1. Microscopic Ethics
By: Matthew Sparks

2. 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

3. How small can we go?
Since the 1970’s, computers and their components have decreased in size at least every 6 months

4. 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

5. Uses in Medical Fields Biotechnology Surgery Drugs Diagnostics
Medical Robotics

6. Biotechnology
The application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences
Limiting and delivering stem cells
Gene Therapy

7. 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

8. Surgery cont. Some nanomachines used as “white blood cells”
Viruses and bacteria cannot develop any kind of immunity

9. 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

10. 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

11. Medical Robots Can be effective in almost any part of human body
Mouthwash
Skin Cream
Immune System
Directed targeting of infected or diseased areas

12. 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

13. Issues cont. Long term risks Self-Replication Gray-goo scenario
Invisible tracking and recording devices
Bioterrorism

14. Issues cont. How much will it cost?
Separation of those who can afford nanomedicine and who cannot?
Gene therapy
Altering DNA in unborn children

15. 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?

16. 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

17. 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?

18. References
Berger, M. (2008, January 9). Ethical aspects of nanotechnology in medicine. Retrieved from
Bonsor, K., & Strickland, J. (2007). Nanotechnology challenges, risks and ethics. How Nanotechnology Works, Retrieved from
Davidson, Keay. (2005). Big troubles may lurk in super-tiny tech / nanotechnology experts say legal, ethical issues loom. Chronicle Science Writer, Retrieved from
Freitas Jr., R. A. (1999). Nanomedicine, volume i: basic capabilities. Retrieved from
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
Lenhert, S. (2002). A brief history of nanotechnology. Retrieved from