by Andrew Maynard | Mar 5, 2015 | Future, Nanotechnology, Responsible Innovation, Risk
Responsible innovation is a great concept – it embodies ideas around ensuring our inventiveness works for the long term good of society, without inadvertently throwing up more problems than it solves. But to entrepreneurs and others trying to make ends meet while launching a new product or idea, it can quickly begin to look like an ill-affordable luxury
by Andrew Maynard | Mar 4, 2015 | Future, Responsible Innovation, Risk, Technology Innovation
The World Economic Forum’s 2015 top 10 emerging technologies reflect the tremendous potential of technology innovation. Yet to build a resilient tech-based future, we need new ideas, new research and new tools that will enable us to realize the benefits of technology innovation, while keeping us a safe distance from potentially catastrophic collapse. It’s a tough challenge, and one that will demand unprecedented levels of interdisciplinary investment, collaboration and creativity. Yet the price of not innovating responsibly is one that may just be too large to live with.
by Andrew Maynard | Jan 7, 2015 | Environment, Public Health, Risk, Technology Innovation
Earlier this week, The Conversation reported that, “The future is bright, the future is … quantum dot televisions.” And judging by the buzz coming from this week’s annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that’s right – the technology is providing manufacturers with a...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 1, 2014 | Risk, Science Communication, Toxicology
While writing a recent article on BPA-free labeling, I happened to mention the topic of bisphenol-A to a couple of smart people I know. “bis-what?” came the response. Thinking they just weren’t familiar with the chemical’s full name, I went...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 1, 2014 | Risk, Science Communication, Toxicology
Products with the label “BPA-free” have become ubiquitous on store shelves in recent years. It’s a trend that has been driven by consumer concerns that the chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA, may be harmful at low doses. Yet a recent study suggests that...
by Andrew Maynard | Nov 19, 2014 | Public Health, Risk
Vaping has come of age it seems – at least according to the Oxford Dictionaries. The word “vape”, which is synonymous with electronic cigarette use, has been selected as the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2014. So what is vaping, and what are...
