In this issue NanoNews-Now Editor Rocky Rawstern and contributing writers Mike Treder cover Molecular Nanotechnology (MNT). Join us as we review small matters.

Here are a few selected quotes:

MNT represents the state of the art in advances in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics. The major research objectives in MNT are the design, modeling, and fabrication of molecular machines and molecular devices. The emergence of MNT - both infant and mature - has numerous social, legal, cultural, ethical, religious, philosophical and political implications.
Rocky Rawstern, Editor Nanotechnology Now

Researchers believe LMNT can produce most of the desired medical devices, advanced materials, and product innovation goals sought after today and will be significantly easier to accomplish. It must be emphasized, therefore, that LMNT's narrowed technological focus still enables a wide range of extraordinary applications, and many of the claims made for the disruptive effects of MNT are still valid.
Mike Treder, Executive Director - Center for Responsible Nanotechnology

The commonly mentioned downsides of any new technology (nanotech is not unique in this sense) are environmental impact, personal health hazards and resulting economic disparity. At the risk of misunderstanding and trivializing the question with respect to the dangers or downsides--both kitchen appliances and automobiles have a marked history of accident and death. But most agree they've yielded far greater nonzero sum benefits to society than they've cost it.
Josh Wolfe, co-founder and Managing Partner of Lux Capital, and author of "The Nanotech Report" and the monthly "Forbes/Wolfe Nanotech Report"

A technology which has, as its primary advantage, an ability to create abundance, carries within it the potential to create problems invulnerable to simplistic solutions. Like genies let loose from the bottle, they are almost impossible to control. We can't solve traffic congestion by reducing the speed of traffic to 10 KM/Hr. Nor can we solve obesity by reducing the shelves in the supermarket, or Spam by making it difficult and costly to send e-mail.
Peter de Jager - Keynote Speaker & Consultant & Writer. Columns in: Computerworld Canada/Event Horizons & ABA Banking Journal/Managing Change & Technology

Our Exclusive Interview with Professor D. M. Berube (DMB), Ph.D, Professor of Rhetoric and Communication Studies, University of South Carolina.

Here is one question and answer:

NN: Regarding the likelihood that sooner or later someone will develop MNT: If you could gather all the leaders, decision-makers, politicians and opinion-shapers from around the world and speak to them collectively, what points would you make?

DMB: Do less harm than good. Treat everyone with intrinsic worth and value. Invest in long-term scientific research since the free market does that poorly. Regulate as a last resort. Bans aren't solution but expression of failure. Listen to as many voices as you can. Participation is a process. What are the greatest challenges facing the creation of the products necessary for the "soldier system of the future?"

Our Exclusive Interview with Vic Peña, CEO, nanoTITAN, Inc., and Member of the PCAST Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group (NTAG).

Here is one question and answer:

NN: Please talk about some of the social, legal, cultural, ethical, religious, philosophical and political implications of molecular nanotechnology (MNT).

VP: I believe that molecular nanotechnology will profoundly impact the entire socio-economic-technological spectrum of the human experience for the betterment of all humankind. This profound impact will be progressive, with increasing promise to improve the lives of humankind.