molecular electronics....the REAL future of computing

[zskillz]

I just got the new Wired, and was pleased to see an article on moletronics (molecular electronics)... I just thought that i would bring it to peoples attention that it is more likely that this is the immediate future of computing. At least, that's what I think. I'm especially excited about this since I have a chem major and CS/math minors, so this field could end up being a wonderful outlet for me...
oh well, just thought that I'd share, if anyone has any coool links about this stuff, please post them as it is an amazing topic.
thanks
-Z

[tonym]

zskillz,

Molecular or nanotechnology is going to be the most important area of semiconductor research and manufacture in the near future! Work and research done now is seminal to the future direction and success of this technology!!!

A really good site with lots of links is: http://www.zyvex.com/nano/.

Another site to keep tabs on semiconductor and VLSI and ULSi research is http://www-mtl.mit.edu/semisubway.html. It is a very useful site!

I have several customers that I am presently doing research with and some *very preliminary* product research in the area of nanotechnology. *I* believe it has far more potential than the microtechnology that fuels our computer revolution.

It offers many possibilities -- nanomachines that can replicate themselves and then construct a "factory" to process materials for fuel or medicines or help break down hazardous/toxic chemicals (dioxin, e.g.). Machines that can be injected into the bloodstream and control the insulin level or cholesterol or ??. They can battle cancer on a molecular scale or even repair tissue damage as it occurs (particulary in the brain and eyes).

These nanomachines also offer a very great potential in space exploration and travel. They combine science-fiction possibilities with real world potential. Nanomachines sent to some other planet/world in a very small spaceraft, allowing very high accelerations/travel speeds...then able to relpicate themselves (using the materials available) upon arrival and then conduct "intelligent" experiments at the site of arrival! And then return with the results in a reasonable (10's of years versus hundreds of centuries) time-frame.

Exciting stuff. I think nanotechnology will be the "fountain of youth" breakthrough that will allow us to basically live as long as we please...not necessarily *forever*, but certainly greater than 250 years! And yes, there are a lot of ethical and societial issues that must be chewed on before the fullest potential of nanotechnology in relation to humanity can be expolited.

Simply put, if you choose this area as your career, you will be in the most exciting and most cutting-edge technology with the best promise of positive results for humankind!


Tony

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 06-11-2000).]

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 06-11-2000).]

[CMonster]

Resistance is futile. You will all be assimilated.

[zskillz]

thanks Tony,
I totally agree!
-Z
btw, that second link doesn't seem to be working correctly for me

[tonym]

Z,

Try it now. **** period in the URL!!!


Tony