Most transhuman thinkers, speakers and writers recognize the great promise that nanotechnology holds for one day allowing us to enhance our bodies and our environment. Nanotech may allow for the creation of super-strong materials, tiny machines that can repair damage in the body, and even devices that can build anything out of the building blocks of matter.
If you’re interested in introducing someone to transhuman ideas, a grasp of nanotechnology is helpful. The wonderful people at “HowStuffWorks” have developed an article on “How Nanotechnology Works” in which they explain the nano scale, nanowires and carbon nanotubes, modern products that use nanotechnology, potential future applications, and a section on “challenges, risks and ethics.”
Of course, in classic HowStuffWorks fashion, the writers are able to cover some pretty deep territory here without overwhelming the reader. Pass it along to your friends and family whose eyes glaze over when you start talking about nanites, replicators and the like.
Edit 11/10/09: Fixed a redundant phrase I’d used twice. That’s what I get for posting right before bed.