Perspectives
Publications
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publications/archive
January 27, 2009
PEN 16 - Nanotechnology: The Social and Ethical Issues
“It is crucial to address social and ethical issues now as we consider both the substantial potential risks of nanotechnology and its possible significant contributions to our well-being and environmental sustainability,” says report author Ronald Sandler. PEN 16 emphasizes ways in which these issues intersect with governmental functions and responsibilities, including science and technology policy, as well as research funding, regulation and work on public engagement.
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publications/archive
January 14, 2009
PEN 17 - A Hard Pill to Swallow
Historically, the regulation of dietary supplements has been a significant challenge for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the fact that some of these products are now being manufactured using nanotechnology creates an additional layer of complexity. Is FDA equipped to meet the emerging regulatory challenge of dietary supplements that use engineered nanomaterials?
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publications/archive
July 23, 2008
PEN 13 - Nanotechnology Oversight
Few domestic policy areas that the new administration must address will have greater long-range consequences than nanotechnology — a new technology that has been compared with the industrial revolution in terms of its impact on society. If the right decisions are made, nanotechnology will bring vast improvements to almost every area of daily living. If the wrong decisions are made, the American economy, human health and the environment will suffer.
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publications/archive
January 4, 2008
Looking Back on the First Two Years
This report reviews the Project’s major activities, key contributions, and most significant impacts over its first two years.