What are the potential danger of molecular nanotechnology (MNT)?

If the potential benefits of molecular nanotechnology (MNT) sound too good to be true, there is one objection - potential danger molecular nanotechnology. When nanofactors can organize atoms into structures - playing with the building blocks of life itself, or in this case nanoblocks - theoretically, everything can be created quickly and cheap according to the laws of physics. Requirements include several square feet for nanofactors, software and electrical outlet.

criminals, terrorists, disturbances of individuals, governments, and antisocial groups of all stripes would be incredibly authorized by such technology. Another potential danger of molecular nanotechnology threatens the economy, the environment, human rights and world peace. The rush to obtain domination through Nanoweaponry could lead to a new arms race, while attempts to strangle technology would probably lead to independent, hidden development. One -sided, International Coope “OPEn-Source ”rations are another option that controls their own risks, and control in the public sector could lead to unfair benefits and Orwellian societies.

The probability factor of certain potential dangers of molecular nanotechnology will be higher than others, but all can be missed without prevention and planning. With the planning, while others can be considered appropriately by the aim of recognized subversive elements. There is a joint effort to devise the best procedure by predicting these dangers in advance. The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN) works closely with experts in the field, including K. Eric Drexler, definitive authority at MNT. In short, here is a sampling of some potential dangers of molecular nanotechnology:

nanoweaponry: The NewaRMS Race - Nanofactories allow the production of many types of weapons with incredibly accurate computer systems. While older technologies were difficult and expensive, nanoweapons could be made quickly and quickly. Conventional weapons in style produced by stronger and new weapons such as nanorobotes that transmit the poison, could be produced by billions of almost free and supplied remotely. Once inhaled, they can even be tailored to kill only people with specific genetic signatures and thus be used as a means for ethnic cleaning. The arms plant could trigger ruthless development and testing of new weapons with unpredictable results. Experts agree that this is probably a potential danger of molecular nanotechnology No. 1.

environmental impact and existential danger - Using nanofactors to produce countless cheap and durable products could lead to "one -off thinking" where products are formedThey eat and discard in Abuntan, stunning recycling and the environment.

Bad nations can use biomass (carbon -rich trees) as fuel for nanofactors, which would lead to increased deforestation.

Experimenting in nano-aumentation of plants and animals (for example, to enlarge, smaller, faster, stronger, etc.) could easily lead to the escaped consequences of the wilderness ("green" vs "gray goo") that could endanger existing plants and animals, affect the food chain and not to pose threat to human life. This is the main problem.

EcoPhage ("Gray Goo"), although only a remote option due to the complexity of designing nanorobots self -addition ( Repliboty ) capable of task - and the thermal signature would start the process that would warn the guard dog systems in place.

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Economic impact - Another major problem between potential dangers of molecular nanotechnology is that many predictMNT arrives suddenly and in full strength. Sudden arrival of nanofactors producing clean, cheap, durable products would adversely affect most of the industry on the labor market. Experienced work, factory workers and many distribution lines would no longer be needed because the corporations have passed to nanotechnology or composed. Shares would be critically affected and the likelihood of economic shock, high.

Risk of regulation - Although MNT has the potential to be a large equalizer, to make products available, medicines and drinking water available to the world, its ubiquity would depend on how it is regulated, by whom and purpose. Many corporations are likely to be motivated by potential unexpected profits. They can legally protect and then overtake nanotechnology, which can thus their benefits from reaching for those who need it most without passing the savings to the general public.

Other regulation queues also frame the potential danger of MOCULAR Nanotechnologists. If the development is too restriwhich is created one set of problems (including unintentional encouragement of a completely unregulated black market); And if the restrictions are too lax, another set of problems is created (including possible environmental damage and increased risk to the public).

ubiquitous supervision - One of the advantages of MNT is again a source of potential danger. Miniaturization of computer technology allows unprecedented secret supervision of individuals. Spybots could be inhaled without realizing it. Increased computer power would allow the government to maintain real -time supervision records of every citizen in the nation, no matter how much population. The need to regulate the use of domestic nanofactors could be an excuse for such an invasion of privacy.

artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics - One of the most controversial dangers of molecular nanotechnology is that it opens the door to computers that thinks faster than the human brain, and gives machines excellentfringe. Since robotics and artificial intelligence combine and relax people to do tasks that can make machines better, faster and cheaper, some believe that we can prepare our way to our own destruction. Will the nations secretly create armies of a-go, nano-augmented (Think bionic ) Supersoldiers in the fight against wars? Will politicians decide to get to know Ai-enhancement? Nano-augmentation? To whom it will be available, and are we as a race towards full dependence on machines to the extent that it becomes part of our biology? Will there be capital or a new class distribution will be created, similar to gattica ? If we do not accept Ai-enhancement and nano-aumentation, intelligent machines will eventually decide that we are unnecessary?

We are no longer in Kansas.

This proposed potential danger represents the body of significant obstacles to overcoming in the forward phase of this very strong technology, but one thing is clear: the cat cannot be returnedto the bag. If the responsible nations cease all MNT development, it would not prevent it from developing other nations. Experts believe that the best land is that responsible nations are in front of the curve, not only to introduce the caution of development and international instructions, but to anticipate and develop guarantees for the future that could require large solutions for microscopic problems with global or even existential consequences.

Whether the potential pitfalls of this new era are worried about or there are many promises, in the next few decades they must be interesting.