But nobody (implying non-sci freaks and folks immune to search engines and general web activity) knows about nano tech. The nano-surgeon prospect has been on the burner since Eric Drexler’s work in the mid 70s.

Unquestionably, if we could place molecules and atoms exactly where we want, it is theoretically possible to build nanomachines -- including molecular Ford Explorer. Considering the complexities, the Exporer would probably have to be incredibly large -- nearly visible to the naked eye -- but a waste of resources, except as a hobby-toy.

If we could place molecules and atoms exactly where we want, we could, theoretically, build anything.

In all reality, nanotechnology is a global technological revolution that needs to be viewed and understood on a global scale. It's coming, and there's not a damned thing anyone can do to stop it, and if we deny this technology, it will be developed in secret, without the strictest controls possible -- and it could prove to be dangerous beyond all predictions.

It's already international.
India and China are at odds with each other regarding nano-research, with China going so far as to threaten an atomic response should India beat them to the completion of a functioning molecular or atomic assembler.

It will become the purest example of a Star Trek-type replicator.
What do you want?
The Hope diamond? I’ve got a tray of them right here. Have you seen our Mona Lisa collection?

And its potential as a weapon is incredible.
Assassination:
Install a door knob that is programmed to dismantle the third person who touches it.

Battlefield:
Nanite mines that disassemble soldiers, a manufactured leprosy that can be passed from victim to victim -- or to unsuspecting subjects, such as the disassembly of Cleveland, Ohio.

Just because the planet won’t be destroyed for a few more decades is no reason the idea wouldn’t be newsworthy.

So much hype? Possibly.

Airplanes were just so much hype a mere century ago, as were feasible high rises above 7 stories. Yes, the perceived applications for nano tech are sci-fi today, but with the invention of new technologies, that simply cannot be helped.

It would be nice to get the ball rolling and have science competitions opened at high school level, with one school sending a straight pin to another, the phrase “How's this?” inscribed on the head. The school might then get their pin back a week later and find the words “I’ve seen better” written in script in the dot of the ‘i’. I think that would be great. Others don’t. They prefer to be paid for their little tricks, so why not have an investing corporation, such as Xerox or IBM, post a reward for miniaturization on the molecular/atomic scale?

But then, how do you educate the public?

To my knowledge, we have only 3 schools that offer degrees in nano tech:
* Penn State
* Cranfield University
* Rice University

I know it ain’t much, but that’s about all I’ve got,
Dan