From: Artillo5@cs.com
Date: Sat Mar 16 2002 - 23:29:25 MST
Speaking of the "Army investing in nanotechnology" post, the red or grey goo
scenerios reminded me in many respects of the book "/Slant" by Greg Bear. The
book talked about several 'grades' of Nano, the most powerful was called MGN
(Military Grade Nano) which could create entire functioning machines from any
and all raw material around it. MGN was stable and intelligent, and did not
revert to an uncontrollable state. I would have to reread the book to figure
out if controlling the nano was discussed in any detail. I think Drexler
touches on some possible containment methods. To me it would seem the only
way to contain the spread of dangerous, self-replicating nanobots would be
some form of electromagnetic or other energy disrupting forces, such as
magnetism. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but grey goo type nano can only
spread if it comes into direct contact with suitable matter, or in theory can
a nanorobot snag atmospheric particles and break them apart and use them, and
also I suppose that the nano could also be dispersed in gaseous form if the
machines are small enough, and possibly even self-propelled? Aah I am
rambling again! Let me know what you think! :D
I'm sure some of you have read the book "/Slant" . Slant is an EXCELLENT book
with many many examples of how nano can be used in the future, including
biomodification, manufacturing, cryostasis, uploading, artificial
intelligence, information dispersal through "viral" nanoagents in the air,
and automated medical diagonoses, to name just a few.
My 2 Cents,
Brian Shores (aka Artillo)
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