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. |
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Page 7
... enzymes , " read " certain DNA sequences as " cut here . " They read these genetic patterns by touch , by sticking to them , and they cut the chain by rearranging a few atoms . Other enzymes splice pieces together , reading matching ...
... enzymes , " read " certain DNA sequences as " cut here . " They read these genetic patterns by touch , by sticking to them , and they cut the chain by rearranging a few atoms . Other enzymes splice pieces together , reading matching ...
Page 8
... enzyme changes its target's structure , then moves on ; a hormone affects its target's behavior only so long as both remain stuck together . Enzymes and hormones can be described in mechani- cal terms , but their behavior is more often ...
... enzyme changes its target's structure , then moves on ; a hormone affects its target's behavior only so long as both remain stuck together . Enzymes and hormones can be described in mechani- cal terms , but their behavior is more often ...
Page 12
... enzymes to assem- ble new patterns of atoms . For example , they might make an enzyme- like machine which will add carbon atoms to a small spot , layer on layer . If bonded correctly , the atoms will build up to form a fine , flexible ...
... enzymes to assem- ble new patterns of atoms . For example , they might make an enzyme- like machine which will add carbon atoms to a small spot , layer on layer . If bonded correctly , the atoms will build up to form a fine , flexible ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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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