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Real Nanotechnology Getting Closer, Says Drexler

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the so-is-fusion-i-hear dept.

destinyland writes "Sun Microsystems has helped fund a 198-page nanotechnology roadmap — but how close are we to real nanotechnology? A science writer asked four nano pioneers, including K. Eric Dexler ('progress is accelerating') and Ralph Merkle ('the exponential trends continue to be exponential') Though we don't have Star Trek replicators yet, the article lists some surprising recent nano developments (artificial tissue, nanoparticle sheets, ultrathin diamond nanorods). And the roadmap's scientists are envisioning targeted cancer therapies, super-efficient solar cells, high-density computer memory chips and even responsive 'smart' materials."

4 of 134 comments (clear)

  1. nanotechnology has the unique attribute by circletimessquare · · Score: 4, Funny

    that, unlike all other fields of technological innovation, when one speaks of vaporware, one might actually be talking about some sort of useful hardware that literally is a vapor

    so nanotechnology has at least that going for it

    --
    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  2. Re:"Star Trek replicators" by Daniel_Staal · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wait, are you telling me Wesley Crusher ruined two TV series?

    --
    'Sensible' is a curse word.
  3. Re:Law of Accelerating Returns... by Muad'Dave · · Score: 4, Funny

    "the exponential trends continue to be exponential"

    They didn't say that the exponent was necessarily > 1.

    --
    Tiller's Rule: Never use a word in written form that you've only heard and never read. You will end up looking foolish.
  4. Re:"Real" nanotechnology is already there by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 4, Funny

    I like my nanotechnology research like I like my women.

    Fictional?