As reported by James Pethokoukis at USNews.com, Mark Modzelewski's views on why a study of molecular manufacturing was changed to "molecular self-assembly" in the new U.S. nanotech bill: "There was no interest in the legitimate scientific community ñand ultimately Congress ñ for playing with Drexler's futuristic sci-fi notions."
So how does this fit with having the technology on the Dec. 1, 2003 cover of Chemical & Engineering News?
The Dec. 1, 2003, issue of Chemical & Engineering News, the primary newsweekly for chemists, featured not just the Drexler/Smalley debate but also a great illustration of molecular manufacturing on the cover. Enjoy.
Issue #13 of TNT Weekly (which will be archived here), the leading nanotech industry e-newsletter, covers the recent deletion of a molecular manufacturing study from the new U.S. nanotech legislation:
" –The plot thickens and the nanotech bill gets sillier–
Last week we had some fun with the recent nanotech bill in the US, especially the plan for a one-time study to determine the feasibility of making things using molecular self-assembly, which makes about as much sense as conducting a one-time study into the feasibility of sharpening a stick with a sharp knife. With a combination of cynicism and naiveté, we assumed that the bill had got away from those who actually understood nanotech and ended up in the hands of politicians who didn't understand the difference between self-assembly and molecular assemblers, the result being a terminological boo-boo in the part that was meant to direct figuring out whether Drexlerian-style molecular nanotechnology (MNT) and molecular manufacturing are actually feasible.
We were not alone. Quite a few people, it seemed, thought that the MNT crowd had been given the chance to make their case or forever hold their peace. Even the sceptics seemed to think this was fair dinkum." Read More for the full story.
Senior Associate Rosa Wang points out that Nanodot readers may wish to join the fray over at Slashdot, where the Smalley/Drexler debate in C&E News is being discussed in the inimicable Slashdot style.
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology has made a statement on the C&E News debate: "NEW YORK ó Attackers of molecular nanotechnology (MNT) received a setback today when a published debate revealed the weakness of their position. The four-part exchange between Eric Drexler, the founder of nanotechnology, and Nobelist Richard Smalley, who contends that many of Drexler's plans are impossible, is the cover story in the December 1 Chemical & Engineering News.
"We have carefully examined the arguments presented by each side," says Chris Phoenix, Director of Research at the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN). "We conclude that Smalley failed to show why MNT cannot work as Drexler asserts." Phoenix has prepared a 6-page review of the Smalley-Drexler debate, including historical overview, technical analysis, and commentary on policy implications. It is available at http://CRNano.org/Debate.htm." Read More for the full release.
Nobel Winner Smalley Responds to Drexler's Challenge,
Fails to Defend National Nanotech Policy
Rice University Professor Richard Smalley responds to a longstanding challenge by Foresight Chairman Eric Drexler to defend the controversial direction of U.S. policy in nanotechnology. Their four-part exchange is the cover story of the Dec. 1 2003 Chemical & Engineering News. This could mark a turning point in the development of the field.
Press release
Foresight comments and FAQ
Full text of the exchange
Technical commentary from CRN
Nobel Winner Smalley Responds to Drexler's Challenge
Fails to Defend National Nanotech Policy
Rice University Professor Richard Smalley has responded to a longstanding challenge by Dr. Eric Drexler to defend the controversial direction of U.S. policy in nanotechnology. Their four-part exchange sponsored by the American Chemical Society is the Dec. 1, 2003 Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) cover story. As described by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Rudy Baum, the controversy centers on "a fundamental question that will dramatically affect the future development of this field." This could mark a turning point in the development of the field.
Press release
Foresight comments and FAQ
Full text of the exchange
Technical commentary from CRN
