Essay Abstract
We currently find ourselves in the midst of a complex multifaceted convergence of momentous challenges, which culminate to an overarching question; how will humanity continue to survive and flourish in the face of the many seemingly intractable forces that threaten to severely hobble, or perhaps even extinguish us as a species? The still nascent discipline of nanotechnology comprises a rapidly evolving and fundamentally disruptive and enabling set of capabilities that have extremely strong prospects for imparting extensive and primarily positive impacts on virtually every sector and aspect of human societal life on a global scale. We propose that the advent of molecular manufacturing (MM), coupled with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), which would utilize molecular and atomic feedstocks to fabricate practically any consumer product imaginable via "factory-at-home" systems (including foods) has the capacity to initiate dramatic paradigm shifts across human society. In essence, for the human species and all of its current constructs, nanotechnology may attain the status of a "grand equalizer". Concomitantly, nanomedicine holds great potential for the development of advanced medical procedures that may, in the not too distant future, negate the requirement of invasive surgeries, eradicate practically every disease state and condition brought on by pathogens, toxins or microorganisms, and finally conquer the disease of aging. Though it may sound somewhat naïve or utopianist, the authors envisage that advanced nanomedicine might serve as a beneficial and benevolent facilitator toward the eventual attainment of health care homeostasis/equilibrium globally; enabling access to beneficial advanced medical technologies for those in remote regions and the developing world, while significantly reducing medical expenditures in the developed world. With the proviso that these sophisticated technologies will indeed come to fruition, a central question pertains to their acceptance by humanity in the interests of our cumulative survival and robust prosperity.
Author Bio
Frank Boehm has been involved with nanotechnology and especially nanomedicine since 1996. He has recently generated a new book entitled: Nanomedical Device and Systems Design: Challenges, Possibilities, Visions, for CRC Press(Taylor & Francis) Angelika Domschke is a visionary and scientist with 20 years of experience, at the forefront of innovation in biomedical devices for large medical device companies and start-ups. She holds a Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry and has extensive expertise in program management, from concept to product launch. She has been awarded 26 patents, which generated significant revenue encompassing medical devices, nanosensors, implants, and materials testing methods.