Nano Comes to Life

The author is professor of biological physics at Oxford and one of the leading researchers as well as communicators in the nanotech field. This is a readable although necessarily technical introduction to the way that physics is coming to biology and in particular the 'convergence of nanotechnology, electronics, physics, mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence, material science and biology' in their application to medicines and drug delivery systems. Although complexity is now coming to the forefront, it is striking how much of the metaphorical language still uses terms such as manipulating the building blocks of life, control, engineering and nanoscale machines. However, new metaphors are emerging to characterise the 'symphonic interplay between genes, cells, organs, body and environment.' The chapters cover the introduction of the nanoscale into biology, protein nanotechnology, nano in medicine, including developments related to overcoming antibiotic resistance and enhancement of cancer immunotherapy by targeting the interior of the cell, and finally recreating tissues and organs.

The author is very aware of the context of her work, and emphasises the importance of fairness and equality in applications of this new technology, especially in personalised medicine. She is also sensitive to the illusion of complete power over nature within a model entailing the commodification of nature, whereby 'our bodies and minds are the next frontier for economic exploitation.' This means that 'we need to confront our adolescent use of technology, and grow into new social and economic systems that empower us to deepen the meaning of our existence.' (p. 170) In her epilogue, the author discusses widespread fear of disruptive technology and the need to create visions of positive technological futures, giving interesting examples from Japan, and holding out the possibility of creating cultures that can 'nurture our technological maturity' and engage the arts and the humanities at the same time. An informative, thoughtful and measured contribution.