Engines of CreationIn this original book about the consequences of new technologies, Drexler takes the reader through exhilarating new discoveries and the promise of those around the corner. Beginning with the insight that what we can do depends on what we can build, Drexler analyzes nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. He makes a plausible case for expecting technological developments in artificial intelligence and molecular engineering that will result in tiny mechanisms being controlled by microscopic powerful thinking computers. He also explains how the new alternatives could be directed toward vital human concerns -- wealth or poverty, health or sickness, peace or war. ISBN 0-385-19972-4: $17.95. |
From inside the book
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Page 101
... damage a machine , so radia- tion and reactive fragments damage cells , both breaking molecular machines and gumming them up . If your cells could not repair themselves , damage would rapidly kill them or make them run amok by damaging ...
... damage a machine , so radia- tion and reactive fragments damage cells , both breaking molecular machines and gumming them up . If your cells could not repair themselves , damage would rapidly kill them or make them run amok by damaging ...
Page 107
... damage . This method will fail if two strands mutate in the same spot . Imag- ine that the DNA of three human cells has been heavily damaged— after thousands of mutations , each cell has had one in every million nucleotides changed ...
... damage . This method will fail if two strands mutate in the same spot . Imag- ine that the DNA of three human cells has been heavily damaged— after thousands of mutations , each cell has had one in every million nucleotides changed ...
Page 110
... damage from stroke will also be repairable : if reduced circulation has impaired function but left cell structures intact , then restore circulation and repair the cells , using their struc- tures as a guide in restoring the tissue to ...
... damage from stroke will also be repairable : if reduced circulation has impaired function but left cell structures intact , then restore circulation and repair the cells , using their struc- tures as a guide in restoring the tissue to ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
ability able active shields arms artificial intelligence atoms automated engineering systems bacteria basic Biochemists biostasis bonds brain build cell repair machines Chapter chemical chines complex computers copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices discussion due process Earth electronic energy Engines of Creation entropy enzymes Eric Drexler EURISKO evolution evolved experiments fact forum faster future genes genetic hardware human hypertext ideas imagine knowledge layer lightsails limits to growth living Marvin Minsky material mechanical memes mental million mind molecular machinery molecular machines molecular technology molecules nanocomputers nanomachines nanotechnology natural neural nuclear organisms patterns possible predict principles problem protein machines replicating assemblers ribosomes Richard Dawkins RNA molecules Robert Ettinger robots rockets science court scientific scientists seems simple simulation space speed spread survive synapses technical technology race tion tissue viruses vitrification