Nanotech gets the keys to the lexicon

Just learned this from young nano-apprentice D.F. Moore: Coming soon in the 11th edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, sandwiched in between "MP3" and "pleather," is this brand spankin' new entry:

nanotech (noun) 1991 : nanotechnology (Also: nanotechnological (adjective) and nanotechnologist

So, kids, you can now officially use the shortened "nanotech." If your English teacher gives it a red mark, just show them this entry. I've talked to more than a few nanotechnology researchers, though, and not one of them has used the term "nanotechnologist." But it's a wide-open profession. Everybody from a garment worker to a ski wax producer can call himself or herself a nanotechnologist.

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Gonna send you back to nano schoolin'

This announcement for a Microsystems and Nanotechnology Masters postgraduate diploma from Cranfield University in the U.K. reminded me that I should probably review some of the education-related links I've collected. This is by no means complete, and there's a mix here of K-12 to undergrad to postgrad, but I'll throw this out there and let you kids take it from there.

One project that I'm working on, by the way, is further coverage of ambitious plans to completely revamp K-12 education in keeping with the National Nanotechnology Initiative's focus on "converging technologies."

I don't expect it would be easy to get teachers to agree that physics, chemistry, computer science, biology all should be taught at the same time, but the idea of stressing interrelationships could go a long way toward convincing students that these separate disciplines do have applications beyond the next test.

I come from a family of osteopathic physicians, so I've always had this sense of how individual systems do not work for their own sake, but contribute to the total health of the body. The study of nanotechnology can and should work the same way.

OK. Here are the links:

The Nanotechnology Group Inc., Nano High, Nano Student, NanoKids, Nanopolis, It's a Nano World, NNI Education Center, NanoHouse, NanoTruck, Stanford Nanotechnology, MIT Tiny Technology, Nano-World, Molecular Expressions, Free Nanotechnology Course, FutureLab, NanoBiotechnology Center at Cornell, WorkingIn Nanotechnology/Education, Vega Science Trust, Center for Science and Engineering Nanoscale Systems, Albany School of Nanosciences and nanoengineering, International Center for Young Scientists, Institute of Nanotechnology (UK), National NanoScience and Technology Institute, NanoScience and Technology Studies, NASA Institute for Nanotechnology and Computing, Institute of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (Hong Kong), MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (New Zealand), Center for Nanotechnology (UW), MTP Nanoscale Science and Technology, International Master in Nanotechnologies, Nanostrukturtechnik

This Just In: Discovery Kids on NBC will feature a show, "Strange Days at Blake Holsey High," in which the kids "wrestle with the powerful forces of science, from cold fusion to nano-technology." Hmmm. Thanks, NBC. I think. More here.

NanoSecond

The Green Goo (Project Trinity: I-I, SDi, Neurotechnology)

There will always be threats posed by emerging technology. The risks get bigger as each techno-economic wave builds upon its predecessors. So the more reason we have to pay extra attention to the upcoming Nano and/or Neuro. "The higher that we climb, the more the ladder sways." More

NanoBot Backgrounder
Nano on the brain
Engines of Obfuscation
It's easy being nano and green

Israeli universities to share nanotech research funding (Haaretz)

The government and the country's universities plan to invest $11.3 million in nanotechnology research in 2004-2005. … The investment, to be made through the National Research Infrastructure Forum, is the first stage of a five-year plan drawn up by the National Committee on Nanotechnology. The plan calls for investing $25-30 million in nanotechnology infrastructure over the next five years. More

NanoBot Backgrounder
Peres, Peace and Purification
The Domi-Nano Theory
Israel and Iran going nano

'There have been rumours that nanotechnology could create robots that would devour the world' (The Independent)

It comes to me as rather a shock to find that I am on the same side as Greenpeace and Prince Charles on an environmental issue. They suggest, as a recent article in Science reports, that we should be worrying about the environmental dangers of nanotechnology and applying the precautionary principle. More

NanoBot Backgrounder
British Equation
For greener planet, remove people; results may vary
Rebuttal from Greenpeace's scientific adviser

High school goes high tech (Albany Times Union)

As the Capital Region tries to reinvent itself as Tech Valley, it stands to reason there would be a high school of the same name. And so planners … have come up with an ambitious plan for a 400-student, $30 million Tech Valley High School, whose curriculum would include intensive internships and other projects with local high-tech firms. … "We've modeled this on what the University at Albany is doing with its nanotechnology." More

NanoBot Backgrounder
Venezuelan natural nano resource
Investing in NanoFutures
Do you know where your children are?

