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Scientists eye nanotechnologies to boost crop yields - 23 November 2012

SPECIAL REPORT / Nanotechnologies that deliver fertilisers to plants offer promising ways of improving farm productivity while reducing the risk of water contamination. But the scientists behind a new Swiss-funded study caution that while the technology is still evolving, potential risks must be considered.

REACH register to ensure traceability of nanomaterials - 15 September 2010

Ahead of a regulatory review next year, the Belgian EU Presidency is proposing to create a specific register for nanomaterials under the bloc's REACH chemicals regulation and wants to make it mandatory to label their presence in consumer products.

Nanotech at risk of repeating 'GM food fiasco' - 29 September 2009

Decision-making on nanotechnology must become more democratic or Europe risks repeating "mistakes" made in managing genetically modified foods, according to a new report on science policy.

Lobbyists 'fuelling confusion' on nanotech, EU warns - 16 June 2009

The highest-ranked health official in the EU executive has hit out at lobby groups who stoke fear of nanotechnology. Robert Madelin, director-general at the European Commission's health and consumer affairs directorate, said it was "irresponsible" to use panic in order to attract attention.

Nanotech claims 'dropped' for fear of consumer recoil - 15 June 2009

Finding reliable information about products on the European market which currently contain nanomaterials is becoming increasingly difficult, according to high-level experts addressing a meeting of consumer groups from the EU and US.

Study: Europeans more open to nanotech than Americans - 07 January 2009

Nanotech challenges the traditional values of Americans, while more secular Europeans are generally more supportive of the technology, reveals a new report.

EU food safety watchdog backs piecemeal approach to nanotech risk assessment - 20 October 2008

Existing toxicity testing approaches can be used for case-by-case risk assessment of nanomaterials in food, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which says there is limited data available on oral exposure to nanoparticles.

Trade Unions call for REACH amendment to cover nanomaterials - 01 July 2008

European labour unions have called on the European Commission to amend the REACH regulation on chemicals to better protect workers against nanomaterials throughout their lifecycle. Their call comes shortly after the EU executive argued that nanotech is already covered by existing EU regulation.

Commission mulls law changes to cover nanomaterials - 19 June 2008

The EU executive's regulatory review of existing European legislation concludes that current laws may need to be modified as the depth of scientific knowledge on nanomaterials increases. Specific labelling schemes for products containing nanomaterials could notably be developed.

Scientists issue 'wake-up call' for asbestos-like nanotech - 22 May 2008

Inhaling long and thin carbon nanotubes could be as harmful to health as exposure to asbestos fibres, according to a new study which urges industry and policymakers to ensure the safe development of this revolutionary technology.

EU observatory to guide policymakers on nanotechnologies - 13 May 2008

An EU project to establish a European Observatory on Nanotechnologies is seeking to address the lack of objective and independent information on nanotech for policymakers, industry and investors.

Study finds EU leading way in nanotech safety - 23 April 2008

A new US study shows EU member states invest nearly twice as much as the United States in research addressing the potential environment, health or safety hazards of nanotechnologies. 

Scientists issue safety warning on cosmetic nanomaterials - 05 March 2008

An EU scientific committee has concluded that current risk-assessment methods for nanomaterials used in cosmetics, in particular sunscreen, are not thorough enough. 

Nanotech faces moral opposition in the US - 20 February 2008

Europe's favourable public opinion on nanotechnology could help the EU to take the lead in this promising research field as recent survey results suggest that a majority of Americans, based on religious beliefs, find it morally unacceptable.

EU to adopt nanotech code of conduct - 20 July 2007

The Commission is set to put forward a voluntary code of conduct for responsible nanotech research in late 2007, as lack of scientific knowledge about the risks of the emerging technology is impeding the development of specific legislation in the field.

Businesses urge more funding for applied nanotech R&D - 10 July 2007

A new industry report identifies lack of venture capital and patents as two of the barriers to the commercialisation of nanotechnology in Europe.

Former foes join forces to assess nanotech risks - 29 June 2007

Green NGO Environmental Defense and US chemicals company DuPont have developed a joint programme to ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology materials amid calls for a moratorium to be applied on the technology until more studies are completed on potential health risks.

Experts urge international effort on nanotech safety - 28 March 2007

Lack of toxicity data on nanomaterials is a challenge to the safe commercialisation of nanotech products, suggests a report on the assessment of their health and environmental impact.

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