What are the Risks of Nanoscience?
Nearly all scientific research comes with risks, and nanoscience is certainly no different in that regard. The risks of nanoscience can sound more frightening than other scientific research, though, because they often sound more like science fiction than fact. The risks most often associated with nanoscience include uncontrolled nanomachines, nanoweaponry, and worst, unforeseen risks. Whether any of these risks are very serious remains to be seen. Nanoscience is the study of microscopic machines, each with the ability to perform functions on the cellular level, the molecular level, or even the atomic level. Nanoscience creates these tiny machines with the goal of performing functions that would seem almost miraculous with standard procedures. Nanomachines have the potential to perform delicate surgery, cure previously unstoppable diseases, convert toxic waste into harmless and useful materials, and build nearly anything imaginable from basic materials. If it reaches its full potential,
