Animal applications: responsible nanotechnology?

Filed in archive Society & Ethics on May 5, 2006

Nano Chemical Systems Holdings, Inc. announced today that it is in negotiation with Buck Bomb, Inc., to fill all their production needs for animal attractants.

"The Buck Bomb," according to its manufacturer, "is a revolutionary scent dispersal system that helps both novice and expert hunters achieve their hunting goals."

Meanwhile, Altair Nanotechnologies made an announcement that it has entered into a Collaborative Research, License and Commercialization Agreement with the Elanco Animal Health Division of Eli Lilly and Company. The agreement provides Elanco with exclusive rights to develop "animal health products" using Altairnano's nanotechnology based products.

Elanco markets antibiotics and growth enhancers for animals, both of which now face an abundance of criticism regarding their impact on both animal and human health.

And how do Buck Bomb's customers "achieve their hunting goals"? By killing animals. Dr. Samantha Dozier, Nanotechnology Research Liaison at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, told nanotechbuzz that the Buck Bomb, "is a cruel use of nanotechnology."

I find both of these applications disheartening. I'm an advocate for the responsible use of nanotechnology, and when an irresponsible use comes along it sets back a technology that holds much promise for helping all living things live better.