Friday, October 12, 2007

Public awareness of nanotechnology at low level PODCAST

Nanotechnology products, past, present and future


nanotechnology-enabled consumer products – from dietary supplements to skin products to electronic devicesWASHINGTON, DC—National survey findings released today indicate that Americans’ awareness of nanotechnology remains low. Popular awareness is nearly as small as the tiny nanoscale materials and nano-enabled devices and products now flowing onto the market
from this rapidly progressing technology that experts believe will usher in a new industrial revolution. Focus Group Podcast File is in 3gp format running time is 11:28

The poll also finds that most Americans continue to prefer that government, not industry, oversee and manage risks associated with advances in new areas of science and technology like nanotech, even though public confidence in U.S. regulatory agencies overall is declining.

The poll, a follow up to a similar poll conducted last year, surveyed 1,014 U.S. adults by telephone on August 27-28. It, as well as the prior poll, was commissioned by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (www.nanotechproject.org) at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and conducted by independent research firm Peter D. Hart Research.

Even with an estimated $50 billion worth of nanotechnology manufactured goods on the global market last year, only 6 percent of Americans – or fewer than one in 16 – say they have “heard a lot” about nanotechnology, as compared with 10 percent in 2006. In 2007, 21 percent say they have “heard some” about nanotechnology, unchanged from the previous year. Similarly, as in 2006, about 70 percent of adults say they have heard “just a little” or “nothing at all.”

Women of all ages, older Americans, and individuals with less education and lower incomes are least likely to have heard about nanotechnology.

“Even though the number of nanotechnology-enabled consumer products – from dietary supplements to skin products to electronic devices – has more than doubled to over 500 products since last year (www.nanotechproject.org/consumerproducts), the ‘needle’ on public awareness of nanotechology remains stuck at disappointingly low levels,” says David Rejeski, director of the Wilson Center’s Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. “Efforts to inform the public have not kept pace with the growth of this new technology area. This increases the danger that the slightest bump – even a false alarm about safety or health – could undermine public confidence, engender consumer mistrust, and, as a result, damage the future of nanotechnology, before the most exciting applications are realized. If they do not effectively engage a broad swath of the public in steering the course of nanotechnology, government and industry risk squandering a tremendous opportunity.”

Specific polling questions examined opinions on the safety of our food system as well as the use of nanotechnology in food packaging and products. Over 60 percent of the public feels that the food supply has become less safe in recent years. Of the federal agencies most responsible for food safety, all earn similar public-confidence ratings: 57 percent to 59 percent of adults say they have at least a “fair amount” of confidence in the agencies’ ability to maximize benefits and minimize risks stemming from advances in science and technology.

Key findings specific to food and nanotechnology include:
  • Only 7 percent of Americans say they would purchase food enhanced with nanotechnology, while slightly more (12%) say they would buy food-storage containers enhanced with nanotechnology.
  • Substantial majorities – 62 percent in the case of food and 73 percent in the case of nanotechnology-enhanced food containers – say they need more information about health risks and benefits before deciding whether to purchase such products.
  • Adults who have heard a lot about nanotechnology are almost three times more likely to use food storage products enhanced with nanotechnology (31% compared to 11%), and are two and a half times more likely to use foods enhanced with nanotechnology (15% compared to 6%
Other key findings from the 2007 poll include:
  • About half (51%) of the public are unwilling to make any judgment about the anticipated risks and benefits of nanotechnology, and another quarter of Americans think risks and benefits will be about equal. Of the remainder, 18 percent say benefits will outweigh risks and 6 percent think risks will exceed benefits.
  • Once provided with a brief description of the potential benefits and potential risks of nanotechnology, those who completely lack awareness of it are significantly more likely to shift to the opinion that the risks will outweigh benefits. Among the 42 percent of adults who had heard nothing at all about nanotechnology, the proportion who said risks will outweigh benefits increased 27 points, from 4 percent to 31 percent, after being read the statement about potential risks and benefits.
  • Confidence in business dropped, falling five points since 2006. Forty-four (44) percent of Americans have a fair amount or a great deal of confidence in business to maximize benefits and minimize risks of new products and technologies they produce.
“As in previous polls, the results of this survey indicate that public wants more information about nanotechnology. Most Americans will be reluctant to use nano food and food-related products until they know enough to evaluate the merits of these products,” according to Rejeski

Nanotechnology is the ability to measure, see, manipulate and manufacture things usually between 1 and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter; a human hair is roughly 100,000 nanometers wide. More than $30 billion in products incorporating nanotechnology were sold globally in 2005. By 2014, Lux Research estimates this figure will grow to $2.6 trillion.

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is an initiative launched by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Pew Charitable Trusts in 2005. It is dedicated to helping business, government and the public anticipate and manage possible health and environmental implications of nanotechnology.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is a national charitable organization serving the public interest by informing the public, advancing policy solutions and supporting civic life. Based in Philadelphia, with an office in Washington, D.C., the Trusts will invest $248 million in fiscal year 2007 to provide organizations with fact-based research and practical solutions for challenging issues.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study of national and international affairs.

