Weapons of mass destruction on an unprecendented scale
Industry experts have warned that nanotechnology could open a "Pandora's box " that is likely to include the development of powerful nano-weapons that could pose a grave risk to society.
The warning came as the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology announced its first series of new research papers including 11 essays by members of its Global Task Force.
The organisation warned that, like electricity or computers before it, nanotechnology will bring greatly improved efficiency and productivity in many areas of human endeavour.
In its mature form, known as molecular manufacturing, it will have a significant impact on almost all industries and all parts of society.
Personal nano-factories may offer better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer and smarter products for the home, communications, medicine, transportation, agriculture and industry in general.
However, the organisation noted that as a general-purpose technology, molecular manufacturing will be dual-use, meaning that in addition to its civilian applications it will have military uses in making far more powerful weapons and surveillance tools.
"Progress towards developing the technical requirements for desktop molecular manufacturing is advancing rapidly," said Chris Phoenix, director of research at the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology.
"These new essays examine many of the radical changes that molecular manufacturing will bring to society. We hope our readers will decide to get involved."
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology is a non-profit research and advocacy organisation. In August 2005 it formed a global task force to study the societal implications of molecular manufacturing.
"Our plan from the beginning was to concentrate first on defining the challenges posed by nanotechnology,” said Mike Treder, executive director at the organisation.
"What risks do we really face? How do they relate to each other? What is most important to know in order to cope wisely and effectively with molecular manufacturing?"
Industry experts have warned that nanotechnology could open a "Pandora's box " that is likely to include the development of powerful nano-weapons that could pose a grave risk to society.
The warning came as the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology announced its first series of new research papers including 11 essays by members of its Global Task Force.
The organisation warned that, like electricity or computers before it, nanotechnology will bring greatly improved efficiency and productivity in many areas of human endeavour.
In its mature form, known as molecular manufacturing, it will have a significant impact on almost all industries and all parts of society.
Personal nano-factories may offer better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer and smarter products for the home, communications, medicine, transportation, agriculture and industry in general.
However, the organisation noted that as a general-purpose technology, molecular manufacturing will be dual-use, meaning that in addition to its civilian applications it will have military uses in making far more powerful weapons and surveillance tools.
"Progress towards developing the technical requirements for desktop molecular manufacturing is advancing rapidly," said Chris Phoenix, director of research at the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology.
"These new essays examine many of the radical changes that molecular manufacturing will bring to society. We hope our readers will decide to get involved."
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology is a non-profit research and advocacy organisation. In August 2005 it formed a global task force to study the societal implications of molecular manufacturing.
"Our plan from the beginning was to concentrate first on defining the challenges posed by nanotechnology,” said Mike Treder, executive director at the organisation.
"What risks do we really face? How do they relate to each other? What is most important to know in order to cope wisely and effectively with molecular manufacturing?"
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