Nanotechnology Toolbox

A new way to make structures from folded RNA has been discovered. Nucleic acids previously have been used to make two dimensional arrays and three dimensional polygons. Now it appears they can make three dimensional arrays as well.

This is another tool in the toolbox of ways to make large structures out of molecules. It's worth noting that the researchers talk about "incorporating these nanomachines into nanodevices." In fact, one of their quotes sounds a lot like molecular manufacturing...

Living systems contain a wide variety of nanomachines and ordered structures, including motors, pumps and valves. Our research is devoted to making these machines function outside their native environment.

Molecular manufacturing promises high-performance materials, vast numbers of features, and amazingly cheap manufacturing. Biochemical and self-assembly approaches to nanotechnology can deliver significant fractions of these promises, as well as providing stepping-stones toward full molecular manufacturing.

Chris Phoenix

Comments

[Mike Deering]

Someone could make a ton of money from a relatively simple device. A nano-machine that cranks out an endless carbon nanotube fiber. If it were a multi-walled CNT that would be even better.

[Brett Bellmore]

I think a device which took in unregulated chemicals, and cranked out an endless supply of cocaine, would probably be a better money maker.

And you wouldn't have to declare the income! ;)

[Mike Deering]

Brett, I think you are mistaken. A spool of CNT fiber is more rare, more useful, and has a wider market than a bag of cocaine, and you don't risk prison.

[nano123]

Pleasure-stimulating neural implants that can be placed on the forehead like tape or even lotion might sell enormously, especially since they could be programmed to create hundreds of times as much pleasure as any drug on Earth, and for as long as the implants last. That could be weeks or months.

[ETC group]

ETC Group on nanotechnology: http://www.etcgroup.org/search.asp?theme=11

ETC Group is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable advancement of cultural and ecological diversity and human rights. To this end, ETC Group supports socially responsible developments in technologies useful to the poor and marginalized and it addresses governance issues affecting the international community. We also monitor the ownership and control of technologies, and the consolidation of corporate power.

[Janessa Ravenwood]

Oh, please. Spare me. The ETC Group is virulently anti-science and anti-technology and relies on shoddy "studies" to advance it's nakedly Luddite *political* agenda. You're not fooling anybody here.

I assume you're antinano, back here under a new handle.