Nanotechnology
Daniel Aguilera
Evelyn Ortiz
Sheng Huang
Geraldy Jean Louis
Week 7 Course Project
LAS 432 Technology, Society and Culture
Professor Michael Gooch
March 28, 2015

1. Introduction 3 2. Description of the technology (Dan) 4 3. Historical development (Dan) 4 4. Political and legal (Sheng) 6 5. Economic Considerations (Sheng) 8 6. Psychological and Sociological effects (Evelyn) 10 7. Cultural and Media Influences (Evelyn) 11 8. Environmental Implications (Geraldy) 12 9. Ethical and Moral Implications (Geraldy) 13 10. References 15

1. Introduction
Nanotechnology is an ambiguous term used for a technology that allows for the creation and manipulation of molecular size materials. These materials can be assembled, rearranged and even controlled to offer human interaction in the microscopic world. The intended use of this advanced technological science has a wide range of applications in medical science, material construction, and military application.
The minimization allows it to be able to penetrate and manipulate areas that were never possible in the past. It is the next big technology that permeates all areas of science to help advance human problems and obstacles in society. The power in creating robots that can be commanded to manipulate things at the atomic level, such as delivery drugs, eliminating cancer, anti-bacterial clothing, and military weaponry.
The advancement of medical treatment is better targeted with the use of nanotechnology by allowing doctors to specifically diagnose, analyze and treat the illness. Building material have also benefitted by being designed with nanotechnology to resist and prevent the decay of materials offering longer material life. Nanotechnology can have negative environmental effects, by being released into the air without anybody’s knowledge and what the effects can be.
Since nanotechnology is incredibly useful and can provide a future with a great deal of benefits. There is also a negative side that can have long lasting and irreparable effects.
Many medical devices and supplies are created with nanotechnology for the purpose of improving people’s health. that nanotechnology is invented on the purpose of human beings’ benefit.
A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science (Dan)

2. Description of Nanotechnology
If nanotechnology is the application and control of small atomic machines, then nanoscience is the study and manipulation of atoms at a the molecular level, that can be applied across all the science fields. It is the technology of the extremely small, one Nano-meter is defined as one billionth of a meter. In comparison, 1 nm is one fifty-thousandth of the diameter of a human hair. When something is this small its behavior changes as you get smaller and provides the ability to manipulate it, and can be uniquely adapted to a specific task. 3. Historical Development
To really understand the whole picture of nanotechnology, it is helpful to review the timeline of discoveries that brought us to the current understanding of the science. The first signs of Nano-structured materials were based on craftsman that made stained glass by understanding and manipulating materials. The use of high heat was one common step in the process to produce beautiful and colorful items, although they were not aware of the technology, it was the handling of raw materials that led to our basic understanding of it. The following timeline shows a general progression to where we are today’ * 9th to 17th century: the vibrant colors of stain glass in the windows of Europe’s medieval cathedrals are due to metallic nanoparticles. * 13th to 18th century: “Damascus” saber blades contain carbon nanotubes and cementite nanowires * 1875: Michael Faraday discovers colloidal “ruby” gold, demonstrating that nanostructured gold under certain lighting conditions produces different colored solutions. * 1959: Richard Feynman of the California institute of technology gave what most consider the first lecture on Technology and engineering at the atomic scale, “there’s plenty of room at the bottom” at an American physical Society meeting at Caltech. * 1974: Norio Taniguichi, Tokyo science University professor, coined the term nanotechnology to describe precision machining of materials to within atomic scale dimensional tolerances. * 1990s: Early nanotechnology companies begin to operate, and scientists receive the 1996 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery of the Bucky ball, which is a soccer ball shaped carbon molecule proximately a Nano-meter in diameter. * 2000: The national nanotechnology initiative launches to coordinate Federal R&D efforts and promote commercialization of nanotechnology applications. * 2005: The nanotechnology panel of the American chemistry Council forms. * 2012: The US government recognizes the strategic importance of nanotechnology and plans to spend nearly $2 billion in research.

