by Andrew Maynard | Dec 17, 2008 | Communication, Engagement, Policy, Synthetic Biology
Policy, public perceptions, and the opportunities and challenges of synthetic biology Synthetic biology—a supreme expression of scientific hubris, or the solution to all our problems? Like everything in life, I suspect that the answer to the question is far from black...
by Andrew Maynard | May 17, 2008 | Communication, Engagement, Nanotechnology, Oversight
“Nanotechnology” as an overarching concept is great for sweeping statements and sound bites, but falls short when it comes to real-world decision-making. As nanoscale technologies are increasingly used in everything from antimicrobial socks to anti-cancer...
by Andrew Maynard | Jan 26, 2008 | Oversight, Policy, Synthetic Biology
The popular computer game “SimLife” allows users to create and manipulate virtual people. But what are the chances of us one day being able to do the same with real organisms: building new life-forms out of basic chemicals, so “SimLife” becomes “SynLife”? This week’s...
by Andrew Maynard | Nov 25, 2007 | Nanotechnology
Are we so caught up in the thrill of nanotechnology, that we are blind to future pitfalls? Are we having the new technology ride of our lives—with someone else’s future? Are we living for the nanotech moment, and leaving the consequences to others to deal with? In...
by Andrew Maynard | Nov 18, 2007 | Nanotechnology, Policy
If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with the complexities of regulating a twenty first century technology like nanotechnology, wonder no more. Last week, President Bush’s top advisors on science and the environment published a set of “principles for nanotechnology...
