Charles accused of 'nano scare'

Scientists accused Prince Charles of causing an unfounded scare today over his latest warnings about the new science of nanotechnology.

Charles raised the spectre of the thalidomide crisis - when babies were born deformed due to the drug - to warn about the potential effects of nanotechnology, which involves manipulating atoms or molecules.

Fertility expert Lord Winston said it was "very unfortunate" that Charles was feeding a growing suspicion of science in society. Philip Moriarty, a nanoscience specialist from Nottingham University, said: "Why are we listening to Prince Charles? What are his scientific qualifications?"