Special Issue on Nanotechnology Discusses the Past, Present, Future of Nanomedicine

Nanotechnology involves manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. A special focus issue highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology has been published in Nanomedicine. The report explores the medical application of nanotechnology to monitor, repair, and control human biological systems at the molecular level. Michael Schillmeier, who co-guest-edited the two-volume issue with Robert Luxenhofer and Matthias Barz, said, "This special issue brings the different actors of nanomedicine closer together and encourages scientists to better understand the work of others who perform outside their own comfort zone. With a rather unique assemblage of input and opinion from scientists, philosophers, clinicians and social scientists, it is the beginning of an experiment in itself to rethink nanomedicine in the making."

Contributing authors to the issue address the historical trajectory of the field, current debates, and future perspectives on nanomedical research. The articles position nanomedicine as not just a biological, chemical, and physical issue, but also a social issue. Of particular note, the articles bring together natural scientists, social scientists, clinicians and philosophers to both critically discuss and also engage with the creation of novel practices, concepts, methods, models and metaphors in nanomedicine. The authors also address the medical and regulatory needs of current nanomedical research and its possible future.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Commissioning Editor of Nanomedicine, said, "Over the last decade, nanomedicine has become a field of innovative research and is now seen as having the potential to overcome many of the shortcomings of current disease treatment strategies. However, these exciting scientific advances have been accompanied by a number of issues which touch on the social, ethical and safety aspects of nanomedicine. This special issue seeks to address this, bringing together carefully selected experts from around the world who discuss the past, present and future of nanomedicine from a range of perspectives. We hope that the readers of the journal find the topics and viewpoints presented in the articles as interesting and thought-provoking as we have."

Source-Eurekalert