Public perception and knowledge on nanotechnology: A study based on a citizen science approach

Even with the widespread use of nanomaterials (NMs) in everyday life, consumer knowledge about the functionality, benefits, and possible dangers of nanotechnology (NT) is still modest. As with any developing technology, its public perception has direct implications on future policies and has to be taken into account by academia and industry alike. As part of the “Nan-O-Style” interdisciplinary research project, an online survey was conducted using a Citizen Science-guided approach. The main goal was to evaluate the current levels of knowledge and the attitude towards NT among the general Austrian public and to determine how differing sociodemographic factors may affect these. Over the course of 17 months, a total of 1067 responses were collected and quantitatively analysed. We found that while Austrians display a generally optimistic view and a positive attitude towards NT, there are still remaining concerns about its safety and possible risks. Participants expressed great desire for more information about NT and its applications, as well as for clear labelling and transparency of products containing NMs. Notably, we found that age did not affect the general attitude towards NT nor the levels of NT awareness. While participants with a university degree were generally more knowledgeable on this specific topic, surprisingly, there were no significant differences in the attitude towards NT among people from different educational backgrounds. Similar to previous studies, we observed that male participants demonstrated a more positive attitude towards NT and scored slightly higher in our NT quiz compared to female participants. However, female participants voiced greater desire for more information and transparency regarding NMs. Interestingly, while participants with a negative attitude towards NT scored lowest on the NT quiz, they also expressed the least interest in receiving more NT-related information. This illustrates a difficulty in mitigating public aversion solely by providing more information

Nan-O-Style – experiments and arts

In this project, high school students (aged 16-17) tested various protocols of experiments in nanotechnology and evaluated them whether such experiments could also be performed by middle school students (aged 11-15) or even elementary school students (aged 6-10). Protocols pre-selected and provided by the instructing team consisting of Sciencetainment and the Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg were applied. Laboratory techniques such as thin-layer chromatography, measuring the contact angle by high-resolution 3D microscopy and analyzing and constructing surface layers represented some of the experiments performed. Moreover, students produced short video clips and images and designed photo-collages out of microscopic and electron microscopic pictures. Hence, the school students acquired a number of soft skills during this special science day

Age Related Changes in NAD+ Metabolism Oxidative Stress and Sirt1 Activity in Wistar Rats

The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a key regulator of metabolism, stress resistance and longevity. Apart from its role as an important redox carrier, NAD+ also serves as the sole substrate for NAD-dependent enzymes, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an important DNA nick sensor, and NAD-dependent histone deacetylases, Sirtuins which play an important role in a wide variety of processes, including senescence, apoptosis, differentiation, and aging. We examined the effect of aging on intracellular NAD+ metabolism in the whole heart, lung, liver and kidney of female wistar rats. Our results are the first to show a significant decline in intracellular NAD+ levels and NAD∶NADH ratio in all organs by middle age (i.e.12 months) compared to young (i.e. 3 month old) rats. These changes in [NAD(H)] occurred in parallel with an increase in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls (o- and m- tyrosine) formation and decline in total antioxidant capacity in these organs. An age dependent increase in DNA damage (phosphorylated H2AX) was also observed in these same organs. Decreased Sirt1 activity and increased acetylated p53 were observed in organ tissues in parallel with the drop in NAD+ and moderate over-expression of Sirt1 protein. Reduced mitochondrial activity of complex I–IV was also observed in aging animals, impacting both redox status and ATP production. The strong positive correlation observed between DNA damage associated NAD+ depletion and Sirt1 activity suggests that adequate NAD+ concentrations may be an important longevity assurance factor