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Real Nanotechnology Getting Closer, Says Drexler
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."
Star Trek had replicators too, but they were stationary units that 'replicated' various physical objects/materials that a crew member might need. They were commonly seen in the dining areas where one could order whatever form of food or drink the computer had stored the recipes for. It would convert pure energy into matter of the right specification. After a person was done with their utensils and/or dishes they would put them in a special spot to be reclaimed into energy later.
That's pretty optimistic. If you RTFA, they're estimating 20-30 years.
'If Christ had tweeted the sermon on the mount, it might have lasted until nightfall.' - John Perry Barlow
Star Trek has the "cool" sci-fi thing, whereas a lot of people rip Star Gate, but I think the nano-tech future given by the likes of the Replicators are where this nano stuff is headed.
The single greatest shortcoming in human science is its failure to understand outcomes of complex, dynamic systems, and here we are going to make exactly that.
Doesn't get any dumber than that!
This is my sig.
All this and they still can't make a coffee pot that can brew an entire 12 cup pot in under 60 seconds without burning the coffee.
Seriously can we get some important technology invented to make our lives easier.
For instance can I get a roomba retrofitted to water my lawn for me? For under $200 bucks?
How about some color changing siding that doesn't bust every time a golf-ball sized piece of hail hits it for less then cement siding.
Self cleaning ceiling fan blades would be nice too...
Self milking cows?
A dog poop scooper that gets under the poop without ripping up the grass...
Yeah! super hard mini-rods. That will make my toast toast faster....
ZZzzz...
Where is my poorly done art-deco nuclear powered car that conspicuously blows up after being abandoned for over 200 years and subsequently shot. Oddly this car will also smoke and burst into flames before blowing up... What the hell is burning in it? After 200 years there isn't going to be any upolhstry left....
Where was I? Who the hell are you people and how did you get on my series of tubes!?!?
Deborah where are my pills?!
-=[ Who Is John Galt? ]=-
We've seen this with so many things, including solar cells - Constant assurance that they are getting cheaper easier to make, more efficient, etc; people ranting about how it is finally feasible and will be seen in mass quantities soon... yet we still don't.
Maybe you should take a look at these graphs: http://www.frozennorth.org/C197109377/E20080427143258/index.html and http://peakoildebunked.blogspot.com/2008/12/387-world-photovoltaic-pv-production.html
Top down, bottom up. I like my nanotechnology research like I like my women.
Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!