Home > News > The Media Mirror - What's in the weekend’s Russian press?
July 28th, 2007
The Media Mirror - What's in the weekend’s Russian press?
Abstract:
"Rosnanotech Corporation", a state enterprise built on the principles of state capitalism now includes academic institutions like the Kurchatov Institute and both military and civilian research and development facilities.
The article says, nanotechnology will have to retract the path of most scientific developments of the 20th Century: through the defence industrial complex to everyday use by civilians. The first efforts are definitely concentrated in the weapons development, with an emphasis on "smart dust", a flying cloud of nano-sized robots loaded with high explosives which develop a sort of a "collective brain" akin to that of an anthill and are controlled by a single computer. The cloud of smart dust can split into several attack formations to deal with multiple targets, or decide by its collective brain that the whole quantity is needed to kill a target of a larger size and with better defences. It would be used in border patrol and against enemy infiltration.
Smart dust is just one of thousands of uses for nanotechnology in the military, but it is also the best developed so far, mainly in the U.S. and Russia, says the article. And even with this first program there are already problems of a moral nature. "Nobody knows so far how the collective brain of the cloud will behave, especially taking into account possible glitches in the control computer," quotes the article from one of the lead scientists of the project.
Source:
russiatoday.ru
Bookmark:
Possible Futures
Lifeboat publishes its first book: The Lifeboat Foundation has published its first book, "The Human Race to the Future: What Could Happen -- and What to Do" May 14th, 2013
UC Santa Barbara History Professor's Book Elucidates, Celebrates ‘Visioneers' May 14th, 2013
Conceptual Nanomedical Lipofuscin Removal Strategy April 29th, 2013
The Global Desalination Market 2013-2023 April 24th, 2013
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals
UofL scientists uncover how grapefruits provide a secret weapon in medical drug delivery May 22nd, 2013
Single-Cell Transfection Tool Enables Added Control for Biological Studies: McCormick researchers develop method of delivering molecules into targeted cells May 22nd, 2013
International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets May 21st, 2013
Rice unveils method for tailoring optical processors: Arranging nanoparticles in geometric patterns allows for control of light with light May 21st, 2013
Homeland Security
Flawed Diamonds Promise Sensory Perfection: Berkeley Lab researchers and their colleagues extend electron spin in diamond for incredibly tiny magnetic detectors May 10th, 2013
Secret of the Crystal's Corners: New Nanowire Structure Has Potential to Increase Semiconductor Applications: University of Cincinnati research describes discovery of a new structure that is a fundamental game changer in the physics of semiconductor nanowires April 23rd, 2013
Notre Dame study explores the potential benefits and threats of nanotechnology research January 25th, 2013
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Awarded $6.5 Million Grant to Develop Nano Thin Infrared Night Vision Glasses November 30th, 2012
Military
MU Researchers Develop Radioactive Nanoparticles that Target Cancer Cells: This is an early step toward developing therapies for metastasized cancers, MU scientist says May 21st, 2013
Using clay to grow bone: Researchers use synthetic silicate to stimulate stem cells into bone cells May 15th, 2013
Flawed Diamonds Promise Sensory Perfection: Berkeley Lab researchers and their colleagues extend electron spin in diamond for incredibly tiny magnetic detectors May 10th, 2013
Researcher Construct Invisibility Cloak for Thermal Flow: Copper-Silicon Plate Deflects Heat / Optical Process Transferred to Thermodynamics / Basis for Future Heat Management in Microchips and Components May 8th, 2013
Human Interest/Art
Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree: A nano end for Christmas tree needles January 2nd, 2013
INIC Inks MoU to Apply Nanotechnology in Iran's Carpet Industry December 18th, 2012
IBN Welcomes Its First 9-Year-Old ‘Scientist’: IBN and Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore Make Kidney Patient’s Dream Come True December 10th, 2012
The music of the silks: Researchers synthesize a new kind of silk fiber — and find that music can help fine-tune the material’s properties November 28th, 2012