The International Journal of Applied Philosophy this week offers a special issue on nanoethics. This is a well-respected scholarly journal, and the fact that it's devoting an entire issue to nanoethics reveals how urgent the topic is becoming. Contents:

What's So Special about Nanotechnology and Nanoethics?

The Precautionary Principle in Nanotechnology

Introducing Standards of Care in the Commercialization of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology and Privacy: the Instructive Case of RFID

Altering the Body: Nanotechnology and Human Nature

Nano-enabled AI: Some Philosophical Issues

Thanks to the editors for their foresight in recognizing the time is right for an investigation and discussion of the social, ethical and environmental issues surrounding nanotech development. Let's hope the federal government gets the message from this and other sources before it's too late and starts putting some dollars into this side of the science.

For a different angle--a look back on nanoethics and development from 50 years out--see my post at Green Technology Forum, Looking back on nanotechnology and biotechnology.