Allhoff, Fritz, Patrick Lin, and Daniel Moore. 2010. What is nanotechnology and why does it matter? From science to ethics Walden, MA and Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-4051-7545-6. 304 pp Jennifer Kuzma Received: 5 January 2011 /Accepted: 28 January 2011 /Published online: 12 March 2011 # Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011 What is nanotechnology and why does it matter? These are two questions examined in a recent book by two philosophers, Fritz Allhoff and Patrick Lin, and one nanotechnologist, Daniel Moore. The vast majority of the public is not prepared to answer these questions, and this book is designed to help in that regard. The first section of the book introduces readers to nanotechnology and its applications; the second reviews issues associated with risk, regulation, and fairness; and the third describes applications in several sectors and discusses their social and ethical implications. The book ends with a recap of the twelve chapters in sections I through III and a few pages of general conclusions. Nanotechnology involves the engineering of matter at the nanoscale, approximately the size of a few atoms or molecules. It has been described as the next technological revolution, poised to change manufac- turing, consumer products, electronics, medicine, health care, energy, and more. The ground-breaking capabilities, special properties, and widespread uses of engineered nanomaterials have engendered concern about their safety and societal implications. The authors state that the purpose of the book is to “tame the riot of speculation with an informed and balanced look at nanotechnology and its issues” (ix). On the whole, the book does try to strike a balance, but there are some troubling spots. Conclusions in several of the chapters take a particular point of view, and non-expert readers looking for guidance should be wary of accepting them at face value. As such, this review focuses on instances of imbalance. Section I includes chapters on the basic definitions, concepts, and tools associated with nanotechnology. These chapters are peppered with histories of nano- technology development and fundamental scientific discoveries about matter. These stories make for interesting reading as the authors draw connections between key findings from centuries ago to present- day nanotechnology. The text is generally easy to read with the exception of the sometimes-too-technical explanations of physical chemistry and its equations, which seem out of place. Chapter 4 does a particularly good job of explaining the scientific foundations of current-day and potential future applications of nanotechnology. It moves from mundane applications, like better tennis balls and stain-proof pants, to nanobots that cure disease. It makes the argument that today’ s consumer applications (note: there are currently about 1,000 on the market) will pave the way for more important societal contributions from nanotechnology. However, the authors do not discuss the path needed to get there. Social and ethical issues Bioethical Inquiry (2011) 8:209–211 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9289-z J. Kuzma (*) University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave So, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA e-mail: kuzma007@umn.edu