Future nanotech weapons will disable, not kill

By Dick Pelletier

            When scientists discovered that sickle-cell anemia could be cured by using nanotech to relocate a single amino acid in the blood that had erroneously wandered out of place, researchers from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency took notice.

            DARPA scientists realized that nanobots – launched in the form of invisible, odorless, "space dust” – could alter a single amino acid in an enemy’s spinal cord rendering him temporarily incapacitated. Our soldiers (or robots) could then win battles without firing a shot.

            In addition, researchers believe DNA-specific devices could be created that would target only a single person. Osama bin-Laden, for example, could be located by showering an entire country or region with billions of nanobots searching only for his DNA. On contact these ‘bots would alter his brain creating an irresistible desire for him to surrender.

            Military strategists believe these futuristic weapons will change the face of war forever. Rather than risking lives by attacking an enemy who could respond, soldiers will simply wait for their adversary to fall "asleep” before moving in. Future war tactics, experts say, will no longer focus on which buildings to destroy, but which individuals to incapacitate – with virtually no collateral damage.

            Eric Drexler, the "father” of nanotechnology, had this to say: "It is my hope that we gain such an overwhelming advantage that we dominate our adversaries in combat without causing anyone serious harm (beyond extreme frustration).”

            Nanotech promises near-perfect construction of everything in our lives from clothing and personal gadgets to buildings and houses. But experts know that as this miracle technology can assemble, it can also be programmed to disassemble.

            At a recent nanotech conference, Retired Admiral David Jeremiah said: "Weapons of minuscule destruction could disassemble matter with the same alacrity that nanomachines brought to building it.” With Admiral Jeremiah’s inspiration, we have already developed prototype paint bombs, filled with disassembling nanobots that literally "eat” metal and can leave an enemy tank only a shadow of its former self.

            Most experts believe these new, non-lethal weapons of war are heading us in the right direction. Capturing without killing is much more humane, and there’s a huge plus – many of DARPA’s research efforts will spill over into the private sector and help this wonder technology create huge benefits for consumers.

            Futurists predict by 2025, nanotech assemblers – similar to Star Trek replicators – will begin popping up in kitchens everywhere. We will order any products we desire – appliances, TVs, clothing, and food – all at little or no cost.

            And the National Institutes of Health foresees the most powerful benefit of all: cell-repair machines roaming through our bodies preventing illnesses before they start. This miracle, NIH predicts, could arrive by 2030 or before.

            Clearly the road to nanotech winds around unexpected and sometimes even dangerous turns. But potential benefits are so huge, we absolutely must go forward. Extreme caution and brilliant logic will be required by all to insure safe arrival and control of this amazing technology.

            Here comes the future, gang – get ready to live the magic.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome