Though many Americans have little to no idea of what nanotechnology is, they feel quite strongly about it, according to a recent survey on nanotechnology risk perceptions.

The survey was conducted by the Cultural Cognition Project, a team of experts from major universities including the UW, and is an integral part of a larger research project that looks at how cultural biases shape attitudes.

"One of the main findings is that beliefs about the risks and benefits of nanotechnology are powerfully shaped by one's underlying feelings toward it," communication professor and researcher John Gastil said. "To a large extent, people's visceral reactions to the term 'nanotechnology' drive their evaluations of it."

The survey consisted of about 2,000 Americans with little, if any, prior knowledge of nanotechnology. Researchers measured participants' responses to a neutral statement about nanotechnology.

Not only did subjects' underlying feelings shape their reactions about nanotechnology, but subjects of different cultural backgrounds had radically different visceral reactions to the statement as well, evidently showing that one's background can help shape perceptions of risk, Gastil said.

"Those who believe in a more hierarchical and individualistic society become more favorable to nanotechnology, whereas those who are more egalitarian and communitarian shift toward greater concern with the technology's risks," Gastil said.

Concerns have been voiced about the technology's potential risks, including safety issues for workers dealing with nanotechnology and its reactivity and subsequent effect on the environment.

However, the technology can be very useful, Director of the UW's Center for Nanotechnology Francois Baneyx said. When technology is working at the smallest of dimensions — a nanoscale component is typically 10 times smaller than a bacteria — it can have very targeted, specific effects. These characteristics are valuable in the medical field, where they can be used to highlight tumors in MRIs, and in the engineering field to make stronger and lighter materials for use in airplanes.

In essence, nanotechnology can be a very useful science if handled properly.

"A unique aspect of nanotechnology is that it is not yet mass-produced; the true nanotechnologies have not yet gone into the market," Baneyx said. "Scientists now have a unique opportunity to address these issues."

The survey has provided tools for addressing nanotechnology education and insight into what might occur if this was mishandled, Gastil said.

"These results show that one cannot simply 'educate' the public about this technology," he added. "Without taking into account people's cultural orientations, one might inadvertently fuel a cultural divide on this issue."

Reach contributing writer Erinn Unger at news@thedaily.washington.edu.