Nanotechnology regulation and policy worldwide. Book review

‘Nanotechnology regulation and policy worldwide by J.H. Matsuura is a book based around an interesting idea: to provide an overview of the framework in which nanotechnology is destined to evolve. This includes intellectual property rights (IPRs), safety regulations and policies (existing or planned) which impact upon businesses active in this novel scientific and technological arena.

The first chapter containing an introduction to the field of nanotechnology is probably one of the least satisfactory to read in the book, as it lacks precision and contains some factual errors. For example the statement that ‘‘different classes of [carbon] nanotubes have different useful properties. Some (. . .) are exceptionally strong while others are exceptional conductors of electricity.’’ (p. 16) is a bit dubious as all carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties. On the same page the description of the synthesis of nanotubes is as approximative mixing the various methods into one. It would probably have been wise to collaborate with a scientist to ensure accuracy in this domain. J.H. Matsuura nonetheless manages to convey the breadth of potential applications that nanotechnology promises. In the second chapter focusing on IPRs, the author presents a clear picture of the origins and drawbacks of the various protection regimes that can be applied to technological processes and products. Even the examples he gives to illustrate his point frustratingly do not add much to the argument. Especially relevant is the discussion around the issue of patents and patents enforcement which budding entrepreneurs should clearly consider before rushing in the ‘‘patent tsunami’’ of these past few years. Matsuura also recommends thinking carefully whether to patent or keep secret a step in the production process. Although keeping trade secrets seems to be a good idea for Coca Cola, in very active research fields such as nanotechnology there is a real risk that somebody else discovers what you are trying to hide.

Despite this, the author clearly presents the advantages and drawbacks of the various protection methods. The next chapter deals with regulation and presents a clear picture of the various levels of legislation which impact on nano-related products. In my view, the author is a bit quick in dismissing the need for new regulation concerning nanotechnology especially when he writes: ‘‘strong arguments can be made that manipulation of known chemicals on the nanoscale does not create new chemical substances’’(p. 78). This statement seems to go against what the supposed nano revolution is about, namely that by controlling size and shape of objects novel properties emerge. This ‘business as usual’ stance will be discussed later in this review. He however rightly points out that it is important to have a relatively stable regulatory framework to provide a good business environment. Chapter four is a list of governmental initiatives on nano. Although of limited interest, it is probably useful in that the reader does not need to compile their own list. The last two chapters aim at discussing more subtle points of regulation’s impact and propose a ‘‘roadmap’’ to regulate this field.

The book is accessible to a fair range of potential readers (scientists, venture capitalists, etc.) and is clearly written. The author is more at ease with the legal aspects than with the scientific or policy parts of the book, as could be expected from his professional background as counsel in a law firm. The book contains several interesting ideas but in some instances can be seen as pro-business. An interesting proposal that the author makes is that governments around the world should promote an open source approach to nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. This would result in a faster circulation of information and a faster rate of innovation. He also calls for an integration of nanotechnology regulation into existing frameworks, rather than the creation of ad hoc institutions, which seems like a sensible option. I tend to disagree with the author on several points: he seems to be seeing people debating the desirability of putting nano-products on the market in a ‘‘deficit model’’ approach (explain better and they will see the light); he is very critical of the precautionary principle applied in the European Union describing it as ‘‘permitting the potential for great harm to eliminate the need for an accurate assessment of likelihood of harm’’ (p. 93). All these arguments, combined with others throughout the book, make clear that J.H. Matsuura is much more concerned by not slowing down business and innovation than making sure we know what we are doing when attempting to regulate this new field, even though ideally we should be able to do both.

Overall this book is a decent attempt at dealing with a very complex issue. It provides quite a bit of information on IPRs and the regulatory framework and attempts to address several of the big challenges we are facing to maximise the benefits from this new field while trying to minimise the negative externalities. Finally, I would have liked to see a more forceful call for governments around the world to be much more pro-active in building the research capacity in the field of nano-toxicity (both to humans and the environment), which is, in my view, the best way to ensure that we make the most of nanotechnology in the coming decades.

Between myself and them: stories of disability and difference. Book review

How many of the barriers between people are imaginary? And how many of them are real? These are questions posed on the back cover of editor Carol Krause’s anthology, Between myself and them: stories of disability and difference. This question pulls the reader into the inner sanctums of the book and the personal narratives within the anthology. This causes the reader to reflect on the real or imagined obstacles to relationships and community that exist in their own life.

