Nanotechnology Possesses Dazzling, Dangerous Potential - Deutsche Welle, Germany

Nanotechnology seeks to create new products by harnessing incredibly small substances. It already forms the foundation for developments such as high-capacity hard drives, bright, iridescent car paint and a scratch-proof coating for eyeglasses.

While the industry is booming, the potential dangers to humans remain unknown. Although the debate over risk remains very preliminary, potentially dangerous aspects are already beginning to emerge.

Scientists Explore The Role Nanoparticles May Play In Disease - Science Daily, USA

Nanoparticles are a thousand times smaller than the bacteria, E. coli, but recent advances in microscopy have allowed researchers to watch them interact with cells in the body. Kidneys stones start as tiny calcifications which later become larger and eventually develop into kidney stones. Dr. Lieske hypothesizes that the nanoparticle causes the initial calcification.

It is not yet known where nanoparticles that are implicated in kidney stones and atherosclerosis originate – whether our bodies contain them naturally or we obtain them from the environment.