Scott E. Rickert, Chief Executive of United States-based NanoFilm, Ltd., says the recent focus on nanotechnology safety and the environment is not a death knell for nanotechnology, just growing pains. The U.S. government developments with regard to nanotechnology regulation have the nanotechnology industry in an uproar, he writes, with colleagues considering shutting down businesses, and start-ups in fear that the trickle of investment money will completely dry up. So, Rickert asks, \u201cis it time to shutter the labs, find a new business, start nanotech speakeasies? I think not. How do I know?\u201d Rickert lists six reasons why he believes nanotechnology is here to stay: the U.S. government is investing ten times as much in nanotechnology research as in regulation; federal environmental, health and safety research is taking a responsible stance, not a radical one; nanotechnology works, and is touching our lives in many positive ways; nanomaterials have been around for millions of years; the nanotechnology sector continues to grow; and, if they\u2019re shooting at you, you must be doing something right. Rickert concludes: \u201cThe real threat to achieving nanotechnology’s potential isn’t the unknown “them.” It’s our own fear. Fear that this is a witch hunt, not a reasonable conversation. Fear that politics will win out over science. If fear sends us into hiding, we lose to the people who remain in the spotlight. The antidote for fear? Business as usual. The daily proof of our science. Innovation that changes lives. An ever-lengthening track record of success and safety. Follow that course, and everybody wins.\u201d<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.industryweek.com\/articles\/six_ways_i_know_nanotechnology_is_here_to_stay_25035.aspx?SectionID=4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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