[extropy-chat] NATURE: Nanoparticles enter the brain

[Dirk Bruere]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Harvey Newstrom" <mail at harveynewstrom.com>
To: "'ExI chat list'" <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:26 PM
Subject: RE: [extropy-chat] NATURE: Nanoparticles enter the brain


> I have warned about this many times, usually to be criticized for speaking
> "against" nanotech by pointing out the obvious.  Nano-sized particles can
be
> inhaled more easily, and they do cross the blood-brain barrier more
easily.
> I would think this would be obvious to anybody studying the stuff.  But
most
> technologists only want to talk about the beneficial effects of
technology.
> There are many useful properties for something that goes into the blood
> and/or brain.  But there are also harmful properties as well.  Good design
> considers both (or all) properties.  Wishful design focuses only on the
> good.


Well, the obvious nanoparticles are the lotech ones such as deisel exhaust.
However, it does suggest that the deliberate engineering of nanoparticles in
cosmetics, to quote a recent use, could have some unforeseen and unpleasant
consequences.

Dirk

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