Perplexed about how to get involved in nanotechnology, Underprepared writes "As an Idea for the coming years a Career Search Program would be of help to many people such as myself, Who have an interest in Nanotechnology but no real objective or goal for it. Especially due to the overwhelming interest there will be in the next few years."
rcarlberg writes "The Drexler/Smalley debate skirts the issue, and Drexler's Nanosystems gives it but one dismissive mention (13.3.7), but I can't help wondering about the effect of waste heat on nanomanufacturing."
Brent Magnan writes "Nanotechnology, or any newly emerging technology, is sure to change the way we live our lives. For those who want to be involved with technology, are there other ways to become part of it other than going through some kind of science degree? I'm currently in first year Engineering but want to go into Business (bachelor of commerce). Is switching faculties a huge mistake if I want to be involved with technology? Or are there lots of promising opportunities for a business student looking to be active in cutting edge technology? Please e-mail me with any suggestions or comments: send to: [email protected]"
Reid Maker writes "Hello, I am a senior in college graduating with a B.A. in computer science and history. I am also incredibly interested in the oncoming nano world, and have been reading any article I have gotten my hands on for the past few years. Are there commercial nano centers where people can find employment? Or even in the university setting? I would really like to be a part of the oncoming nano revolution, but am not exactly sure how. I have been eyeing a number of industries for next year, but I really haven't found anything about the nano job marketplace. If anyone has any information on this, it would greatly be appreciated. Thanks for your input!"
brarrr writes "I'm a Materials Engineering student and have been interested in everything nanotech for about 4 years, reading about it in my own time and tailoring my coursework in such a manner to prepare me to work and research in the field. I am applying to graduate schools with the intention of studying something nanotech (NEMS, fabrication, materials, biotech), and am looking for any recommendations on schools or any up-and-coming programs that are not publicized yet. I am currently looking at Cornell, RPI, U Washington, JHU, and Northwestern."
from the invitation-for-discussion dept.
JeremyTurner writes:
"October 26, 2001…
Dear Nanodot members and readers,
I was just wondering if the Nanotech initiative will eventually cover an arts/cultural wing? Some individuals such as myself eagerly await the creative benefits towards the Arts and Entertainment industries…In fact, K. Eric Drexler mentioned towards the end of his "Engines of Creation" book that the end-goal of an advanced nanotechnological civilization would be the proliferation of performance and interdisciplinary art. I am worried that due to the recent climate, most of the research will go towards defense and security and little towards health, strategic diplomacy, the environment and culture…Any thoughts on how our country will utilize this emerging technology to our creative benefit? I was also wondering if those outside the United States will benefit and how long would it take for a trickle down effect to occur once corporations such as the Texas-based Zyvex make that ultimate breakthrough?
Best regards,
Jeremy Turner
www.fivethreesix.com"
[Editor's note: the mandate for the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (currently) includes a component to examine the "societal implications" of nanotechnology. To date, the most significant result of this part of the initiative has been a NSF report issued early in 2001.]
DavidMasterson writes "Being relatively new to the issues of nanotechnology, I have no story to offer, but I would like to see a greater discussion of the economics associated with a world of abundance that (supposedly) nanotechnology (and related technologies) will provide. In particular, I wonder what all the billions of people on Earth will do to "make a living" when their needs are taken care of through nanotechnology. It's obvious that there will be a small number of people who will be able to "profit" (for lack of a better word) from the development of nanotechnology, but what about the millions (or billions) of other people whose jobs will be displaced by nanotechnology? Where will these people make their living?"
from the roads-not-taken? dept.
NanoCAD represented a significant initiative to promote open development of software for molecular nanotechnology. Will Ware, the maintainer of the NanoCAD list, is now planning to discontinue the list, given the lack of traffic and his need to change ISPs.
This raises the question, is there enough interest to continue initiatives to develop software, and associated standards and licensing, that could be freely and openly shared by those interested in MNT?
Read More on the question of the NanoCAD list and initiatives for open source development of MNT.
from the on-the-right-wavelength? dept.
Edd writes "I was just wondering if anybody else thought it possible to power nanoscale electronic devices with the ambient RF [radio frequency] signals that are present in our everyday lives. I want to know what are some of the limitations of such a thing (other than it is a really small amount of power). The angle I am coming from is from electromagnetic induction in its simplest form, the idea being that you have electronics that have no onboard power supply, but draw all their electric power needs from RF or other electromagnetic waves that are present in the environment. It would be neat to have a wireless power supply, no?"
from the foresight-needs-you! dept.
Phil Wolff writes ""Software has bugs." We take this for granted. But defects like the blue screen of death in nano-systems are likely to be unacceptable.
Contibute your ideas, knowledge, and experience to an online working group on reliable computing."
Read more for details . . .
