Nanotechnology, US Government, and Secrecy

Glenn Reynolds has written an interesting, albiet a bit speculative, in regards to the role of the US Government in the possible quieting of nanotechnology research. As Gleen points out, there's some good pre-existing guidelines to research as well, from the Foresight Institute.

Nanotech != Good.

[NickRob]

Has anyone ever thought that nanotechnology can be used for a whollllle lot of evil. I mean, in theory, it could used as Syphon Filter or Fox-Die (anyone else notice those games had the same plot?). A programmable virus, effectively destroying whatever they want. The UN has mentioned that idealy 80% of the world's population would be killed.. This could be a means to do that.

Nanotechnology is a way to apocalypsis

[WetCat]

See Stanislav Lem, "Invincible", "Fiasco"...
The evil in such technology is that after some time you can lose control after it...
Sad that defense is involved in it...

Re:Nanotech != Good.

[Kintanon]

Fuck that! I want nanobots in my bloodstream that automatically repair wounds, keep my arteries clean, and generally upkeep my body. Prefereably extending my lifespan to 200 or so years. Which should be long enough to implant my brain in an immortal robotic body that is indistinguishable from human in all the important ways. If the government wants to make Nano-bombs, fine... As Long as I get mine.>:)

Kintanon

the twilight of scientific openness

[ezekeze]

Openness is a competitive tool, but now that the
U.S. is clearly by itself as the worlds only superpower,
its looking at errecting barriers to entry against
competitors aspiring to catch up and surpass. Forget
Europe here, think ahead a generation and look at
India & China. We are talking about technology as
a strategic asset, not just militarily but economically.
And I think it won't be just a nanotech thing.

Amazing how this trend runs counter to movements
(enabled by the internet!) for scientists to be
more open and abondon traditional publishers for
easily accessable electronic publishing!

The Deliberate restriction of technology...

[Anonymous Coward]

Is not only possible, but is happening. Take a look at: The Disclosure Project [disclosureproject.org] to see what efforts are being made to have all potentially beneficial technologies that are currently being hidden from us, released, so that we can all prosper from them.

Comment on Foresight.org...

[Byteme]

...from the Engines of Creation author makes this interesting statement [foresight.org]. QUOTE: The basic concepts have also been more controversial than I had expected. Even now, after (for example) the US Science Advisor has called for the development of molecular manufacturing, segments of the science establishment are still having difficulties with some quite simple ideas. I know it is a little old (1996), but the US has had this in the bag for a while I assume. Then again, I am sucker for a conspiracy.

Re:Is Everyone on this thread a doofus luddite?

[slashnot007]

you probably think i'm kidding. but really that's all ther is to it. one day i'm studying proteins and the next day the boss says you are on the high level comittee to define the future of nanotechnology for our division. What do I know about nano tech. Well if I define it correctly, a lot. So its a marketing umbrella. Work in all the components will go one regardeless. But by giving it a name we create a focus from which real driver applications may emerge.