Microscopic Ethics

By: Matthew Sparks

History

• In 1959, Richard Feynman proposed an idea that we could manipulate things as small as atoms or molecules, we just do not have the ability to do so yet.

•Said we should be able to create machines that can arrange or rearrange atoms and molecules however we want

How small can we go?

Since the 1970’s, computers and their components have decreased in size at least every 6 months

What is Nanotechnology?

Improvement of all human biological systems from the molecular level

Preserving and improving human health using molecular tools

Employment of molecular machine systems to address medical problems

Uses in Medical Fields

Biotechnology

Surgery

Drugs

Diagnostics

Medical Robotics

Biotechnology

The application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences

Limiting and delivering stem cells

Gene Therapy

Surgery

Absolute noninvasive surgery

No risk of scars or outside influence

Doctor never even has to actually touch the patient

Construct new, or repair organs from the inside

Surgery cont.

Some nanomachines used as “white blood cells”

Viruses and bacteria cannot develop any kind of immunity

Drugs Can be administered

through a regular syringe

Thousands can be administered at one time, for one, or many treatments

Can construct, or deconstruct molecules to treat, or destroy

Diagnostics

Diagnostic nanobots can take measurements, track certain cells, bacteria, etc.

Transmit data back to doctors Nanocameras take images of healthy

and/or damaged cells Can determine if other nanobots present

should act

Medical Robots Can be effective in almost any part of human

body

Mouthwash

Skin Cream

Immune System

Directed targeting of infected or diseased areas

Ethical Issues

Not enough extensive work yet

Nanobots may be so small they can pass through membranes within the body

Blood-brain barrier

Not known if nanobots toxic to humans

Issues cont.

Long term risks

Self-Replication

Gray-goo scenario

Invisible tracking and recording devices

Bioterrorism

Issues cont.

How much will it cost?

Separation of those who can afford nanomedicine and who cannot?

Gene therapy

Altering DNA in unborn children

Transhumanism Transition from normal human,

to one with enhanced abilities due to genetic enhancements

Next step in human evolution?

Longer life spans – overpopulation

Eliminate disease, but eliminating humanity?

And in Conclusion…

Overall positive benefits would help humans in eliminating disease and better health

Negatives could be catastrophic, not only to oneself, but to the world

What do you think?

Better for humanity, or a downfall? Would there still be a distinction

between man and machine? Or another category?

Could nanotechnology be controlled to only pertain to the good aspects?

Who should be the ones that receive the nanomedicinal treatments?

References Berger, M. (2008, January 9). Ethical aspects of nanotechnology in

medicine. Retrieved from http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=3938.php

Bonsor, K., & Strickland, J. (2007). Nanotechnology challenges, risks and ethics. How Nanotechnology Works, Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology5.htm

Davidson, Keay. (2005). Big troubles may lurk in super-tiny tech / nanotechnology experts say legal, ethical issues loom. Chronicle Science Writer, Retrieved from http://articles.sfgate.com/2005-10-31/news/17396870_1_foresight-nanotech-institute-nanotechnology-industry-nanomaterials

Freitas Jr., R. A. (1999). Nanomedicine, volume i: basic capabilities. Retrieved from http://www.nanomedicine.com/NMI.htm

Keating, E. L. (1999). A brief history of nanotechnology. Unpublished raw data, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/cola/progs/sts/the-nano-future/science/a-brief-history-of-nanotechnology.php

Lenhert, S. (2002). A brief history of nanotechnology. Retrieved from http://www.nanoword.net/pages/history.htm