Nanotechnology’s Promise: A Big Risk in a Small Package?

Microscopic, manmade nanoparticles have found their way into almost every part of our daily lives from clothing, to skin care, our cell phones, and even the soil. But how safe are we from ill effects from extensive exposure? And what happens when engineered nanomaterials find their way into the environment? In this program, experts explore emerging areas of research looking to engineer a healthier, safer, and more efficient future.

PARTICIPANTS: Vicki Colvin, Ponisseril Somasundaran, Paul Weiss

MODERATOR: Andrew Revkin

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND PARTICIPANTS:

This program is part of the series “The Big, the Small, and the Complex,” and is sponsored by The Kavli Foundation and The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. The Kavli Prize recognizes scientists for their seminal advances in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.

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What is nanotechnology? 00:06

How do nanomaterials end up in the environment? 02:00

How do you study toxicity? 09:20

Safety by design in chemistry 12:14

Engineering safe sunscreen 14:10

What industries will benefit the most from nanotech? 15:23

Nanoparticles in plants and soils 19:27

Nanomaterials in healthcare and medicine 24:44

Collaboration across scientific disciplines 32:16

Society and the perception of risk and benefits 34:19

Green technology 20:25

Labeling nano products 46:30

What kind of sunscreen should I use? 48:30

What companies will benefit the most from nano? 51:50

Pure research versus industry driven 57:35

This program was filmed live at the 2017 World Science Festival and edited for YouTube.

[thomastedder]

As in the Days of Noah, all flesh is becoming corrupted but for the sake of the Elect, Jesus Christ will return in shorter time for if He didn't there would be no flesh to save.
Just say no to this nefarious plan of combining humanity and machine.
I was born human and I'll die human.

[christopherkeller]

It's been in our food for years. We're already loaded to the gills, and no mainstream doctor will even discuss this.

[brokestudentinschool]

I really did like how you mentioned we need to consider both the positive and negative ramifications of Technology before you continue developing it or consider releasing it to the public

[GrowBagUK]

The environment is already full of plastic nanoparticles :(

[bajpaidevansh]

OK people in the comments are very judgemental about somasundaran. I perfecly understood him and there is really no need to say things like 'They should call a better english speaker ' and all that. Its not english science festival. Be a lil' nice people and btw thank you utube for recommending this video it was great to the end

[francarranza]

How many people here believe our cell phones are already linked atomically to our brain?

[theodorebanta]

They dodge the labeling question by saying it's a really good question

[Greenninjadjh]

Interesting for sure.. not that well discussed though. A little meandering with no real direction from either the host or the panel.. aside from the panelists personal lens and agendas.

[professorscambuster]

Not including Robert Freitas and Ralph Merkle on a panel about nanotechnology? So cruel.

[benjamindemontgomery]

Would you need a even smaller particle to clean up a nano particle from the environment? I Think the nano problem is relay Big problem.

[richard]

vicki colvin has an attitude that's disturbing to me.

[KplusU]

What kind of person can not even watch the whole thing and put a thumbs down on it?

[richnlv]

Sad that we have freedom of speech but you cant even say what sunscreen you use..

[WildNwhEELING]

I hope me and BILL GATES don't meet in a dark Alley, only one going to exit

[mfanto]

"nanoparticles have been there for centuries" these are scientists lol