Contact: Sharon McCarter sharon.mccarter@wilsoncenter.org 202-691-4016 Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

Technorati Tags: or and and or and or White House Press Briefing by Dana Perino 10/11/07 VIDEO PODCAST and Native American Heritage Month Poster 2 and Smart Insulin Nanostructures Pass Feasibility Test

Trackback URL: http://haloscan.com/tb/sookietex3/2091581131231139453

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's OasisTrackposted to Outside the Beltway, Stop the ACLU, Perri Nelson's Website,
, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, Stix Blog, The Populist, Shadowscope, Leaning Straight Up, The Amboy Times, Adeline and Hazel, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, Pirate's Cove, The Pink Flamingo, Dumb Ox Daily News, Church and State, Blog at MoreWhat.com, AZAMATTEROFACT, The Random Yak, 123beta, guerrilla radio, Phastidio.net, The Bullwinkle Blog, Cao's Blog, The Pet Haven, Nuke's, Faultline USA, The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns, The World According to Carl, Blue Star Chronicles, Wolf Pangloss, and CORSARI D'ITALIA, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe

23 Trackbacks to this Post:

Headlines Vs. Content… Excerpt: I’m always struck by how the headlines of a story can misrepresent the story itself. Take the latest criticism of the Bush Administration by retired General Ricardo Sanchez. NY Times: Ex-Commander Says Iraq Effort Is ‘a Nightmare’ YahooNews: Ex-gene… Weblog: Rhymes With Right, 10/13/07 10:19 am

Stalinism Lives… Excerpt: And Andrew Sullivan points out quite forthrightly that Stalinism remains alive and well on the Left today, in the demand that one sacrifice independent thought for ideological purity. I can’t say I read him very often but I came across…… Weblog: Rhymes With Right, 10/13/07 10:43

Put The Blame Where It Belongs… Excerpt: When terrorists attack from among civilians and US troops respond, whose fault is it when civilians die? The American military said on Friday that it was vigorously investigating a Thursday evening airstrike on a stronghold of insurgent leaders northwe… Weblog: Rhymes With Right, 10/13/07 10:53

Are we doing exactly what Iran wants us to do? Excerpt: As you read the following article, keep in mind that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is only under 'HOUSE ARREST'. He is trying to get himself released ... freed. The United States and others would love to talk to Khan about, Weblog: Right Truth. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 11:02 am

I am a Bad American. Excerpt: I got this via email. It is attributed to George Carlin, but he did not right it. I don't know who peened this little diatribe, but I like itYES, I'M A BAD AMERICANBy: George Carlin I Am Your Worst Nightmare. Weblog: Stix Blog. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 11:23 am

SEO Tag! You Are It! Excerpt: This is based on the SEO theory that links to posts inside your blog are more important than links to your home page. I have selected three posts I want to promote along with my site’s name. You will do the same thing. Weblog: Faultline USA. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 11:33 am

350,000 Bodies in Historic London Cemetery to be D. Excerpt: There is outrage in London over the plans to dig up the ancient graves at Tower Hamlets Cemetery so that is can be reopened as a ‘multi-faith’ 21st century burial place. Weblog: Blue Star Chronicles. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 12:28 pm

The Progressive Assimiliation of America. Excerpt: These are a few of Chris Bowers’s ideas on how to create a quiet “progressive” revolution that would throw conservatives irrevocably into the minority. Like the Borg assimilating a new planet, the takeover would be stealthy and slow. ... Weblog: Wolf Pangloss. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 12:35 pm

I'm Going to Buy More Dove Products. Excerpt: What makes your little girl beautiful? My Beloved Curmugeon was watching some country music show on TV last night. It was taped from back when sometime, probably the 1960s. There was someone singing with a back-up band that I had never heard of.... Weblog: Blue Star Chronicles. Tracked: 10.13.07 - 2:53 pm

Reason interviews Ayan Hirsi Ali. Excerpt: Hat tip, The Dougout.Hirsi Ali: It’s not about respect. It’s about power, and Islam is a political movement. Reason: Uniquely so? Hirsi Ali: Well, it hasn’t been tamed like Christianity. See, the Christian powers have accepted the separation of the. Weblog: The Amboy Times Tracked: 10.13.07 - 6:48 pm

Did you know blogging can be dangerous? Excerpt: After doing this, I went to my email to find this link to Right Truth. It is quite interesting, to say the least. She claims that we bloggers may be spending too much time on our computers and I must confess, she is correct. Weblog: Rosemary's Thoughts Tracked: 10.13.07 - 7:00 pm

Home Of The Groove Internet Radio… Excerpt: Click on the above banner to listen to some great r&b, funk and blues of the past from the New Orleans area from the folks at Home Of The Groove Radio as well as Home Of The Groove Blog. You’ll thank me later. …. Weblog. The World According To Carl. Tracked 10/13/07 9:38 pm

