EarthSky interview series explores role of nanotechnology

Those wishing to learn more about the role of nanotechnology in Earth’s food supply can turn to special EarthSky series of six podcasts highlighting nanotechnology – the science of the very small – as it relates to agriculture. EarthSky is working in partnership with Cornell to bring the voices of leading experts in this field of science – both advocates and critics – to the world, as they explain how nanotech innovations might affect the future of food.

The six EarthSky podcasts – each of which will create 15 million media impressions around the globe – will be released one or two at a time throughout the month of March 2009. Topics touch on a variety of issues including, for example, how nano sensors can aid farmers in crop monitoring – how new nano products can accelerate the process of photosynthesis – and how nano products might affect human health and the environment.

EarthSky and Cornell University are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create these audio products, whose goal is to educate the public about potential benefits and risks of nanotechnology as applied to agriculture. The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, the National Research Initiative Program and Cornell University funded the podcasts, which will also form the basis of a study investigating how media can influence public opinion.

The EarthSky Promise: To bring the ideas, strategies and research results of scientists to people around the world, with the goal of illuminating pathways to a sustainable future.

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