A Matter of Accuracy. Nanobiochips in Diagnostics and in Research: Ethical Issues as Value Trade-Offs

摘要: The paper deals with the introduction of nanotechnology in biochips. Based on interviews and theoretical reflections, it explores blind spots left by technology assessment ethical investigations. These have focused possible consequences increased diffusability a diagnostic device, neglecting both context research as well accuracy, despite being more essential feature nanobiochip projects. Also, rather than one many parallel aspects (technical, legal social) innovation processes, ethics is considered here ubiquitous system choices between sometimes antagonistic values. Thus, investigates what at stake when accuracy balanced other practical values different contexts. Dramatic nanotechnological increase biochips can raise issues, since odds such reliability. But those issues will not be revolutionary often claimed: neither diagnostics, because measurements diagnostics; nor research, boost measurement sufficient to overcome significance-chasing malpractices. conclusion extends methodological recommendations.