Rush Makes Lemonade from Democratic Lemons… Excerpt: People either like Rush Limbaugh or they do not but no matter how people feel there is one thing they cannot deny and that is, the guy is a savvy business man. He built his talk show into a national program that is heard by millions of people each wee...Weblog: Big Dogs Weblog, 10/14/07 12:15 am

king of morons… Excerpt: Otherwise known as the Governor of Kalifornistsan, Arnold Schwarzenegger decided yesterday to demonstrate a level of ignorance and stupidity that may be difficult for his future successors to beat. You all remember California Assembly Bill 1471 - the b Weblog: walls of the city, 10/14/07 12:30 am

I got your “Offended” right here! Excerpt: We have our kumbaya buddies to thank, the good ole liberal intelligentsia, for forcing any perverted ideology they can get their hands on, onto the rest of the free world. Weblog: Woman Honor Thyself trackback 10/14/07 3:45 pm

The Mouth Of The South Roars Again Excerpt: This is Rupert’s war. $2billion and he is still an idiot! Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Stop the ACLU, Perri Nelson’s Website, The Virtuous Republic, Is It Just Me?, , Big Dog’s Weblog, Stix Blog, Right Truth, The Populist, Sha... Weblog: Right Voices trackback 10/14/07 5:33 pm

ANN COULTER'S JEWISH PROBLEM - Right Truth Exclusive, Excerpt: ANN COULTER'S JEWISH PROBLEM BY: FERN SIDMAN Conservative commentator and prolific author, Ann Coulter can be called a lot of things, but the shy, retiring type she is definitely not. Neither is she timid or taciturn. Since her emergence on. Weblog: Right Truth. Tracked: 10.14.07 - 6:12 pm

Worshiping the Gore God of Global Warming Excerpt: I meant to post this poster of the Gore god yesterday and got sidetracked and forgot about it. Its just as well. It seems more appropriate to post this for Sunday worship anyway. This is actually the REAL poster that is being used by the Draft G... Weblog: Blue Star Chronicles Tracked: 10.14.07 - 6:18 pm

Arson at Home of Rabbi in Ukraine, Excerpt: the Rabbi found that his house, which he only built three months prior, was torched and probably robbed. In the Ukraine you do not put money in a bank since one never knows when they will collapse; instead the Rabbi had put his money in a small safe ... Weblog: planck's constant Tracked: 10.14.07 - 7:17 pm

Glowing Soda Experiment, Excerpt: Recently, somebody uploaded a video on the I Am Bored web site that purports to show how to make Mountain Dew glow in the dark. The video is, in fact, a hoax, though apparently one of recent vintage. The people. Weblog: Conservative Cat, trackback 10/14/07 10:34 pm

Sadly, No Humans Exist There, Excerpt: My friend Raven wrote a piece where she questioned whether a soldier who claimed PTSD actually suffered from the condition. She did not state that he did or did not, she only asked the question. Unfortunately, a group of malcontents from the website, Weblog: Big Dogs Weblog trackbacked 10/15/07 12:15 am

Why America Must Define Religion Excerpt: Does our American Constitution, which offers blanket and unquestioning protection of religious freedom, create the very means by which the destruction of American sovereignty can be accomplished? Weblog: Faultline USA. Tracked: 10.15.07 - 5:00 am

More hits on the Gore Manifesto Excerpt: The King of the World continues to attract bad news: Gore gets a cold shoulder ONE of the world's foremost meteorologists has called the theory that helped Al Gore share the Nobel Peace Prize "ridiculous" and the product of "people w.."More hits on the Gore Manifesto" Weblog: Leaning Straight Up, trackbacked 10/15/07 5:47 am

2 comments:

Rosemary Welch said...

It is so good to hear from you again! It would be awful if they gave all the money for research to the gov't which would in turn charge the gov't to use my money to invent things I will never see a penny of! How stupid.

I cannot believe this poll. The problem I find with this poll is that it was taken on a Mon-Tue only. It was not a rolling poll, and it was taken on days when people were at work! Duh! lol

Another problem I have with this poll is that it was taken by an org. that is often found in favor of gov't spending. I would like to see how the questions were asked.

Many of us who use computers and went to college to learn about them, we've known about the concept, at the least, of nano-bytes. lol. Get it? Nanotechnology has been around for over 3 decades that I know of. No matter what we considered it to be. :)

sookietex said...

hi rosemary nice to hear from you. oh "Republican National Convention Blog" and "Public Domain Clip Art" are also us, so we have been hosting and posting but with these names that you might not know us as.

but other than that what did you think of the poll :-), yes my wife and i had a lot of problems with the methodology and conclusions as well,

"Women ... are least likely to have heard about nanotechnology." don't you know, LOL

governmental intervention seems particularly out of place in this venue "an elephant in a mouse built to government specifications" not to good given the context.

as with much speech this poll may say more about the speaker than that or who which is spoken about.

Post a Comment