THONGS Aganist Nanotechnology?
What would induce citizens of the public health group THONG to join together on a Saturday at Eddie Bauer in Chicago? Nanotechnology! Members of the group were protesting the nano-fibers contained in the in new NanoTex clothing line. Ironically, THONG members are probably the least likely folks to be affected by the clothing line, since they are a bare all public-interest group that uses nudity to educate. At Howard Lovy's NanoBot, protestor Kiki Walters said “We’re out here naked so people can SEE THE PROBLEM, nanotech is such a radical and unpredictable new technology, like biotech, that it takes something highly visible, like a naked body, to get people to focus on the need to stop corporations from using humans as guinea pigs for new, untested, and unstable new technologies!” You can see more of Kiki at NanoBot. A column by Kevin Maney at USA Today also covers this event. In all fairness, EB does have a policy committed to enhancing life in the communities where they do business. Through funding and employee volunteerism EB supports caring for the environment and the protection of human rights. NanoTex seems to be growing however, as venture capital continues to increase.
We hear that Darrell Brookstein, owner of boutique investment firms, has written a new book for potential nanotechnology investors. He began to focus on nanotech investing in 2001 and in early 2002, he and National Academy of Sciences member, and bio-nanoscientist, Erkki Ruoslahti, MD, PhD began collaboration to found The Nanotech Company. In his recent book, Nanotech Fortunes, he attempts to explain nanotech investing to a multidisciplinary audience including investors, scientists, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Stephen B. Maebius, of Foley & Lardner said, "This is the first book to combine professional investment strategies from a seasoned pro with a thorough understanding of the technological risk factors involved in nanotechnology. It is a must-read for anyone considering investments in nanotechnology." Judge for yourself, and let us know what you think. Click 
Nanologue is a new European Commissioned-funded project led by the Wuppertal Institute. The project aims to facilitate an international dialogue on the social, ethical and legal benefits and potential impacts of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Using an existing NT web-platform, media-workshops, publicity materials and conference attendances will support a broad outreach and further substantiate dialogue. According to a Wuppertal press release, the study will be based on a dialogue and a dissemination process but the output from Nanologue will be used to enhance Europe’s ability to compete in this vital industry. In fact, the project will be used as a vehicle to “facilitate the translation of civil society’s ethical, legal and social requirements on NT research into a real competitive advantage for the European industry.” 
