Making the human-machine-interface specific : ethical, legal, and social aspects of implants and neurobionics

This conference report looks at some of the ethical and societal issues raised with the growing use of nanobiotechnology, especially in regard to its use in human enhancement. The report first outlines some major issues considered in lectures given at the workshop, and then summarizes the followup discussions. Topics covered include societal implications of nanobiotechnology and its potential use in human enhancement, atomic force microscopy, the use of nanotechnology to improve biomaterials, ethics and human neurobionics, legal issues and nanotechnologies, and successfully communicating nanotechnology research findings to the public.