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This article examines nanotechnology within the context of the public interest. It notes that though nanotechnology research and development investment totalled US$9.6 billion in 2005, the public presently understands neither the implications nor how it might be best governed. The article maps a range of nanotechnology dialogue activities under way within the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Australia. It explores the various approaches to articulating public interest matters and notes a shift in the way in which these governments, on the whole, appear to be attempting to manage nanotechnology “risks.” It argues that open and transparent policy deliberations and extensive public discourse will be pivotal to protecting the public interest, gaining public trust and acceptance of nanotechnologies. The article concludes that though governing emerging technologies in the public interest is not a new concept, nanotechnology does present additional challenges that must be addressed by the guardians of the public interest.

Metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens provide broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection to skin. All studies to assess dermal penetration of nanoparticles have unanimously concluded that the overwhelming majority of nanoparticles remain on the outer surface of the skin. However, possibly due to many different experimental protocols in use, conclusions over the potential penetration to viable skin are mixed. Here, we review several factors that may influence experimental results for dermal penetration including the species studied (human, or animal model), size and coating of the metal oxide nanoparticles, composition of the sunscreen formulation, site of sunscreen application, dose and number of applications, duration of the study, types of biological samples analysed, methods for analysing samples, exposure to UV and skin flexing. Based on this information, we suggest an appropriate research agenda involving international collaboration that maximises the potential for dermal absorption of nanoparticles, and their detection, under normal conditions of sunscreen use by humans. If results from this research agenda indicate no absorption is observed, then concerns over adverse health effects from the dermal absorption of nanoparticles in sunscreens may be allayed.

The social and economic cost of traffic-related injury in Australia h a s b e e n e s t i m a t e d t o b e $15 billion annually, with lost productivity and workplace disruption representing 23% of this economic cost, second only to vehicle repairs (27%).1 As an expression of social reintegration, return to work (RTW) is perceived to be a key milestone in the rehabilitation of the injured patient. 2There is a significant body of literature examining rates and factors associated with RTW among injured populations. Much of this literature has, however, focused on a particular type of injury such as traumatic brain injury, 3 spinal cord injury 4,5 and lower extremity injury.6 Among inclusive studies, RTW rates range from 60-90%, one to two years following major trauma.2,7-10 Younger age, higher educational level, higher preinjury income and positive social support have been associated with improved RTW outcomes.2,6,9,11 Indicators of injury severity (e.g. length of stay) and disability associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and orthopaedic trauma are associated with lower rates of RTW. 2,6,9,[11][12][13] Studies that have examined the nature of 'work' indicate that 'blue collar' or manual workers have slower RTW rates than their 'white collar' counterparts. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that both injury type and severity and the nature of ones occupation have a considerable influence on the rate and pattern of return to work following injury.Further, persisting disability has a direct influence on the likelihood of returning to work. The implications of these findings and the types of data required to measure outcome post-injury are discussed.