microscopic ethics
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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. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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