Thesis-PDF - IAP/TU Wien
Thesis-PDF - IAP/TU Wien
Thesis-PDF - IAP/TU Wien
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were transported via (in this experiment olfactory) nerves at a speed of 2.5 mm<br />
per hour ([28]).<br />
Despite widespread use e.g. in public consumables such as makeup and<br />
creams, the very traits that make nanoparticles useful might also generate toxic<br />
effects. There is a lack of knowledge about possible risks arising from exposure to<br />
nanoparticles. ([29], [30])<br />
The release of nanoparticles in the environment and thus possible exposure<br />
to humans and animal species remains thus to be investigated. As with any new<br />
technology the benefits may be accompanied by possible risks and its abuse. The<br />
health and safety implications should be openly addressed and not be taken lightly.<br />
2.4.4 Information Challenge<br />
One of the big challenges of today’s nanotechnology will be the management of<br />
the fast growing knowledge associated with it, where much specific and detailed<br />
interdisciplinary information necessarily must be connected to advance further.<br />
One idea is that progress will stand in a direct relationship to the intelligent<br />
disposal of knowledge.<br />
For instance, in 2004 the European network Nanoforum 7 conducted an online<br />
survey to assess responses to the European Commission’s proposed document<br />
"Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology". Altogether 749 persons were<br />
interviewed across Europe. In this context it is especially noticeable, that an urgent<br />
need to develop nanotechnology education and training was expressed, with<br />
90 % of participants indicating that interdisciplinarity is a crucial ingredient. ([14])<br />
2.5 Natural Nanotechnology<br />
Nanotechnology is accessible since only a couple of decades, nature builds and controls<br />
nanoscale machinery since the first forms of life have been populating earth.<br />
This makes for a lead of around 4 billion years of nanotechnological engineering.<br />
Every cell’s daily business includes the synthesis of protein from the corresponding<br />
DNA encoded information, the build up of large structures molecule by molecule<br />
like tough cell walls, the signaling and repair of damaged structures or the provisioning<br />
for energy for its functional cell organelles.<br />
7 Nanoforum was originally funded by the European Commission as a project in the Fifth<br />
European Community Framework Programme covering Research, Technological Development<br />
and Demonstration activities. Since July 2007 Nanoforum has been operating as an independent<br />
European Economic Interest Grouping.<br />
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