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Viewing nature
During the past 400 years, microscopes have proved key to our study of the natural world. Now, the scanning tunnelling microscope allows us to look at matter at nanoscales.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Moore of the same?
Computers continue to grow more and more powerful. Can this continue forever?
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Nanotechnology in medicine
Researchers invent drug-dispensing contact lenses.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Nanotechnology against bioterror
Nanoparticles are being used in a new non-injected anthrax vaccine.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Nanotechnology detects bacteria
Researchers have created a nanowell device to identify bacteria.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Nanotechnology repels bacteria
Scientists use nano-silver to create germ-resistant phones.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Too much information?
Nanosensors and enhanced data storage could help us keep tabs on our health status in real time. Is that always going to be a good thing?
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Tibbs and the precautionary principle
Nan O's cat, Tibbs, is poorly. Could her new 'FelineFine' supplement be to blame? Should Nan O follow the precautionary principle and stop using it, just in case?
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Listening to the people
There are many ways to involve the public, but no perfect solutions.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
What do the public think of nano?
Not many people have heard of nanotechnology yet. Attitudes are generally positive, though the public has some concerns about specific aspects of nanotechnology.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
DDT: Angel or devil?
DDT was first thought to be a saviour but was then recast as a villain. Some say it now needs to be rehabilitated.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
GM: A not so great debate
In 2003, the UK Government launched 'GM Nation?', a wide-scale public debate into GM crops. It was then accused of ignoring the results. What can be learned from the experience?
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
New technology case study: Genetic testing
We have a growing capacity to test for genes that cause or predispose to disease, but the take-up of this technology is not straightforward.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Biobarcode
See how the 'biobarcode' technique works.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Killing machines: Anticancer treatments
Special nanoparticles are being developed that can home in and destroy cancer cells.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Chips with everything: Lab-on-a-chip
By making everything smaller, more and more things can be crammed into minute devices. Scientists have a vision of a miniature 'laboratory on a chip' that could carry out many experiments at the same time.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Replacement parts: Medical implants
Devices with nanoscale pores may be able to protect living tissue from the immune system's battery of weapons. Such devices could form the basis of implants for people with diabetes or other diseases.
In
‘Nanoscience’, June 2005
Stereotyping and fattism
As well as being held up to ridicule, obese people are also subject to discrimination and anti-fat bias.
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‘Obesity’, January 2008
What is a disease?
The medical profession argues that obesity is a disease; not everyone agrees.
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‘Obesity’, January 2008
How does obesity cause ill-health?
How excess body fat causes illness is not completely understood.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008
Genes and obesity
Finding genes involved in obesity helps us understand the complex biological systems that control weight.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008
Uncertainty and research
A dispute about the effects of a hormone illustrates the uncertainty and controversy that surrounds scientific research.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008
Pre-natal programming
Factors acting before birth may affect the likelihood of becoming obese.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008
Obesity among the hungry
Ironically, as developing countries struggle to reduce hunger, some are also simultaneously facing the growing problem of obesity.
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‘Obesity’, January 2008
Exercise and dietary change
Doctors recommend cautious, realistic weight-loss programmes with support from healthcare professionals.
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‘Obesity’, January 2008
Pharmacological interventions
The pharmaceutical industry is racing to provide new products to tackle obesity.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008
Representative groups
Several bodies raise awareness of particular issues or act as a voice for those affected.
In
‘Obesity’, January 2008