History In 1959 Richard Feynman proposed an idea that we could manipulate things as small as atoms or molecules we just do not have the ability to do so yet Said we should be able to create machines that can arrange or rearrange atoms and molecules however we want ID: 631795
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Slide1
Microscopic Ethics
By: Matthew SparksSlide2
History
In 1959, Richard Feynman proposed an idea that we could manipulate things as small as atoms or molecules, we just do not have the ability to do so yet.
Said we should be able to create machines that can arrange or rearrange atoms and molecules however we wantSlide3
How small can we go?Since the 1970’s, computers and their components have decreased in size at least every 6 monthsSlide4
What is Nanotechnology?Improvement of all human biological systems from the molecular level
Preserving and improving human health using molecular tools
Employment of molecular machine systems to address medical problemsSlide5
Uses in Medical FieldsBiotechnology
Surgery
Drugs
Diagnostics
Medical RoboticsSlide6
BiotechnologyThe application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life
sciences
Limiting and delivering stem cells
Gene TherapySlide7
SurgeryAbsolute noninvasive surgery
No risk of scars or outside influence
Doctor never even has to actually touch the patient
Construct new, or repair organs from the insideSlide8
Surgery cont.
Some nanomachines used as “white blood cells”
Viruses and bacteria cannot develop any kind of immunitySlide9
DrugsCan be administered through a regular syringe
Thousands can be administered at one time, for one, or many treatments
Can construct, or deconstruct molecules to treat, or destroySlide10
DiagnosticsDiagnostic nanobots can take measurements, track certain cells, bacteria, etc.
Transmit data back to doctors
Nanocameras take images of healthy and/or damaged cells
Can determine if other nanobots present should actSlide11
Medical RobotsCan be effective in almost any part of human body
Mouthwash
Skin Cream
Immune System
Directed targeting of infected or diseased areasSlide12
Ethical IssuesNot enough extensive work yet
Nanobots may be so small they can pass through membranes within the body
Blood-brain barrier
Not known if nanobots toxic to humansSlide13
Issues cont.Long term risks
Self-Replication
Gray-goo scenario
Invisible tracking and recording devices
BioterrorismSlide14
Issues cont.How much will it cost?Separation of those who can afford
nanomedicine
and who cannot?
Gene therapy
Altering DNA in unborn childrenSlide15
TranshumanismTransition from normal human, to one with enhanced abilities due to genetic enhancements
Next step in human evolution?
Longer life spans – overpopulation
Eliminate disease, but eliminating humanity
?Slide16
And in Conclusion…Overall positive benefits would help humans in eliminating disease and better health
Negatives could be catastrophic, not only to oneself, but to the worldSlide17
What do you think?Better for humanity, or a downfall?Would there still be a distinction between man and machine? Or another category?
Could nanotechnology be controlled to only pertain to the good aspects?
Who should be the ones that receive the
nanomedicinal
treatments?Slide18
References
Berger, M. (2008, January 9).
Ethical aspects of nanotechnology in medicine
. Retrieved from
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=3938.php
Bonsor, K., & Strickland, J. (2007). Nanotechnology challenges, risks and ethics.
How Nanotechnology Works
, Retrieved from
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology5.htm
Davidson,
Keay
. (2005). Big troubles may lurk in super-tiny tech / nanotechnology experts say legal, ethical issues loom.
Chronicle Science Writer
, Retrieved from
http://articles.sfgate.com/2005-10-31/news/17396870_1_foresight-nanotech-institute-nanotechnology-industry-nanomaterials
Freitas Jr., R. A. (1999).
Nanomedicine, volume
i
: basic capabilities
. Retrieved from
http://www.nanomedicine.com/NMI.htm
Keating, E. L. (1999).
A brief history of nanotechnology
. Unpublished raw data, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/cola/progs/sts/the-nano-future/science/a-brief-history-of-nanotechnology.php
Lenhert, S. (2002).
A brief history of nanotechnology
. Retrieved from http://www.nanoword.net/pages/history.htm