A Basis for Action - Commission de l'Ã©thique de la science et de la ...

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Position Statement of the Commission de l'éthique de la science et de la technologie must spur those involved in promoting nanotechnology and producing nanotechnology-derived products to act responsibly and transparently. Nevertheless, one must not believe that nanotechnology can only lead to doom and ruin. Undue apprehension could result in the untimely demise of budding technologies with extremely positive potential—if used properly. Improving human health through early disease detection and targeted therapy, restoring habitats damaged by human actions, and making more effective use of available resources are just a few examples of the possible positive contributions nanotechnology could make. However, those involved in nanotechnology must be willing to discuss the objectives being pursued and the actions to take for these benefits to be enjoyed, because it is often society as a whole that must deal with the consequences. The Commission comes out of this exercise knowing one thing for certain—that serious reflection on the ethical and social issues raised by technology is only beginning and it is important to continue thinking, discussing, and expressing views on nanotechnology and the best way to ensure their harmonious development. This is why the Commission is willing to continue examining more specific questions the government may have about responsible nanotechnology management as it develops policies and guidelines and makes future decisions in this regard. 86 Ethics and Nanotechnology: A Basis for Action
GLOSSARY ∗ Atomic force microscope – Scanning probe microscope able to image a sample at the atomic and molecular scale by scanning its surface with a probe placed within a few nanometers of it that senses the repulsive or attractive forces of electrons in order to measure dimensional variations in structure or manipulate particles of matter Atomic force microscopy (AFM) – Scanning probe microscopy* in which a sample is imaged at the atomic and molecular scale by scanning its surface with a probe placed within a few nanometers of it that senses the repulsive or attractive forces of electrons in order to measure dimensional variations in structure or manipulate particles of matter. Syn.: scanning force microscopy (SFM) Biochip – Tiny glass, silicon, or plastic disk on which organic molecules are deposited that is used to execute one or more tasks, generally involving the analysis or detection of other molecules. Syn.: biological chip Biological imaging – Set of techniques tied to the study of living organisms that enable the visualization of molecules, cells, and biological processes using radiation produced by electromagnetic or sound waves. Syn.: bioimaging Biomedical engineering – Set of people and intellectual or technical activities (using mechanics, electronics, etc.) that contribute to the development, construction, and maintenance of devices used for medical diagnosis, therapeutics, or artificial organs and systems Biosensor – Sensor that transforms a biological phenomenon into an electric signal that can be analyzed and used for the detection or direct dosage of a biological species Blood-brain barrier – Set of physiological mechanisms that prevent certain substances in the blood from freely passing into the cerebrospinal fluid and the cells of the central nervous system. Syn.: bloodcerebral barrier, BBB Bottom-up approach – Method for manufacturing nanometric components that consists of assembling them from the building blocks of matter, atom by atom or molecule by molecule, until a complete structure able to be integrated into a larger whole is obtained. Syn.: bottom-up, bottom up approach Buckminsterfullerene – Fullerene consisting of 60 carbon atoms grouped together in a stable structure comprising 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, with a spherical shape reminiscent of a soccer ball. Syn.: bucky ball, buckyball, C 60 fullerene, C 60 molecule, fullerene-60 Cancerogenicity – Property of a substance that can cause cancer. Syn.: carcinogenicity ∗ Unless otherwise indicated, glossary definitions are taken from Le grand dictionnaire terminologique, compiled by Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). Go to http://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca or http://www.granddictionnaire.com for more details [in French] on these and other nanotechnology-related terms. In collaboration with OQLF, NanoQuébec also features a nanotechnology glossary on its website at http://www.nanoquebec.ca. Certain non-nanotechnology terms are included in the glossary as an aid to reader comprehension of this position statement. Translation is ours. 87
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COMMISSION DE L’ÉTHIQUE DE LA SC
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Commission de l’éthique de la sc
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TABLE OF CONTENTS List of acronyms.
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Position Statement of the Commissio
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