February 29 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Technology Year: General Rating: 12
By Futuretalk
Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced
technology is virtually indistinguishable from magic.” Enter
humanity’s newest plunge into magic – molecular nanotechnology.
Whether you fear it, welcome it, don’t understand it, or think
it’s too crazy to be true, this most hyped science of all time
promises a utopian future with no food shortages or disease, and a
world of leisure and indefinite lifespan for everyone on Earth.
To achieve this remarkable future, researchers must first create
a tiny microscopic-size robot assembler that can grab individual
atoms and organize them into items. Futurists at the Center for
Responsible Nanotechnology predict that the first assembler will be
developed between 2010 and 2020.
The next step, experts say, is to build a small countertop
machine called a nano-replicator with billions of assemblers
inside, which can be instructed to extract atoms from waste
materials or something as plentiful as dirt or seawater, and
reassemble those atoms into food, appliances, clothing, or other
desired products. Positive futurists believe that nano-replicators
could be working in U.S. homes by 2025.
In their book, Revolutionary Wealth, Alvin and Heidi Toffler
argue that we are on the verge of a post-scarcity time that will
slash poverty around the world. Futurist Steve Burgess agrees. In
an on-line essay, he predicts that nano-replicators will launch an
era of abundance for everyone. (cont.)
Nano-theorist Robert Freitas, in a recent Lifeboat Foundation
interview, claims that molecular nanotech will wreak havoc with
economies of every nation in the world. With products available
free from nano-replicators, humans will become pure consumers
without need to produce goods or provide services. This will
eventually reduce the value of human labor to zero.
However in this futuristic nano-world, forward-thinkers believe
that there will be little need for money. All living costs could
eventually be eliminated; and even expenses for public projects
like roads, buildings, and government activities would be abolished
with tomorrow’s nano-assembler technologies.
Freitas adds, “Not only will nanotech provide us with a lot of
cool stuff and eliminate global poverty; it will also help us
achieve a much longer lifespan.” He predicts that by 2010,
nano-products will diagnose illnesses and destroy cancer cells and
by late 2020s, tiny cell-repair mechanisms will roam through our
bodies keeping us strong, youthful, and forever healthy.
Most gerontologists agree that aging, and therefore “natural”
death occurs when the body’s cellular structure cannot repair
itself. Cell-repair machines will allow us to rejuvenate damaged
cells, eliminate disease and heal injuries. In addition, since
aging is a result of accumulated tissue destruction, it will be
possible to undo or reverse damages already inflicted. The young
will remain young; the old will become young.
As molecular nanotech matures, its impact will affect nearly
everyone. Labor-free products from replicators could devastate
economies and many governments are scrambling for ways to manage
the impact of this technology.
Clearly, the road to molecular nanotechnology winds around
unknown, possibly even dangerous turns. However, strong commerce
and government support continue to drive this revolution forward
and it will unfold in our lifetime. Futuristic? Certainly.
Possible? Absolutely. This science promises to change our lives
beyond our wildest dreams. Get ready Gang, for a most amazing
“magical future.”
Comments welcome.
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