SCIENCE : COMMISSION ADOPTS NANOTECH CODE OF CONDUCT.

Researchers and developers of intelligent textiles, new electronics and chemistry components, ultra-accurate sensors or break-through diagnostic and drug delivery systems will need to comply with a new Code of Conduct for nanosciences and nanotechnologies research, adopted by the EU executive on 8 February.

Nanotechnology, which focuses on manipulating and manufacturing matter at the level of atoms and molecules, is widely regarded to have an enormous potential in the near future. It is estimated that 15% of total global output of products will incorporate nanotechnology as early as in 2014. However, serious fears exist regarding the potential risks posed by nanoparticles.

The EU executive admits that all parts of this emerging field of science have not been charted, and that knowledge gaps remain regarding the impact of nanotech on human health and the environment. The code of conduct is supposed to calm these fears. "This is a tool that will make it very simple to address these legitimate concerns," said the Science...