Krause explains in the introduction to her 222-page anthology that the space between the subject of the author’s narratives and the authors themselves can be ‘found in the way young adults share their identities, their adventures in learning, the experiences of segregation and belonging …’ (p. 4). The frank and textured stories shared by the young adult author’s in this book showcase the varied experiences and varied ways in which individuals understand and identify with the social construction of disability.

The book is divided into four sections: identity, work and school, community and living. Each section boasts a selection of stories that reflect on the four sections main themes, encompassing, but not limited to, issues on body image, sexuality, school and work transitions, sibling relationships, belonging and adversity. These individual stories are dynamic, engaging and insightful. They cover a wide range of topics, which at times can be challenging for the reader. For each essay or personal narrative included in this anthology shares an intimate glimpse of the world of the storyteller.

These perspectives are not broadly shared within mainstream media and serve to challenge the reader’s understanding of disability and difference.

In the first section the first contribution, Something like a vampire by Sara Scharf, explores the murky waters of ‘invisible disabilities’ and disabling conditions. Deconstructing the oft repeated ‘you look fine, what’s wrong with you?’ refrain from strangers and loved ones alike. This expresses how it would be simpler and more readily understood by the average person if she [the author] told people she was a vampire than to fully explain the disabling Chron’s disease and the accompanying disabilities that she lives with. This first essay is a wonderful exploration of invisible disabilities and disabling conditions, conditions that can be severely debilitating, impacting on all areas of one’s life, and yet are still largely unrecognized within society.

The second section, looking at school and work experiences, captures the transitions involved in moving from high school to college or university and then to work.

The essays in this section delve into the changes that occur in oneself and one’s identity when reconciling past, possibly insecure selves and negative experiences with one’s awakening present and future self. The narratives in this section explore ideas around self-confidence, self-worth and self-determination, while sharing the experiences of stepping out into a great big world of opportunity.

An example of a narrative from the third section that is both inspiring and heartbreaking is the contribution Living with Jade, a dialogue with Tina and Dave Reale.

This narrative, facilitated by the editor Krause, is a caregiver’s perspective on their daughter Jade. Jade is a relatively non-verbal 21-year-old woman who is actively involved with her family and community. In order to have her story included in the narrative her parents, Tina and Dave Reale, participated in a dialogue with the editor. The dialogue is a fascinating and loving account of life with Jade. Jade’s development and life as a young woman are discussed, as well as the different accommodations and family and system navigations that have had to occur in order to provide Jade with such healthy experiences. However, while it is wonderful to read and learn about Jade and her family’s struggle to create opportunities for independence for her, one cannot help but notice that Tina and Dave have lost their own independence and sense of identity through caring for their daughter, an uncomfortable fact of life for many involved in any caregiving role and one that is rarely acknowledged.

The fourth and final section, living, covers an interesting selection of topics and themes. The first theme, Health, illness and being includes a personal narrative that is again presented in dialogue form, of a brother and sister discussing the ideas in their contribution, Would you cure your disability? In this dialogue between Julia and Mathew Munk the role that disability plays in shaping the life of an individual is explored in a reflective manner. The idea that one might have a desire to cure their disability is juxtaposed with another’s belief that their disability has shaped them into who they are today. Ideas of self-identity are again explored, along with the notion that one’s experience of living with a disability can be isolating for one and life-affirming for another. In the second theme in the final section, suffering and joy, the personal narratives delve into ideas regarding happiness, pain and the abyss of despair, acknowledging the different understandings and identifications that one can have about a disability or disabling condition. These last few narratives, while examining emotions that are dark, also illustrate that hope takes many forms. These personal narratives toy with ideas regarding the intrinsic nature of one’s sense of self and how it is affected by the experience of living with a disability or disabling condition, ultimately recognizing that happiness and fulfillment are on one’s own terms.

Overall, Carol Krause’s anthology Between myself and them: stories of disability and difference is an interesting and thought-provoking read. The personal narratives are frank personal accounts and interpersonal dialogues that explore discourses of isolation, belonging, identity, difference and hope. The stories and dialogues are presented in a manner that is both unusual and welcome. The combination of first person narratives and facilitated dialogue allows the reader to fully engage in each contribution, stimulating conversations and questions regarding the issues raised.

This book will be a great addition to one’s personal or academic library.