I found a link at FARK with some suggestions for the ways in which nanotechnology may modify and enhance the human body in the future. Nanotechnology is the science of building electromechanical devices on the molecular or atomic level. The idea is that atoms could be coaxed into specific shapes and aligned in such a way that these molecular components work together in a mechanical fashion. The result – teeny tiny robots. A single drop of water could contain hundreds of billions of complex atomic robots. I wrote a little about this possibility in a post back in June 2002.
With sufficient sophistication, the applications of nanotech are unlimited. Nanorobots could be developed to deliver medicine, or even make repairs at the cellular level. This has amazing promise for all kinds of disorders from cancer to sickle cell anemia. But the technology need not be limited to medicine. As the technology matures in the coming decades, I believe the “killer app” will be physical enhancement. Nanotechnology could heighten our senses, strengthen our muscles, or improve our memory. I, for one, could use a few mods. X-ray vision might be useful. I also wouldn’t mind some kind of reinforced stomach lining for meals at Taco Bell.
The idea of fleets of nanorobots floating through our bodies is a little disconcerting, but I think the merging of humanity with technology is inevitable. This idea is nothing new. In the 1970s the future was bionics. In the 80s and 90s, science-fiction foresaw the rise of the cyborg – a human merged with machinery. The idea of nanotechnology is not much different fundamentally. I say the sooner we’re all crawling with little tiny droids the better.
Resistance is futile…
The Minister has oft pondered that of the nano tech and has concluded that it’s the shizznit, yo.
For the same reason The Minister endorses all forms of cloning technology and stem cell research The Minster also endorses nano tech. Like, how will The Minister ever take up fun hobbies like chainsaw juggling or base jumping without a parachute? The Minister requires an endless supply of cloned body parts to truly enjoy life.
Think of all the extreme sports that’ll pop up when no matter what you do to yourself you can be repaired.
Yes, there are lots of downsides to any new technology, it’s the nature of humanity to use any new technology for both good and evil. What’s the worst that can happen? We wipe ourselves off the planet? Arrogant little monkeys thinking the planet cant evolve something better in a few million years.
An interesting observation…. bio-enhancement through use of nanotechnology has always been a topic at hand around the big table.. but through nano-robotics, perhaps. Honestly, injecting small “droids” into one’s body reminds me of an “Outer Limits” episode from back in ‘97. Either that or Michael Crichton’s “Prey”.