Thursday, September 11, 2003

Collecting nano impressions


The Center for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Columbia University has a bare-bones online nanotechnology database. Why is this nanotech Web site different from all others? Well, it isn't. Yet. But if the group follows through on its promise, it could be one of the few information sources devoted specifically to "society’s perceptions of nanotech."

Other nanotech sites, the group argues, "does not concern itself with what the outside world thinks. An outside-looking-in perspective is … not currently available anywhere."

You know, I was beginning to think that I was the only one screaming and ranting and raving that perception is just as important as reality when it comes to emotional public policy issues that deal with the unknown. I'm glad to read that others are just as crazy as I am.

Discuss

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