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Microscopic Ethics By: Matthew Sparks

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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 Presentation

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Page 1: Microscopic Ethics

Microscopic Ethics

By: Matthew Sparks

Page 2: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 3: Microscopic Ethics

How small can we go? Since the 1970’s,

computers and their components have decreased in size at least every 6 months

Page 4: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 5: Microscopic Ethics

Uses in Medical Fields Biotechnology

Surgery

Drugs

Diagnostics

Medical Robotics

Page 6: Microscopic Ethics

Biotechnology The application of the principles

and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences

Limiting and delivering stem cells

Gene Therapy

Page 7: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 8: Microscopic Ethics

Surgery cont. Some nanomachines

used as “white blood cells”

Viruses and bacteria cannot develop any kind of immunity

Page 9: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 10: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 11: Microscopic Ethics

Medical Robots Can be effective in almost any part of human

body

Mouthwash

Skin Cream

Immune System

Directed targeting of infected or diseased areas

Page 12: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 13: Microscopic Ethics

Issues cont. Long term risks

Self-Replication

Gray-goo scenario

Invisible tracking and recording devices

Bioterrorism

Page 14: Microscopic Ethics

Issues cont. How much will it cost?

Separation of those who can afford nanomedicine and who cannot?

Gene therapy

Altering DNA in unborn children

Page 15: Microscopic Ethics

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?

Page 16: Microscopic Ethics

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

Page 17: Microscopic Ethics

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?

Page 18: Microscopic Ethics

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