November 2nd, 2007
Star makers
Abstract:
For example, nanotechnology may facilitate the development of von Neumann probes. As American physicist Richard Feynman observed in his seminal essay, 'There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom', there is nothing in the laws of physics to proscribe building armies of molecular-sized machines. At present, scientists have already built atomic-sized, entertaining curiosities, ranging from an atomic abacus with buckyballs to an atomic guitar with strings, measuring about 100 atoms across.
Paul Davies speculates on the idea that a spacefaring civilisation could make good use of nanotechnology to construct miniature probes to explore the galaxy, perhaps no bigger than the palm of your hand. "The tiny probes I'm talking about will be so inconspicuous that it's no surprise that we haven't come across one," he says. "It's not the sort of thing that you're going to trip over in your backyard. So if that is the way technology develops - namely, smaller, faster, cheaper - and if other civilisations have gone this route, then we could be surrounded by surveillance devices."
Source:
cosmosmagazine.com
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
Possible Futures
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024
Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024
Sensors
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024
Groundbreaking precision in single-molecule optoelectronics August 16th, 2024
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest: Rainfall induces bursts of natural nanoparticles that can form clouds and further precipitation over the Amazon rainforest November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Aerospace/Space
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Under pressure - space exploration in our time: Advancing space exploration through diverse collaborations and ethical policies February 16th, 2024
Bridging light and electrons January 12th, 2024
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||