The group is working to design a new substance than can function much like hemoglobin in blood cells, mimicking its ability to first pick up and then easily give up an oxygen atom. The new substance will carry information rather than oxygen. A third of the program was devoted to coverage of nanotechnology, in the form of an interview with author Ed Regis, whose book Nano was published earlier this year to mostly favorable reviews. The piece mentioned Eric Drexler, explained the principle of nanotechnology, and then considered the likely consequences, mainly in food production and the possible elimination of unskilled work. The consensus you perceive in media is biased, and tends to be extreme.
Academics have similar problems.
The idea is to have a fair way in which you can reward people who are good predictors and discourage people who are lousy predictors. Ten times smaller again, the individuals assert their identity, and a single defect can wreak havoc. Needless to say, quantum 'wires' are hard to build. All the speakers, who are listed elsewhere in this newsletter in coverage of the conference. We're grateful to Jon Garber of Connectix for donation of one of their marvelous little golf-ball sized video cameras, helping us move into the world of multimedia.