A shift in emphasis for the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative - SafeNano, UK
Emulated around the world, the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has set the pace for government-driven nanotechnology research and development. Yet as the science and technology of working at the nanoscale mature, the challenges of transforming laboratory curiosities into safe, successful and sustainable products loom large. The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008—just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives—aims to tackle these challenges head-on. The bill is an important step towards ensuring nanotechnology’s use in the service of society.

First improvements on nanoparticles under REACH chemicals law - WWF, EU
With a decision made yesterday, carbon and graphite will not be exempted anymore from registration under REACH, the European chemicals regulation. Companies will now have to provide health and safety information on these chemicals.

Carbon nanoparticles are used in the manufacture of a variety of consumer products, e.g. computers or tennis rackets.

Problematic new findings regarding toxicity of silver nanoparticles - NanoWerk, USA
In order to improve the scientific data and to enhance our insight on the health and environmental impact of silver nanoparticles, scientists in Singapore have initiated an in vivo toxicology study to examine nanosilver in a zebrafish model. They conclude that silver nanoparticles have the potential to cause health and ecotoxicity issues in a concentration-dependent manner.

nanosilver-treated embryos exhibited phenotypic defects, altered physiological functions, namely bradycardia, axial curvatures and degeneration of body parts. Of particular concern could be the fact that TEM images showed the presence of nanoparticles in the brain of the embryos. "The release of untreated nanoparticle waste to the environment should be restricted for the well-being of human and aquatic species."