Nanotechnology's promise (The Washington Times)

Like many developing technologies, nanotechnology is likely to be a source of many marvels and menaces. The latter have been better publicized than the former, so it is surprising that most Americans still have a positive view of nanotechnology. A new poll should encourage policy-makers to continue to foster the field's growth, especially given its vast potential. More

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Do you care how nano plays in Peoria?
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Nano Meme Watch

Here's how nano played in the blogosphere today. Alert level: Jade

Get rich quick #143563433 (New Links)

Nano-technology is where it's at. Not since the dotcom era has it been so easy to make lots of moolah with minimum effort. I reckon. More

Public attitudes toward nanotechnology (InstaPundit)

Despite lacking concrete knowledge about nanotechnology, most Americans hold a generally positive view of the emerging science and believe the technology’s potential benefits outweigh its perceived risks. At the same time, most Americans do not trust business leaders in the nanotechnology industry to minimize potential risks to humans. More

Fantastic Voyage at Amazon (fightaging.org)

One of the most respected scientists and futurists in America teams up with an expert on human longevity, to show how we can tap today's revolution in biotechnology and nanotechnology to virtually live forever. More

Hackers on Planet Earth (TECHPopuli)

Also under discussion at the conference were fun ways to harass spammers. Some even discussed plans to build a Hogwarts for Hackers -- a national security college that would teach young adults security skills like lock picking, encryption, rewriting software in cars, running pirate radio stations and building nanotech labs from things stashed in the closet or basement. More

Do you care how nano plays in Peoria?

This promo for the next "Nanotechnology Opportunity Report" sounds like it covers many of the same issues that you read on this Weblog. The difference? Electronic copy of Opportunity Report: $3,995.00; electronic copy of the NanoBot: $0,000.00

I never claimed to be an expert in making money for myself.

Here's a question, though, and give it to me straight: What kind of nanotechnology information would you pay for that's not already being provided by others? My specialty is not the financial analysis. Others do that better than me. I think part of the appeal of this blog is that I try to look at the science, business, culture and politics of nanotechnology from the point of view of those outside the industry, and I think public perception is going to become an increasingly important issue -- especially in Europe.

I have a mix of readers, ranging from college students to scifi geeks to government, business and financial leaders. Anecdotally, I know that many readers in the latter three categories value this site because it's important to them how nano "plays in Peoria."

Do you care? Most of all, would you subscribe? Let me know.

Are nanoparticle studies 'one decade late'?

ETC Group Executive Director Pat Mooney, in a recent paper discussing nanotechnology regulatory issues, brings up a reasonable point:

“Ironically, governments are talking about the need to be proactive, failing to admit that they’re at least one decade late: nanotech products are already commercially available and laboratory workers and consumers are already being exposed to nanoparticles that could pose serious risks to people and the environment.”

It's a question I've posed to a handful of nanotech government, business and academic leaders over the past few years, including Sean Murdock, head of the NanoBusiness Alliance; and Kevin Ausman, executive director of the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology at Rice University.

Here's what I asked Ausman:

Lovy: Do you think this is developing the way it should? At the same time you're studying the health and environmental effects of this stuff, nanotubes are being churned out. Do you think the industry is developing faster than the research into the impact?

Kevin Ausman: I think that the technology is developing faster than the impact research. I think that, however, the technology for any new field normally develops faster than the impact research. And compared to that normal curve, we're ahead of it. We are developing impact research far ahead of where you would expect it to happen.

And here's a snippet of my late-2003 interview with Murdock in Chicago, when he was still executive director of regional nano group AtomWorks. I knew at the time that he was a likely successor for NanoBusiness Alliance co-founder Mark Modzelewski and asked my questions with this in mind.

