Dawn of the Nano-Age by: Jae Kim November 1, 2004

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Given that the Foresight Institute is a think tank with a focus on long-term theoretical possibilities, investors should visit Nanobusiness Alliance which focuses on advancing near term business applications.

(Sean Murdock, Nanobusiness Alliance. by Jae Kim, Nanalyze.com)

Sean Murdock, its Executive Director, discussed commercial nanotech opportunities. Showing a chart with varying predictions of nanotech's impact on the economy, he downplayed the discrepancies by stating, "Can you be a semi-conductor company leader in ten years without nanotechnology? The answer is no." He also addressed the unknown health concerns of nanotech by pointing out that there are health hazards in every kitchen cabinet.

But more importantly, he astutely described how asbestos is not a fair analogy of what can happen in an unregulated world. Asbestos was used and placed in buildings for forty years before its discovery as a major health hazard. Nanotech is embarking on its endeavor to change the world with industry watch dogs from the get-go.

(Chris Phoenix, by Crnano.org)

And speaking of watch dogs, the Center For Responsible Nanotechnology is a prime example. Chris Phoenix, research director, spoke confidently on the coming world of molecular nano-assemblers. He states, "I'd say 10-20 years. Maybe even 5-15. This is much more aggressive than many of the predictions from people who haven't studied it, but I think it's in line with many of the predictions from people who have." Although he states that it is still mostly ideas and theories, he believes, after studying nanotechnology for 15 years, that all the pieces of the puzzle will eventually come together. And given that belief, he is passionate about the need for his non-profit's guardian stance and mentality.

And there is value in the premise of his endeavor. It is to prevent another asbestos-type disaster. Because this time, it could occur on a global scale with much greater consequences. His organization strives to ensure that the great power that lies behind nanotechnology is used with correspondingly great responsibility.

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