Public attitudes towards nanotechnology in Europe and the United States

This article briefly summarizes the results of two surveys done in the United States and Europe on public attitudes towards nanotechnology. While about 50% of Americans replied "yes" nanotechnology will improve our way of life and only 35% responded "don't know, in Europe, only 29% said "yes" and 53% replied "don't know." The authors analyzed the results, and concluded that in the U.S. a culture of technological optimism is likely to help keep controversy about nanotechnology to a minimum, but in Europe, things are more uncertain. If nanotechnology is seen as an extension of the life sciences and generally beneficial, like biomedicine, there will likely be little controversy. If nanotechnology becomes mainly associated with risks, as GM foods were, then problems will likely arise.