Lovy: I asked the same question of Kevin Ausman: Do you think the business of nanotech is progressing faster than the research into its risks? Do you think it's progressing the way it should? Titanium dioxide (nanoparticles) has been out there since 1995. Now, CBEN is studying its effects in various situations. Fullerenes are being produced in Japan right now. CBEN is studying their effects now. Is it too late?

Sean Murdock: Let me disaggregate that. Some things you can test for in advance. Some things you can only test as you see products used. Sometimes products are used in unexpected ways … but it's hard to know what those are until you start to have a product in use until see how people are using it. So, that's what I'm saying. It's the type of risk that we're talking about.

Do I think there should be research that's ongoing in terms of the effects of nanoparticles on toxicity. Yes, I think that's at CBEN, I that's happening elsewhere. In the grand scheme of things, it's not like we have megatons of production of nanoparticles that are getting dispersed all over the world right now. Is there some production that's taking place? Yes.

Lovy: Are you saying it's a nonissue today, or an overblown issue?

Murdock: No, I'm saying it's an issue that we need to look at, balance and try to assess. I'm saying that the way that some people have tried to create fear around it, that it could kill us all and do that kind of thing, doesn't reflect the rate at which these things can propagate.

Lovy: But is the study of environmental and health effects of nanomaterials almost an afterthought?

Murdock: No, I would strongly disagree there because it was embedded within the NNI (National Nanotechnology Initiative) plan from the outset. There was a societal and ethical implications workshop back in 2000.

Lovy: Do you think groups like CBEN would have received as much funding and attention now had the alarm not been sounded by groups like ETC and Greenpeace? Do you think that they fired an opening shot that forced the issue sooner than in might have otherwise been dealt with?

Murdock: I don't know that it forced the issue sooner than it would have been dealt with. People looked at this and said, "Look, there are some issues with AgBioTech, we didn't manage the public, didn't think about unintended consequences and we're going to manage it proactively. We're going to be on top of it." The design, from the outset, of the NNI recognized that and had intended to draw these issues. Now, if you're asking, "Has it heightened attention on the issue?" The CBEN (grant) was awarded before ETC Group came out with anything.

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Here's the plain deal on biomedical nanobots

This just in from The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, running a Newhouse News Service story:

Today, scientists envision ever-longer lives, boosted by experimental techniques like these:

Nanotechnology, which sends tiny robots into the body to strike disease, managing molecules and potentially slowing or even stopping aging. More here

Wow. One week out of a nanotech newsroom, and I guess I've missed some important developments. Apparently, the little robots have migrated from the pants to the rest of the body, striking at disease. The "slowing or even stopping aging" phase is only a "potential" benefit.

In reality, nanoparticles are being called into action in the fight against disease. If you want to call them, "tiny robots," that sounds cool, I guess, if you broaden your definition of "robot" a bit. Thanks to the Fresh Prince, robots are again the subject of public fascination and horror, which fits right in with the current state of the nano meme.

Combinex, a product by Advanced Magnetics Inc. (AMEX: AVM, News, Discussion, Web site) doesn't exactly involve "tiny robots," but it does use iron oxide nanoparticles as an imaging agent to help differentiate between healthy and cancerous lymph nodes. AVM is in the process of seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

And you know how some groups have managed to successfully paint buckyballs as an evil cancer-causing agent that damages fish and fetuses. Well, in reality, they hold the key to possible cancer treatments or cures, with companies like C Sixty leading the way with preclinical trials and a partnership with at least one fairly significant drug company.

And Australia-based Starpharma is conducting FDA-approved clinical trials of VivaGel, which contains another kind of manmade molecule called the dendrimer, as a treatment for or precaution against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Last November, the company sought volunteers (PDF, 88 KB) for its Phase I study. Starpharma's dendrimer intellectual property comes courtesy of Michigan's Dendritic Nanotechnologies Inc., headed by dendrimer inventor Donald Tomalia, profiled in a previous NanoBot post.

There's more, but you get the idea.

If the Plain Dealer wants to get the scoop on the real "tiny robots," they should send a reporter to an event in their own town Oct. 25-26. The Cleveland Clinic's NanoMedicine Summit. Yes, Cleveland not only rocks, but it's also a world center for nanobiotechnology. The event is part of NANO Week, Oct. 25-29. Recently added to the lineup is "Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications for Targeted Drug Delivery." Translation: "Tiny robots" that "strike disease."