4. Political and legal influences (Sheng)
Nanotechnology is the most advanced technological revolution and has a wide range of applications on medication, science, and military field in 20 centuries, where we practically rely on advanced hi-tech that provides us with a great deal of benefits. It seems that nanotechnology products are well placed to take advantage and will really become commercialized products. Nothing is perfect. So does the technology no matter how advanced it is. There always have both positive side and negative side effects when we are indulged in technology. People start questioning about the application of nanotechnology when it produces a broad scope of issue that impact on society: Is it ethical and moral to implant nanotechnology into human beings’ body? Is there any political influence on our world caused by Nanotechnology that creates surplus miniature weapons of mass destruction?
As we all know today, one of the great inventions in our modern society is Nanotechnology that has profound influence on human beings lives. Many medical devices and supplies are created with nanotechnology on the purpose of improve people’s health. But the true is that many nanotechnology products are designed with more professional-looking such as over exaggerated functions, catchy slogans, highlighting of words that triggers ones interest, and clever marketing techniques to catch one’s attention. Just as Bennet-Woods, D. mentioned: “Ethical implications are associated with every form of technology. Artificial intelligence, weapons systems, life-extending drugs, surveillance, altered organisms, and social justice all have built-in moral implications—ready for us to discuss”(page 28). Many manufacturers make great efforts to sell their products without thinking about the safety. It is illegal and immoral for a doctor to put any risk of health of patients and customers by ignoring the potential side effects produced from that medical devices and supplies. There have been many lawsuits (nanotorts) involved in the risk of human health when nanotechnology is used to medical application. Philip Calabrese mentioned: “Manufactures and suppliers of products that incorporate nanotechnology should be thinking proactively about minimizing future litigation risk” (page159).
Nanotechnology plays the most important role in modern society. A country’s position in the world depends on how advanced the nanotechnology it has. As Milanović, V & Bučalina described: “Accordingly, nanotechnology innovations are one of the sources of the competitive advantage of a country” (page70). As today, many advanced countries such as America, China, and Russia have put high value on creating surplus miniature weapons of mass destruction with nanotechnology since 1980s. This kind of arms race with high-tech weapons is especially dangerous, causing the potential threat to peace of the world
“Studies have also shown that attitudes regarding nanotechnology that is related to socio-cultural factors such as religion trust in government agencies, ant scientist feelings, and pro-technology orientations” (page 374). We believe that nanotechnology have a profound impact on human beings. Imagine the future world impacted by nanotechnology: humans will no longer get sick and even immortality; House would be self-service by automatically maintain itself by cleaning, lighting and insulation from that we would save expense budget and support Go Green project; currency will lose its value and there is no difference between the rich and the poor. It seems nanotechnology brings about enormous revolution on science and technology and provides us with a great deal of benefits. But then people start worrying about the potential effects because we are in the trend of abusing of technology. The two major concerns will be: * Human being overloads the Earth because of immortality, causing overpopulation and becoming a threat to society. * Possible self-replicating nanobots would replace human beings, losing the essence of human beings. 5. Economic questions and considerations (Sheng)
The business world today is globalizing. The technology plays a key role in today’s business. Many national companies are devoting enormous energy and finance on developing reliable and profitable nanotechnology products and sell to industrial countries. Such products have been made as below: * Nanotechnology creates Nano-foods. * Iron made by nanotechnology has several times more toughness than original. Such materials made from nanotechnology reduce the weight of an automobile by 90%. * Nanotechnology applied to glasses, surface mirrors, windows, and under normal circumstances never need cleaning. * Clothes coated with nanotechnology materials would not stick ash save water and detergent for laundry. * Many medical devices and supplies are created with nanotechnology on the purpose of improve people’s health. It can help save lives, help repair organs.
Just like Staube, T stated: “Commercialization ensures that nanotechnology meets not only the performance and reliability requirements but also the economic ones” (page42). Definitely the prospect of a business on nanotechnology is well placed to take advantage because the technology plays a key role in today’s business.

http://www.nanotechia.org/activities/economic-statistics-indicators

In conclusion, Nanotechnology is the most advanced technological revolution and has a wide range of applications on medical, science, and the military. On the other hand, nanotechnology can also result in potential ethical, moral, legal, and political problems. But nanotechnology products can really become commercialized products since it is incredibly useful and can provide a future with a great deal of benefits. We should do more research and continue developing it, as long as we know how to well controlled the application on nanotechnology in terms of social norms.

6. Psychological considerations and sociological effects (Evelyn)
I read an article in (Science Codex) indicating how David Houle spoke about an on line experiment survey “how do people feel about Nanotechnology” given by “The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies it was held at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars”. It was conducted by” The Cultural Cognition Project, an interdisciplinary team of top experts from Yale University, the University of Washington, The George Washington University, and Decision Research”. (Houle D. 2007)
They found two major factors which are:” (Houle D. 2007)
First- "affect or emotion plays a major role in people's perceptions toward nanotechnology”.
Second- “the individuals' values determine their reaction to information about nanotechnology”.
Psychological is deal with people’s state of mind, their inner thoughts many individual are unaware of nanotechnology and what is the purpose for it, this is one of the reasons they don’t know how to react towards it. Because of nanotechnology unknown abilities or disabilities it being feared not accepted and respected for all of its positive outcomes. For me nanotechnology is a manmade creation made of very small molecules that can when necessary inserted into the body to target the infected or damaged area to take out the infection or repair the damage area and to help others in many different aspects.
Nanotechnology are very small particles that are used in almost everything of daily use, such as T.V., IPhones, pads, computers, clothes, food, and building. According to nonogloss.com “Every new scientific breakthrough brings with it an effect on society, so nanotechnology’s sociological effects are unavoidable”.
According to Ronald Sandler (pg. 4), “Nanotechnology, like all technologies, is not separable from its social context. Technologies emerge from society and are made possible and encouraged by society—they depend on previous innovations and often receive social support in forms ranging from direct funding to cultural valuing,” Nanotechnology is claimed to be the most advanced technological revolution and has a wide range of applications on medical, science, and the military. Nanotechnology is incredibly useful and can provide a future with a great deal of benefits. Because of this I feel the way it is but out the sociological effects have mixed desires some will want it to cure others then it can be wanted from terrorist to harm us.

