35 ordinary citizens gathered for the second Madison's Nano Café and talked with Dr. Maria Powell, researcher in the UW Madison Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center, about issues raised by the application of advances in nanotechnology.

Café attendees were presented the kinds of nanotechnology consumer products currently on the market and the societal, environmental, and ethical controversies related to the development of these products.

Then they asked questions and shared their views.

Some citizens expressed their concerns about the toxicity of nanoparticles in cosmetics, food, clothes, refrigerators or washing machines, and about the potential harmful uses of nanotechnology through weapons or “human enhancement.”

Scientists in the audience also spoke up and advocated the benefits of nanotechnology, while insisting on the necessity of increasing research on nanoparticle toxicity.

See the pictures & a slideshow of the event.

Press Release of the event

Announcements: Craigslist - Isthmus - UW Madison NSEC - Madison Public Library - UW Madison Calendar - Madison.com

References on the Web:

• Public, Scientists Discuss Technology at Nano Cafés by Lynette Jandl on Madison Commons - 24 November 2006
• Affecting Everybody's Life by Mike Treder on Responsible Nanotechnology - October 20, 2006
• NanoVip - 6 October 22, 2006

Poster of the event

Flyer of the event

The "Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory" by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.