WHO to Ban Genetic Engineering of Smallpox Virus

The World Health Assembly has decided to ban genetic engineering experiments on the smallpox virus but postponed a decision on the destruction of the virus until 2010 […]

Open Letter to the Nanotechnology Community

A coalition of civil societies and labour organisations rejects the voluntary ‘risk assessment’ framework on nanotechnology proposed by Dupont and Environment Defense. […]

Extreme Genetic Engineering: An Introduction to Synthetic Biology

The report warns that the social, environmental and bio-weapons threats of synthetic biology could surpass the possible dangers and abuses of biotech. […]

Nanotechnology Risks Unknown

The US is the world leader in nanotechnology but it is not paying enough attention to the environmental, health and safety risks posed by nanoscale products. […]

Nanotech News in Living Colour: An Update on White Papers, Red Flags, Green Goo, Grey Goo (and Red Herrings)

The ETC Group provides an update on policy discussions related to nanotech health and safety issues and the glaring lack of regulatory oversight. […]

Nanotechnology, a hard pill to swallow whole

It is imperative to separate myth from reality in nanotechnology’s vision for medicine, to help decide how the technology can improve our lives without compromising our dignity and freedom. […]

Metal Nanoshells, Cure or Curse?

Among the nanoparticles developed for use in medical and other applications are non-biodegradable metal nanoshells. Has enthusiasm to exploit their remarkable properties run too far ahead of safety considerations? […]

Why (nano) size matters

Industry and government regulators maintain that the unique size and properties of nanoscale materials do not warrant a closer look at the potential health, safety and environmental impacts. However, the ETC Group explains why size matters. […]

Nanotubes highly toxic

An entire molecular electronics industry is poised to take off, much of it on the back of carbon nanotubes. But new research found that nanotubes are highly damaging to the lungs of mice. […]

Nanotechnology, the wave of the future?

Nanotechnology has been touted as a ‘trillion-dollar industry’. However, before attempting to jump onto this bandwagon, developing countries must sift through the hype and consider potential hazards. […]