Flying cars, space travel for everyone, the elimination of poverty and hunger, and powerful new tools to combat disease and even fight aging –these are some of the amazing predicated development of nanotechnology, the emerging science of designing and building machines at the molecular and atomic levels. Will this new scientific revolution be for better or worse? Some commentators have described utopias; others have prophesied disaster. Find out the likely reality from an expert, Dr. J. Storrs hall, in this absorbing insider’s guide to the future. Hall –a leading researcher on the frontiers of nanotechnology who has designed for NASA –describes nanotechnology in a very accessible way, so that anyone can understand what it’s about, its extraordinary possibilities, and its obvious limitations. He puts it into historical context, explaining how previous technological developments have happed our lives, how nanotechnology fits into the historical trends for technologies ranging from motors to medicine, and how the continuation of these trends, with nanotechnology as a strong determining factor, will profoundly affect life in the coming years. In addition to describing his famous invention Utility Fog, hall explains how nanotechnology will make possible many of the science fiction dreams of the past. But what hurdles –technological, economic, political, or social –stand in the way? What dangers will this powerful new technology pose? How will it impact the environment? The true pitfalls are not what you may think and are far different from the fears of today’s alarmists. In a straight forward, balanced manner, Hall analyzes the benefits as well as the potential risks. Together with its sister science of nanotechnology, nanotechnology has the potential to alter the very human race and change who we are. Can this possibly be good? No one knows for sure, but the basis for informed thought can be found in halls captivating examination of this exciting topic, which will open doors to the future.
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