OK, Plain Dealer. I take it back. You're right on target.

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Hundreds of firms using nanotech in food (Independent.co.uk)

Two hundred companies are already working on inserting nanotechnology into food, posing "immense" risks to health, new research claims.

The study estimates that use of the technology in food has created an industry, now worth more than £1bn, which will grow within six years to more than £10bn, with thousands of firms involved. More

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Holy Flying Nanotubes! (PhysOrg.com)

Diamonds are the hardest known substance. Carbon nanotubes are the strongest. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory tried to combine the best of both worlds by creating a composite nanostructure. They wanted to grow tiny carbon tubes with tiny diamonds.

But the results were not as expected.

Instead, the experiment altered the surface area of the nanotubes, creating wing-like extensions. Even though the result wasn't what the experimenters were looking for, these modified surfaces may push nanotubes further into the world of practical and applied materials and systems. More.

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Nanosys, Nanosys, Nanosys

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New SF Bay Economic Study (Economic Development Futures Web Journal)

… the Bay Area is "well positioned" in the industries likely to spawn new technology start-ups. The region has the highest concentration of biotechnology firms in the country and more nanotechnology firms than all countries except Germany … More

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It's the nano economy, stupid

NANO on NewsHour

  

Your NanoBot is always working for you. This evening, Max and I were sitting down for a nice evening bottle, flipped on PBS NewsHour and found this special report on nanotechnology.  So, without Max missing so much as a gulp, I continued to cradle the baby in my left arm, held the bottle with the right, but in my left hand was my Motorola camera phone. I hope PBS doesn't mind me running these pictures snapped off my TV.

The report focused on the UCLA NANO art exhibit, but then gave a basic rundown of what nanotech is and, as you can see from the photo at bottom right, what some fear it could be. UCLA nanoscientist James Gimzewski (top right) was the story's main source, and he did an outstanding job not only of showing his own excitement about the science, but also explaining it in understandable terms. It was a great report about a significant effort to bring nano to the people and outline some of the problems associated with describing or picturing a technology that cannot be seen.

I'm also very proud, of course, that I had assigned Mark Frauenfelder (of BoingBoing fame) to cover this story for Small Times, which featured it on the Web site only on Feb. 12.

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Not Yet Maid: Local resident and giant corporations racing to create helpers of tomorrow (Star-Telegram.com)

Researchers today dream big. They want robots that not only walk but climb, swim and fly.

SRI International, which operates one of the country's leading robotics research centers, is developing artificial muscles that give robots the ability to perform those feats. They hope their technologies will make the stars of I, Robot someday look primitive. ...

(Regis) Vincent (senior research scientist for SRI) said many may fear the creation of sophisticated robots will destroy a large base of the job market. He insists, though, that robots taking over mundane jobs will be beneficial, because "robots don't get bored and it will free humans up to do other things."

More importantly, he said robots will complete tasks that people cannot. He said they will build and repair space stations and they will arrive on Mars to pave the way for humans. Nano-robots will repair damaged organs. More here

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NanoPundits unite

Looks like a lot of shy, wallflower types who are afraid to voice their opinions are going to spend a few days together in D.C. at the Foresight Institute's 1st Conference on Advanced Nanotechnology: Research, Applications, and Policy.

Glenn Reynolds and I are co-chairs for Sunday, Oct. 24. Dullsville. Also speaking that day is Tim Harper of Cientifica. Yawwwn. Booorrrinngggg. But, you know, I wonder why the Foresight folks scheduled Harper to speak on a different day than Chris Phoenix? Now THAT would be exciting. Get your press pass now.

And speaking of nanotech policy, there's some good stuff at Nanodot, including a new essay by Eric Drexler (fearless leader, I will obey) and rantings by this wacko.

