Question:
Anyway, here's my question for discussion:

Which of the following scenarios will prevail:

-Biotechnology that develops software in a virtual, sensorialway, i.e., computers wired to our nervous systems; so for example,someone surfing the internet might have content visuallysuperimposed over his field of vision;

OR...

- Nanotechnology that develops software in matter, i.e., matterwith computing properties; so for example, someone who wanted tosurf the internet could somehow bring up the content they wantedon any piece of "scrap paper," and then throw the paper away,because it would be so inexpensive.

Answer: I wanted to report the use of nanotechnology in New Outer Limits (this episodein particular was a rerun).Ofcourse, it was misrepresented, as usual.The gist of the episode:

A Nano Scientist/Engineer named Dr. Ledbetter working with a Claybore(borne?)University had developed nanomachines intended for medical and waterpurification purposes.

Ledbetter made these medical nanomachines capable of self replication, using anextended C language for programming/controlling them, each one would perform acertain task, all working together in teams.

His brother-inlaw to be came down with Pelvic Cancer. Animal and Human testinghad not yet been allowed. The desperate brother in law to be broke in, andinjected himself with these replicating medical nanites. The cancer wascompletely cured, entered remission. Then the nanobots start to heal all of hisphysical flaws, including old scars. His body begins to be "over improved", thenanobots give him things like increased physical stamina, super eyesight , andswift repair of cell damage.

This is when the problems begin. Dr. Ledbetter made these medical nanomachinesself replicating, and we all know that medical nanobots should NEVER be able toreplicate inside the body, rather, assemblers should first assemble themoutside the body and the Non replicating machines are to be injected, performtheir work, and them be made to break down safelly.

These self replicating nano medical bots actually begin to use their logic todetermine what new functions the man's body should have. They add gills, andthen they give him eyes in the back of his head, in their logic this must givehim a higher adaptability (?).He gets scared, Ledbetter tries to reprogram them to cease, the nanobots whichin here are able to adapt, "refuse" the new programming.Ledbetter tries to destroy the nanites using DC electric current send into hisbrother in law to be's body. The nanites are slowed down, but not destroyed. Inresponse, they build nematosysts (poison cells) to "protect" the man fromLedbetter's "Attacks".When the brother in law to be tries to stab himself to death, the nanitesrepair the damage, hence forcing him to live.

They decided on an ending to this episode which I did not appreciate.Ledbetter uses such a high burst of electricity to kill the man, that thenanites cannot repair themselves fast enough to heal their host. A saddened andhorrified Ledbetter destroys all evidence of the nanotech he made. He breaksthe vials containing the nanites on the floor, and burns down the laboratory.

The moral ending to this episode was more of the "Beware of interfering withnature" stuff.Interestingly though, at the very end the sister of Ledbetter, the wife to beof his brother in law to be, cuts herself on the glass picture frame which herfiance (nanite infected man) had previously held.They leave off where she is infected with the same nanites.

This episode did feature some important lessons, which I do hope nanoscientists and engineers will heed by:

1 Do NOT ever allow medical nano systems to be self replicating.

2 Keep their functions specialized, not general. Natural cells do have selfprotection mechanisms in the form of specialization and cell growth limits.(ie, Heart Tissue Nanomachines should be unable to effect Brain Tissue)3 Beware of both Over-Eagerness and Under-Eagerness in emerging technologies.

What do you all think?If nanotechnology comes piecemeal, which it seems to be doing, people won't beas shocked and overwhelmed with new capabilities. (ie, simple material atomstackers developed before full cell repair).This may be a good check and balance on "god wannabees", who would quickly leapat a whole mass of nanotechnology, if it were developed all at once.