Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 1 1
Alexander Anderson
George Mason University
IT 103 – Sect. 010
March 2nd, 2015
IT 103 Research Paper: Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation
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Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 2
Abstract
This paper focuses on Nanotechnology with the implications of this technology towards the field
of Medicine and advanced technology. It provides a glimpse into the physical changes that can
occur in humans and their tools by using this technology. Another objective was to define and
explain some of the benefits and disadvantages of this emerging technology, and the ethical
implications, and complications as well. Furthermore, this papers holds the consensus that this
advanced technology could hold the key for all technical advancements of the 21st century,
especially pertaining to the ability of medical field and for our species to achieve true
transhumanism.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, Human Augmentation, Transhumanism, Nanochips, Prosthetics,
Neural Augmentation, Moore’s Law, Nanomedicine, Cybernetic Augmentation, Bioethics,
Biological Engineering, Cloning, Genetic Modification, Nanocircuitry, Nanodrugs, Dip-pen
Nanolithography®, Carbon Nanotubes, Buckminsterfullerene, Quantum Dots, Nanocrystals,
Nanobiology, Nanocomputers.
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 3
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation
Nanotechnology “is the science and technology of small things in particular things that are
less than 100nm in size. One nanometer is 10-9 meters or about 3 atoms long (Rathbun,
"What is Nanotechnology?" NNIN, 2005).” As stated above by the National Nanotechnology
Infrastructure Network, Nanotechnology is technology that is reduced from traditional sized
technology into the atomic level, with more space and reduced components it enables faster use
and other abilities. Many forms of our current technology, from laptops to toys employ aspects
or technology resulting from it. Future “nano” applications, can focus on the Biomedical field1
.
Within this medical application Nanotechnology can incorporate the idea of Human
Augmentation: increasing the exploration of knowledge of upgrading the human body to levels
beyond normal human capacity2
. An example of Human Augmentation today would be using
Nanochip implants in eyes of the blind.3
Background
Nanotechnology was a term originally used by Norio Taniguchi in 1974 to making products and
materials to atomic-scale dimensions using machines, i.e. Nano sized objects (NNI R& D). An
important milestone within this area is Moore’s Law4
, This law accepted by experts has been
followed almost uncannily to the current date. The discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C60)5
a
carbon molecule discovered at Rice University (NNI R& D), was a significant breakthrough for
1
(e.g Nanotechnology created drug delivery systems, as listed in the Handbook of Nanomedicine.)(Jane, 2008
2
“In the context of engineering, human enhancement can be defined as the application of technology to overcome physical or mental limitations
of the body, resulting in the temporary or permanent augmentation of a person’s abilities and features.” – (Stewart, 2013).
3 ARGUS II, a bionic eye implanted on Sept. 3rd 2014. The implant is able to transmit sight to allow the user to see in functional ways like
recognizing shapes, and being able to read certain images (Shah, 2014). It is expected that by 2017 this field will develop better versions and
possibly more camera-free options with retinal implants with greater capabilities. (Shah, "First Bionic Eye Implants", 2014(Miah, 2011)
4
a rule stating that transistors inside computers would double every 12 months; later updated to say 18-24 months according to NNI R& D
website and the Encyclopedia Britannica Definition. See Footnote 9, for exact quotes.
5 This C60 molecule is significant in its extremely strong, and one of the primary molecules being used in Nanotechnology. (NNI R&D)
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 4
this technology. In the early 1990’s came the discovery of Carbon Nanotubes6
(NNI R& D).
These discoveries lead researchers to find a way to create Quantum Dots also known as
Nanocrystals7
(NNI R& D). It is important to note that Quantum Dots make Nano-chips/etc.,
viable and possible. One of the more recent technologies created was Dip-pen
Nanolithography® (DPN®)8
. We now have the ability to create electronic circuits by writing at
the Nanolevel. This opens up other avenues in Nanoencryption and biomaterials (NNI R&D).
The most recent achievement was in 2013, when the first carbon Nanotube computer was created
by NNI R&D (NNI R&D). Today, there are many manufactured products that have used
Nanotechnology in their development. The highlighted history is a glimpse into the future use of
Nanotechnology9
.
Potential Benefits
Fitting more information into smaller places provides additional space, better heating, and
creates new applications. Some of the broad applications of Nanotechnology include, using
Nanotube wires to improve electrical efficiency, reduce cost, and rate usage in addition to
decreasing computer hard drives toward smaller phone hard drives. Nanotechnology also has
potentially endless applications in the Nanomedicine field. As technology becomes smaller it
opens many new avenues of medical treatment and prevention. Here is a list of Nanomedical
applications many of which are listed by the Handbook of Nanomedicine and by Binns in 2010,
6 These tubes have been shown to have extreme strength that provide efficient electrical distributions that handle thermal conductivity well. (NNI
R& D).
