“Scientists have drawn up a list of 25 technological advances and environmental changes which pose a potential threat to the UK.” Nanotechnology makes it into the list at number one, with concern over “the building of microscopic robots” – groan!
Bill Sutherland, lead author and chair in conservation biology at Cambridge University must despair that a number of ‘science correspondents” were unable to distinguish between nanotech and synthetic biology. As the report urges scientists to be more aware of potential threats (such as not spending enough time out of doors), perhaps confused science reporting should be added to the list?