April 15, 2005
Small wonders, smaller chance
According to scientists polled by the University of Toronto’s Joint Centre for Bioethics (JCB), nanotechnology—molecular-scale materials, devices and systems—could play a key role in improving living conditions in developing countries:
The experts reckoned that energy storage, production and conversion would be the top use of nanotechnology in a decade, including more efficient solar cells, hydrogen fuel cells and new hydrogen storage.
Second was farming, where nanotech devices could increase soil fertility and crop production. Tiny devices could, for instance, be made to release fertilisers at a strictly controlled rate.
Third came water treatment—nano-membranes and clays could purify or desalinate water more efficiently than conventional filters and are a fraction of the size.
JCB director Peter Singer notes that “If even half of those applications come to pass, it would be a huge boon for the developing world.”
True, but don’t hold your breath. The cost and complexity of manufacturing nanoscale devices means that most of them will be produced by developed-world corporations—the kind that tend to target the most profitable markets, not the most worthy (think big pharma here and you won’t be far off the mark).
So while nanotech may indeed revolutionize energy, farming and water treatment, don’t expect Africa to be first in line.
Thanks to Jacqueline Passey for the tip.
Posted by Stephen at 11:24 PM in Science + technology | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
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