The National. Research Council (NRC), which carries out studies for the U.S. National Academies, released a scathing report in December that highlights the shortfalls of the Bush administration's effort to determine the environment, health and safety (EHS) risks posed by engineered nanomaterials - a backbone of worldwide innovation. The NRC report, which was authored by an independent body of experts, highlights how understanding risks with help foster innovation. The NRC report is - if nothing else - an ideal opportunity for a new start. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.