NanoSecond

Nanotech funding . . . and caution? (AndrewSW)

Fortunately, Prince Charles emphasizes the sort of balance that is needed. And yet, it is quite clear that it is easy to spin things any which way, and sometimes that happens to royalty too as apparently, due to past statements, anything he says in terms of caution will now fuel a sense that he is anti-science. More

NanoBot Backgrounder
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Nanotech Is Wall Street's Latest Love (Associated Press)

The chief executive of Nano-Tex LLC warned about the mounting hype around his company and other nanotechnology startups at a recent investor conference. But the first question from the audience showed how his message had been digested.

"When is your IPO?" More

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Initial Perilous Offering
Nanopants diary
IPO and Public Perception

Indian science students dream of Nobel (123Barath.com)

After meeting a host of Nobel laureates in Germany, a group of Indian students has returned dreaming of winning the world's greatest prize.

… The trip, from June 27 to July 2, was a meeting ground for students from across the world with Nobel Prize winners in Physics like Riccardo Glacconi and Masatoshi Koshiba.

Between them they discussed subjects like nano-technology, nuclear physics, optics, astrophysics and even utilization of solar energy.

"We met Chinese students and Pakistani students and so many more, and we discovered that we are as good as anyone in the world," said Harleen Dahiya of Panjab University.

"Only some of them have more facilities than us." More

NanoBot Backgrounder
QuoteBot (Douglas Mulhall)
Indian Americans shining in nanotechnology
Indian Institutes to focus on nano

Money for Memory

Here's a press release that links to a white paper that previews a report on nanomemory and nanostorage that I wrote for NanoMarkets. Here's an excerpt from the release:

"According to NanoMarkets, nanotechnology may soon have the solution to the burgeoning need for data storage. Today, the lowest hanging fruit for nanotechnology is materials. But as nanotubes become commoditized, the "next-hanging fruits" will be found in the memory sector. Here, at last, is where nanotechnology can move beyond mere technological curiosity and begin the true nature of its calling as a technological enabler, disruptor and . . . moneymaker."

See? I can be all about nanobusiness when I want to.

Fisk and Chips

This just in at NanoBot World Headquarters ...

"The government is to announce a radical new scheme to reduce the amount of time Britons spend in queues, DeadBrain has learned. ... Under the new scheme all people residing in the UK will have a small microchip implanted in the left ear lobe. The chip will carry the bearer's biometric data and banking information. ... The government official said that it is estimated that approximately 104,000 civil servants will be needed to operate the scheme. He added that in deference to *, the Royal formerly known as Prince Charles, the microchip will not use nanotechnology, or lead to any genetic modification of its bearer." More Here.

That's What NanoFriends Are For

Monday was among the most-memorable days of my career. It's during times of crisis that you can see who your real friends are. The outpouring of support has just been great and I've been getting all sorts of offers, including some opportunities at major publications. Looks like my readership is about to increase greatly.

If you've written to me and haven't yet received a response, I'll try to get to everybody soon. But, to all, thanks again for your help, advice and words of encouragement. Here are a few excerpts from the more-public expressions of support:

"Howard is a top-notch editor and writes about nano with a rare combination of insight, intelligence, clarity, and wit. I can't wait to see what he does next! In just one year, his personal blog, Howard Lovy's NanoBot has become essential reading for anyone interested in nanotechnology, from the deepest nanohackers to future-minded laypeople."
David Pescovitz, writing in BoingBoing

"We at Foresight all wish Howard excellent success in his new career as a freelancer--send some assignments his way!"
Christine Peterson, president, Foresight Institute, writing in Nanodot

IF YOU'RE AN EDITOR, you should hire Howard Lovy. He's an excellent, honest, and careful reporter and writer. It's not like there's a surplus of those!
Glenn Reynolds, InstaPundit

"Mr. Lovy is a tireless supporter and reporter of nanotechnology and I am positive that he will flourish in his freelance career and provide wonderful insight into the nanotech world."
Daniel Moore

"Howard Lovy is one of the best writers on the subject of nanotech, he has a remarkable ability to explain things that are really complex."
Jeff Nolan, Palo Alto venture capitalist

"Howard Lovy wisely clams up …"
TNTlog

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Sorry, Charlie

Charles, Chuck, Chuckle, Chuckle, Chas., Chas., Chas.

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Happy Birthday, NanoBot

It was one year ago today ...

