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.
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
Foresight Senior Associate Steve Jurvetson, a leading nanotech venture capitalist and frequent speaker at Foresight events, has been named Small Times Magazine 2003 Advocate of the Year. "…he is nevertheless one of a small group of VCs happy to associate with the sector's most far-thinking members. He is hardly averse to being quoted speaking of nanobots floating in human bloodstreams and other scenarios considered way too long-term for VC involvement." Steve's suggestion for the NNI Grand Challenge? "Whether conceptualized as a universal assembler, a nanoforge, or a matter compiler, I think the `moon-shotí goal for 2025 should be the realization of the digital control of matter, and all of the ancillary industries, capabilities, and learning that would engender." We at Foresight like Steve even more than Small Times does.
HLovy writes "If societal concerns are going to be taken into account, we need to look at how the society is being informed. The new American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center authorized by the nanotech bill should ask that question, as well. Any study on "societal impact" of a technology is also, by definition, a measure of the prejudices and preconceptions the public holds — based in part on how the technology is explained to them. To take a reading of "societal concerns" is to measure popularly held beliefs, rather than scientific fact. Those who have assigned themselves the mission of informing society should, in theory, try as best they can to reconcile the two.
Christine Peterson at the Foresight Institute says that it's ultimately up to the scientists, themselves, if they want their story communicated properly. "It is a responsibility of scientists and technologists to educate the public. If they can't stand to deal with the media, they can go directly to the public via the Web and by writing books." But to do that is to also alienate themselves among their colleagues. Carl Sagan, she pointed out, paid a price in reputation among his peers for stooping so low as to try to communicate effectively to the uneducated.
For the complete commentary, please see Howard Lovy's NanoBot."
RobertBradbury writes "New Scientist is reporting here that using a very clever combination of biological and chemical methods a group from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has created self-assembling nanotransistors. Also discussed in Science 302:1310 if you have access."
The Foresight Institute welcomes Lawrence Lessig of Stanford University, Amory Lovins of Rocky Mountain Institute, and Christopher Hook of the Mayo Clinic to its Board of Advisors, adding experts in the environmental, bioethics, and legal areas.
November 21st, at 7:00 pm U.S. Central time, Dr. Paul Barbara, the Director of the University of Texas-Austin Center for Nano and Molecular Science and Technology, will give a public lecture on nanotechnology that can be viewed by anyone with an Internet connection.
brettl writes "Following a discussion with nanodot users last week, I have some specific questions about the creation of nanoscale components that would have to be synthesized to create a nanofactory. I would like to use the example of Drexler's diamandoid bearing."
iph1954 writes "CRN has posted a PDF download for our new paper 'Design of a Primitive Nanofactory' on our website at http://www.crnano.org/papers.htm
Mike Treder, Executive Director, Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