7. The technology in its cultural context, media influence (Evelyn)
Religious beliefs play a big role in cultural diversity in nanotechnology, many religious people believe planting something unnatural or introducing artificial products into the body is just unholy or trying to recreate something holy like the blanket of Jesus Christ when he was crucified defiantly brings up issues related to religious beliefs they believe it to be unethical and is a sin. To support my claim I came across this article by Joachim Schummer, which indicates that “In Western Europe, for example, “the Christian idea of an artisan-like creator-God has always provoked stereotypical criticism of technology. As soon as nanotechnology is framed in terms of ‘reshaping nature atom by atom’, it can readily be accused of hubris (playing God) and destroying nature (changing God’s creation against God’s will)” (Schummer J pg. 221)
As nanotechnology has risen, controversy on the topic has also risen; there will always be positive and negative reaction and beliefs towards nanotechnology, this is where the media needs to step in and play their part. The technology field along with scientists will need the help of the media in showing the viewer’s all the positive outcome nanotechnology has helped such as the medical, military, and science fields. The viewer’s will always fear the unknown, if they are not given the correct information. Communication is the key if the media communicates with all, and show them the important role nanotechnology play in the world I think the attitudes for the viewer’s about the new science/technology will take a turn for the good.

8. Implications for the environment (Geraldy)
Technology has been one of the most important things in our lives. Which is through it we have another part of it which call nanotechnology, it has been able also to help makes several advancement in different areas in our society.
One of the ways that nanotechnology has been able to help is with the environment. As you know within the environment, there are several things that come to play. Among some of things are weather, pollution, the water cycle, and many more. Despite of all of those components, I must state that with the help of the technology. It becomes easier for many people to track things that are happening around the environment. In the report by UNEP, stating Globally, CO2 emissions increased by 36% between 1992 and 2008, from around 22 000 million to just over 30 000 million tones. With general economic growth, plus developing countries such as Brazil, China and India investing significantly in large development, infrastructural and manufacturing projects, the growth of CO2 emissions in developing countries over the last few years climbed even more (between 1992 and 2008, a 64% increase of total CO2 emissions and 29% on a per capita basis)." (P.31), These reports were registered through a database which allowing the different tracking to take place. Then recorded on a line graph, which also gives us the information.
Latest estimates show that global CO2 emissions accumulated to 30 600 million tonnes in 2010 (IEA 2011). Large differences exist between regions and countries, with 80% of the global CO2 emissions being generated by 19 countries—mainly those with high levels of economic development and/or large populations.
As a result, this proves how technology can be a powerful tool in helping our world to be a better place. It is the absolute belief that when you can assess something and get information about it, then it allows for one to take more informed decision. Indeed, with the technology it helps attain this goal. 9. Moral and ethical implications (Geraldy)
“The Societal and Ethical Implications of Nanotechnology: A Christian Response” is an article by Foltz, Franz A. and Foltz, Frederick A. that talked about the expected physical, social and ethical effects of nanothechnological innovations. They authors talked about the different response of religious communities, especially Christianity, in regard to the development of nanotechnology. The authors found that for the most part the religious circle has welcomed the benefits offered by nanotechnology. However they do express some concern that they believed that we need to address. The first one is “Human Dignity” the sacredness of the individual person, the second one “Social Justice” the promise that the weak and the poor are receiving benefit from the new technology, the third “ Potential for sin” Advance technology opens two universes, all the good and the bad possibilities. Consequently to those three concerns they believe that “Technology Should Be a Means and not the Ends”, we should “Speak for the Voiceless in Creation, and to make sure that technology does not divert us from taking responsibility to care for life and environment by embodied the community “Body and Community”.
“Advances in Understanding the Transformation of Engineered nanoparticles in the Environment” an article by Setare Tahmasebi Nick, Ali Bolandi, Tova A. Samuels and Sherine O. Obare. This article accentuate some previous work in which they have studied the effect of exposure of well-defined Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) to pesticides and the effect of pH and dissolved Organic matter. Studies have shown there is a risk of exposure for individuals who work in the manufacture of, or production of consumer containing ENPs. The result also provides information on the need for green manufacturing strategies of ENPs, how we use and discard them.

10. References
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