is less likely fall into the wrong hands and that appropriate experimenting occurs. The goal of synthetic biology is to improve medicine and protect the environment. Synthetic biologists want to cure cancer, provide new energy sources, and more sustainable foods. People’s concerns are legitimate and need to be analyzed, but until these ethical concerns and possible risks are addressed synthetic biology cannot move forward.

    Read More

  • Nanotechnology Essay

    1814 Words  | 4 Pages

    Nanotechnology is science, technology and engineering that is conducted at the nanoscale. The nanoscale is about 1 to 100 nanometres.

    Read More

  • Renewable Energy in South Africa

    1079 Words  | 3 Pages

    [e-book] RAPS Consulting & Nano Energy,prepared for SECCP, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. Available from: http://projects.gibb.co.za/Portals/3/projects/201002%20Nuclear%201/Appendix%20D%20Public%20Participation/App%20D8/potential%20of%20RE%20in%20SA%20Feb06.pdf [Accessed 7 April 2014]

    Read More

More about The Pros And Cons Of Nanotechnology

Open Document