Does the future consist of tiny, self-replicating nanobots running amok, digesting life on earth and reducing everything to “grey goo”? K Eric Drexler, who coined the term nanotechnology in his 1986 book Engines of Creation, seemed to think so in the name of fiction…

Some environmental groups are however, pessimistic about nano’s role in the future. They’re scared that it holds as-yet-unknown risks to human health and the environment.

A few experimental studies have shown that a high concentration of nanotubes caused some damage in the lungs of mice and rats. It has also been loosely linked to brain damage in fish.

Greenpeace however acknowledged after an independent report in 2003 that there might be a few novel risks but that the field could provide significant innovations to benefit the environment.

Only the future will tell…

Source: New Scientist