Thank You, NanoWorld

I just can't thank Glenn Reynolds (aka InstaPundit) enough for his post and kind words yesterday. The response was wonderful and, well, instant.

Just a few hours into my new freelance career, and offers were coming in to write for various publications. Not to mention the many, many notes I've received from supporters around the world. You all gave me reason to hope at the end of a very emotional day.

I'm not going to say anything more about my departure from Small Times. I'd much rather focus on the future. If you've tried to reach me at my work address, I no longer have access to it, so please send notes to howard@lovy.com. Thank you all again for your words of encouragement.

Now, it's back to my writing, but keep your eye on this site for more news and more changes.

British Equation

Prince Charles now pooh-poohs grey goo as rubbish. Everybody knows that nano equals thalidomide. Thalidomide? Yes, thalidomide. HRH Chuck doesn't believe self-replicating nanobots will destroy the world, but hints that nanotech could merely create something similar to a generation of deformed children.

Update: I got into a mini-debate over this post with blogger Anne Galloway over this issue. Here's what she said and I said:

I read those articles as well Howard but, IMHO, you make a bit of a leap in logic here.

Charles implied that a lack of "appropriate care and humility" played a significant role in the "upset" around thalidomide use - and warned against that sort of irresponsible science happening again. Nowhere does that suggest that "nano equals thalidomide" or that nanotech "could create something similar to a generation of deformed children".

Anne

Of course that's what he meant to imply -- just as George Bush said the words "mushroom cloud" and "Saddam" in the same sentence. You juxtapose the two ideas, then stand back and let the public make the leap for you.

The thing is, this is apples and oranges. thalidomide was one specific drug. Nanotechnology is not any one technology at all. It's a scale, a process. It's not any one thing.

To say there should be a moratorium on it is silly, or to say you're opposed to it or even for it is equally ludicrous. It'd be like saying you're for or against the arrival of August.

Of course there should be proper safeguards and testing of any new technology, process, product or drug. But to say "halt all nanotechnology research" in the name of precaution is akin to asking for all scientific research to be halted. Everything is converging on the nanoscale.

The harm to individuals and nations could be far-reaching if we suddenly put a stop to important nanoscale research in the search for cancer, AIDS, SARS and other cures -- not to mention possible solutions to equitable distribution of resources through water desalination and purification.

Nanotechnology is not biotech. It's merely a process by which the basic building blocks of nature can be used to put right what humans have already ruined.

It's ironic and baffling to me that the environmental movement is not embracing nanotechnology as their own cause, since it's about as "organic" a technology as you can get. This is how we can clean up the mess we have created.

Howard

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Flirtin' with Freelance Disaster

Well I'm travelin' down the road,
I'm flirtin' with disaster.
I've got the pedal to the floor,
My life is running faster.
I'm out of money, out of hope,
It looks like self-destruction.
Well, how much more can we take,
With all of this mass corruption.

When I'm not listening to books on tape during my commute from the Detroit area to Ann Arbor, I get myself pumped up for the day using my poor-man's iPod: Mixed music tapes, some of which are so old and muffled-sounding I think they date back to my high school years ('79-'83). I'm a believer in the power and meaning of randomness, and so it really did not surprise me when Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster," circa 1970-whatever, was the next song up when I popped the tape in on the Walter Reuther Freeway this morning, on my way to my last day of work at Small Times.

I left Small Times Media today when my position as news editor was eliminated as part of a reorganization.

However, I plan on continuing the work I began at the magazine and Web site three years ago. There is still a great deal to build for the future – for my family and for this small, but wide-open, subject that I write about.

I've collected a great deal of information and insight about nanotechnology's political, cultural, financial and scientific progress over the past three years, so don't count on me tossing it all away and going back to a newspaper copy desk. I'm organizing the notes I've collected these past three years – three very key years in the history of nanotechnology – and I have a pretty compelling story to tell.

If you're a book publisher and are interested in reading about what I saw at the nanotechnology revolution, or if you're a magazine editor who needs an expert analyst, commentator or straight news professional, please let my nanosecretary show you in to my office.

