New researched published in Nature Nanotechnology shows that nanoparticles can damage DNA and chromosomes in cells, across an intact barrier of other cells. The research suggests that nanoparticles could cause cancer, or even birth defects, without crossing biological barriers. It highlights the need for precautionary management of nanotechnology risks.

There are increasing government initiatives here and around the world to let the public "have its say" on nanotechnology issues. Yet in their article, published in the journal Nanoethics, Griffith University’s Dr Kristen Lyons and The Change Agency’s Dr James Whelan conclude that to a large extent industry interests have captured the policy process, and public consultation is often tokenistic, and disconnected from the real business of decision making.