1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:03,560 SILENCE 2 00:00:05,960 --> 00:00:09,960 VOICE-OVER: Timeless enjoyment, new developments. 3 00:00:10,120 --> 00:00:12,520 The unsuspecting holidaymaker may not realise 4 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:16,560 that many sunscreens incorporate a new technology. 5 00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:19,840 The lotions are lighter and more transparent than their predecessors, 6 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:24,120 but offer better protection, because they're based on nanotechnology. 7 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:27,280 PEACEFUL MUSIC 8 00:00:29,840 --> 00:00:34,600 VOICE-OVER: Nanotechnology is set to have major impact on our lives. 9 00:00:34,760 --> 00:00:37,080 Compared with standard particles 10 00:00:37,240 --> 00:00:42,360 minuscule nanoparticles have different properties and behave in a different way. 11 00:00:42,520 --> 00:00:47,000 It's now possible to manipulate materials at the molecular level, 12 00:00:47,160 --> 00:00:50,160 giving them entirely different characteristics. 13 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:55,360 The result is a new generation of technological applications. 14 00:00:55,520 --> 00:00:59,120 Nanotechnology is already being used in various types of product, 15 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:04,440 including cosmetics, clothing, food, 16 00:01:04,600 --> 00:01:06,560 computer chips and paint. 17 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:11,760 RIVM has a prominent role in the consultation structure on nanotechnology. 18 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:16,720 For example, we facilitate the annual meetings of the Nanomedicine Platform. 19 00:01:16,880 --> 00:01:20,680 MONIQUE GROENEWOLD: The role of RIVM is mapping uncertain risks 20 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:24,360 and we play a key role in obtaining new knowledge 21 00:01:24,520 --> 00:01:29,000 and, by integrating this knowledge, we hope to gain new insights. 22 00:01:29,160 --> 00:01:31,960 And we have to realise that it is not only nanotechnology, 23 00:01:32,120 --> 00:01:37,560 but also other new technologies that are introduced, such as synthetic biology. 24 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:42,400 And an institute like RIVM always plays an independent role. 25 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:46,520 TRANQUIL MUSIC 26 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:48,600 VOICE-OVER: An area in which nanotechnology 27 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:52,040 is likely to have marked impact is healthcare. 28 00:01:53,440 --> 00:01:58,360 The lab-on-a-chip is a capsule with a sort of mini laboratory. 29 00:01:58,520 --> 00:02:02,960 It can identify cancer cells in the patient's digestive tract. 30 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:07,480 THE TRANQUIL MUSIC CONTINUES 31 00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:11,400 This technology relies on nanoparticles. 32 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:14,640 THE TRANQUIL MUSIC CONTINUES 33 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:20,360 The doctor simply reads off the results, using a mobile phone app. 34 00:02:22,200 --> 00:02:25,480 Alongside the advantages of nanotechnology 35 00:02:25,640 --> 00:02:27,840 there are concerns about its potential threats 36 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:30,000 to human health and the environment. 37 00:02:30,160 --> 00:02:35,680 Not least the potential risks posed by nondegradable synthetic nanomaterials. 38 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:39,200 ADRIENNE SIPS: New technology brings new products 39 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:44,520 and these products can improve your quality of life and can bring you many benefits. 40 00:02:44,680 --> 00:02:46,640 But, on the other hand, we also need to be aware 41 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:49,400 whether it gives rise to new questions about safety. 42 00:02:49,560 --> 00:02:53,040 VOICE-OVER: RIVM is conducting research into graphene, for example, 43 00:02:53,200 --> 00:02:57,360 a form of carbon layer that is a single atom in thickness. 44 00:02:57,520 --> 00:02:59,520 It has extraordinary properties. 45 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:01,160 SIPS: A good example is graphene. 46 00:03:01,320 --> 00:03:05,560 It's a new material, a material with high potential. 47 00:03:05,720 --> 00:03:11,800 It's flexible and thereby very suitable to use in cellphones. 48 00:03:11,960 --> 00:03:14,520 You can imagine round cellphones. 49 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:17,520 On the other hand, it is also a material with high conductivity 50 00:03:17,680 --> 00:03:21,880 and thereby also very suitable for touchscreens. 51 00:03:22,040 --> 00:03:25,000 VOICE-OVER: RIVM researches nanotechnology 52 00:03:25,160 --> 00:03:27,560 and its potential impact on public health 53 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:31,040 and on the quality and safety of the environment. 54 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:33,400 Our work is not confined to the Netherlands 55 00:03:33,560 --> 00:03:38,040 but involves close co-operation with partners throughout Europe and beyond. 56 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:42,560 After all, there are significant economic interests at stake. 57 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:45,200 New technology calls for a new way of working. 58 00:03:45,360 --> 00:03:48,600 SIPS: There are large investments throughout Europe 59 00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:53,480 by companies and governments in this material 60 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:56,720 and that is an extra reason to look, at an earlier stage 61 00:03:56,880 --> 00:04:00,320 than we used to, at what the new safety issues are. 62 00:04:00,480 --> 00:04:03,160 We need to pose these questions about safety 63 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:07,840 and in that way we try to facilitate innovation rather than hamper it. 64 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:13,840 MYSTICAL MUSIC 65 00:04:17,640 --> 00:04:20,600 VOICE-OVER: Nanotechnology is one of the areas 66 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:24,040 in which the modern RIVM can specialise. 67 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:27,040 We shall do so as an objective institute 68 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:32,880 that offers impartial advise and plays a leading role in international research. 69 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:36,080 THE MYSTICAL MUSIC STOPS