Drexler and Smalley make the case for and against 'molecular assemblers'

In this C&EN exclusive "Point-Counterpoint," two of nanotechnology's biggest advocates square off on a fundamental question that will dramatically affect the future development of this field. Are "molecular assemblers"--devices capable of positioning atoms and molecules for precisely defined reactions in almost any environment--physically possible?

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Developing Molecular Manufacturing

Any of several diverse pathways might be used to develop molecular manufacturing. There are many strategies, techniques, and tools that may contribute to its development. Further study will be needed to decide which approach is best. Questions to be answered for each approach include the effort required to develop it, the performance (throughput and cost) of the manufacturing system, and the performance of the products.

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The new industrial revolution of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is not an individual science or technology. It is a uniting expression for the multi-disciplinary area of production technologies operating in the area of extremely small size particles and materials starting from individual atoms and molecules. Hundreds of products involving nanotechnology are already available and the future applications seem endless in the areas such as biomedicine, computers, consumer products and energy.

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The Ethics and Politics of Nanotechnology

NANOTECHNOLOGY could become the most influential force to take hold of the technology industry since the rise of the Internet. Nanotechnology could increase the speed of memory chips, remove pollution particles in water and air and find cancer cells quicker. Nanotechnology could prove beyond our control, and spell the end of our very existence as human beings. Nanotechnology could alleviate world hunger, clean the environment, cure cancer, guarantee biblical life spans or concoct super-weapons of untold horror. Nanotechnology could be the new asbestos. Nanotechnology could spur economic development through spin-offs of the research. Nanotechnology could harm the opportunities of the poor in developing countries. Nanotechnology could make the molecules in ice cream more uniform in size. Nanotechnology could enable a digital camera to work in the dark. Nanotechnology could clean up toxic waste on the atomic level. Nanotechnology could change the world from the bottom up. Nanotechnology could become an instrument of terrorism. Nanotechnology could lead to the next industrial revolution. Nanotechnology could transform the food industry. Nanotechnology could repair the ozone layer. Nanotechnology could change everything.

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Our Silver-Coated Future

Nanotechnology, fast becoming a three-trillion-dollar industry, is about to revolutionize our world. Unfortunately, hardly anyone is stopping to ask whether it's safe.

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What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology or, for short, nanotech, refers to a field of applied science whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size.

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