Here's what I do: I tell stories. I tell them simply. And I tell them in a way that is understandable to the industry's real business and financial leaders – the average consumer, the average voter, the average investor, the average reader. They are my true bosses and, ultimately, they will dictate the future course of nanotechnology as a science, an industry, an idea.

Ya'll damn sure know what I mean.

Please Stand By

Pardon the blogging break. Big announcement coming soon. Watch this space.

QuoteBot

"You can know the name of that bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird. You'll only know about humans in different places, and what they call the bird. So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing - that's what counts." "Names do not constitute knowledge."
Richard Feynman

"I believe that the horrifying deterioration in the ethical conduct of people today stems from the mechanization and dehumanization of our lives - the disastrous by-product of the scientific and technical mentality. Nostra culpa. Man grows cold faster than the planet he inhabits."
Albert Einstein

You may say he's a dreamer ...

Amen, Brother Lawrence -- another voice to take me out of the wilderness. Lawrence Lessig writes in Wired's "Stamping Out Good Science":

Then things turned really ugly. For it wasn't enough for some to argue against building tiny assemblers. The world of federal funding would only be safe, critics believed, if the idea of bottom-up nanotech could be erased. Molecular manufacturing, Smalley asserted, was "just a dream," and "simple facts of nature [would] prevent it from ever becoming a reality." In an ideal world, such scientific controversy would be settled by science. But not this time: Without public debate, funding for such "fantasy" was cut from the NNI-authorizing statute. Thanks to Senator John McCain, not a single research proposal for molecular manufacturing is eligible for federal dollars.

But as Clayton Teague, director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, later told me, it's hard to call molecular manufacturing "impossible" when it's precisely what living cells do every moment of the day. It may be hugely complex, he said, and as all agree, it is certainly years away. "But I would hesitate," this sensible administrator admitted, "to call it impossible."

So why do some scientists say it can't be done? As the editors of Chemical & Engineering News put it, Smalley's "objections go beyond the scientific." They are a strategy - if so-called dangerous nanotech can be relegated to summer sci-fi movies and forgotten after Labor Day, then serious work can continue, supported by billion-dollar funding and uninhibited by the idiocy that buries, for example, stem cell research.

Given the politics of science, this strategy is understandable. Yet it is a strategy inspired not by the laws of nature but by the perverse nature of how we make laws. We are cowards in the face of Bill Joy's nightmare. We dissemble rather than reason, because we can't imagine rational government policy addressing these reasonable fears. More here.

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Choose your own 'irrational' scenario

Web-Slinging, Stepford Nano

Now that I'm a new dad again, I of course will not be going to see a movie for a little while. But, I've been told, popular cinema continues to weave the nano meme into our culture. This, of course, is my clever segue into "Spider-man 2," which Georgia Tech nano researcher Daniel Moore tells me contains more nanobabble as some sort of scientific explanation for a supervillain's supervillainous powers. I'll quote an excerpt from Moore's blog, but I'll wait until the neonanoluddites grab a pen to write this down and incorporate it in their next pseudoscientific diatribe against nanotechnology … Ready? OK:

Doc Ock's mechanical arms are attached to his brain using nanowires which are real enough. Of course, something goes wrong with them, proving, once again, that nanobelts are a far superior material to nanowires. I mean, really, how many scientists need to be turned into psychopaths for us to finally realize that nanobelts are better than nanowires? More here.

I love it. Hilarious. But, Dan, you realize that the next anti-nano nanoramous Googling up a storm and looking for information to prove an already solidified point on the horrors of nano is going to grab the phrase, "Something goes wrong, proving that … scientists need to be turned into psychopaths," and it will end up quoted in the next ETC Group report sent off to Prince Charles and Jim Hightower.

Oh, and my daughter tells me that "nanochips" are the science mumbo jumbo inside "The Stepford Wives" remake. I found this review:

The problem with this film is that it could have been an absolute masterpiece... if they'd managed to figure out how they wanted to do the robot/brainwashed women. If you're paying attention during the film you'll eventually realize that the filmmakers obviously couldn't decide whether or not to go with robots, or with some sort of nano-tech engineered chips being implanted in the womens brains. My guess is that the nano-tech chips were what they decided on after shooting too many scenes with robot oriented material. More here