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Gaming the Future: The Book!

Results for ""molecular nanotechnology""

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Federal Nanotech Confusion Spreads to California

Foresight Press Advisory: Palo Alto, CA ñ January 20, 2004 ñ A report released today in Sacramento indicates that U.S. federal confusion over nanotechnology's original goal has spread to the state of California, where the concept originated. The report, "Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges in California," was released today at a meeting of the state's Joint Committee on "Preparing California for the 21st Century."

Caltech lecture by Crichton on "consensus science"

Those objecting to MNT often cite a "consensus" against it. Despite authoring scary sf stories such as Prey, a nanotech/AI horror tale, Michael Crichton understands the core values of science better than some prominent scientists, as he showed in this lecture at Caltech about the dangers of "consensus science":"I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had. Let's be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics…In addition, let me remind you that the track record of the consensus is nothing to be proud of." Also worth reading is his essay on molecular nanotechnology.

Researcher Focus: Deepak Srivastava, NASA Ames

First in a series of stories highlighting specific MNT researchers: see the work of Deepak Srivastava, a past chair of the Foresight Conference on Molecular Nanotechnology, and now the point of contact for the NASA Ames Nanotechnology Team. His research interests include molecular machines and mechanosynthesis, and he was a co-recipient of the 1997 Foresight Institute Feynman Prize (Theory). See the videos produced by his group. (From his time as conference chair, I can testify that he is a delight to work with. Pronounce his name 'dee pahk sree VAHS tah vah'. –CP)

Organic chemist fears being "invented out of a job" by MNT

Organic chemist Derek Lowe, PhD, gives a chemist's view of molecular nanotechnology: "As a chemist, I've more than a passing interest in this field. Nanotechnology is chemistry, through and through. It's done (going to be done, I should say, if Drexler's right) by other means than the ones I'm used to, but it's atoms and bonds all the way. As a solution-phase classical organic chemist, I look on the advent of what Drexler calls "machine-phase" synthesis with equal parts anticipation and dread. The dread isn't because of some looming catastrophe, just the fear that I'll eventually be invented out of a job."
So that's why they object so much…–CP

Reynolds on EPA nanotech meeting

In addition to the CRN presentation already reported here, Foresight director and law prof Glenn Reynolds presented at the recent EPA meeting and gives his report on Tech Central Station: "I noted that only in the final category ['true Molecular Nanotechnology'] did serious ethical or regulatory issues appear, and also noted that the recent flood of 'it's impossible' claims relating to 'spooky' nanotechnology seems to have more to do with fear of ethical or regulatory scrutiny than anything else. I won't waste too many pixels on my own views here, because you can read the article in draft here." The article will be published in the Harvard Journal of Law and Technology.

Let the Nanotech Wars Begin!

David B. Hughes writes "The debate over whether molecular manufacturing and nanoassemblers are feasible has turned into a PR war. With billions of dollars of research funding and industrial profits at stake, both sides are taking their ideological clash to the public. So far, Eric Drexler and the Foresight Institute own the moral and scientific high ground. But his critics at the National Nanotechnology Initiative hold the purse strings. And they don't play by the same rules."

TNT Weekly: deletion of MNT study from nano bill is "a farce"

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.

CRN: "Published Debate Shows Weakness of MNT Denial"

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.

Glenn Reynolds on new nanotech bill

Foresight director Glenn Reynolds gives his views on the new nanotechnology legislation. " It's a victory for people who favor the responsible development of molecular nanotechnology. But it's a small victory, a nano-victory you might say, in the great scheme of things. He speculates on what was meant by the bill's authorizing a study of "molecular self-assembly".

Foresight Institute adds to Board of Advisors

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.

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