7 These quantum dots act like artificial atoms and have significant electrical implications in the field of technology. (Sigma-Aldrich, "Quantum
Dots", 2012) (Nanowerk, 2015).
8 “Dip pen nanolithography (DPN) relies on the power of the atomic force microscope to pattern directly on a range of substances with a variety
of "inks". – (Web Stanford, “Dip Pen Nanolithography”, 1999)
9 Moore’s Law,” described the density of transistors on an integrated chip (IC) doubling every 12 months (later amended to every 2 years).
Moore also saw chip sizes and costs shrinking with their growing functionality—with a transformational effect on the ways people live and
work”.- (NNI R&D).
Moore’s law- “In 1965 Gordon E. Moore observed that the number of transistors on a computer chip was doubling about every 18–24 months.
As shown in the logarithmic graph of the number of transistors on Intel’s processors at the time of their introduction, his “law” is still being
obeyed”- (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013)”
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 5
with added descriptions and examples see footnote10
. The list contains items such as “NanoEndoscopy, Nanotech-based drugs, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering, Nanorobotic
Vascular Surgery, Nanoimaging, Artificial Organs, Nanodiagnostics, and Nanocoated Stents”
(Jain, 2008)10
. These applications include the most promising aspect towards Human
Augmentation2
; improving human biology beyond our natural human capabilities, (essentially,
we upgrade/augment ourselves). Another important idea relating to this type of advancement is
Transhumanism; that is best defined by the Oxford Dictionary11
. With Nanomedicine,
Transhumanism is achievable, if not desirable. Some critics cite LASIK Eye Surgery as being a
Transhumanist application because it provides subhuman eyesight (i.e. better than 20/20).
Ethical / Legal
Patents protect the use of Nanotechnology. An important ethical question associated with a
patent, Is it is legal to change the human body, its genes, or functions? Some opponents of
Artificial Organs do not believe they should be used because of natural selection or a religious
belief in “God’s” Will. This concern could apply to all artificial enhancements and be objecting
on many different levels besides religious concerns; the future of the human race and other valid
health reasons. Ethical implications relate to technologies using Nanosized listening bugs or
other similar devices. These new biological capabilities can also create issues in standard care,
not only in our society but also in less developed countries where signal infrastructures is
primitive. For instance, a pacemaker that cannot reach a synchronous signal could malfunction.
10 “Nano-Endoscopy” (i.e. instead of using the traditional Endoscope or Barium Swallow); “Nanotech-based drugs” (e.g. Chemotherapy using
Nanotechnology), “Regenerative Medicine” (e.g. Anabolic Nanobites helping with muscle growth) ;”Tissue Engineering” using Nanosized bots
to be able to use “Exosomes from donor Dendritic Cells” for drug -free organ transplants (i.e. to prevent organ rejection); Vascular Surgery by
way of Nanorobots introduced intravenously; “Nanorobotic Treatments” - (e.g. treat scrap or burns); “Nanoimaging” (e.g. using Nanobots to
take internal pictures similar to a capsule Endoscopy); “Nanopumps” and other improved delivery systems for drugs. “Implants that use Bioimplantable sensors” that connect electronics and Neurological Systems (e.g. chip in brain to help memory or cognitive reasoning); “Artificial
Organs” that are Rejection-Resistant tissues, (e.g. made from non-biological materials or semi-permeable biologically grown and technologically
infused); “Nanodiagnostics” (i.e. finding out people's sickness by way of Molecular Diagnostic Testing); “Nano-coated stents” in Coronary
Arteries (i.e. Stents made to prevent clotting)(Keywords from Jain, 2008), other concepts from my understanding of (Binn, 2010) and (Mody,
2012).
11 “The belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and
technology.”- (Oxford Dictionary).
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 6
This technology could also create new challenges for privacy. What if hackers or governmental
agencies review or interfere with information received from someone with Bionic Eyes? These
arguments against the use of Nanotechnology are similar in scope to the Abortion debate or the
backlash against Human Cloning practices, even though these practices may provide useful
insight for the health community should they be used12? There are also opponents against genetic
modification of plants that think they are poisonous or unhealthy. The FDA has found no such
health hazard findings and treats the genetically altered plants with the same health standards as
traditional plants (FDA, 2014). These similar issues will continue to grow and the ethical and
legal complications will lead to further conflict as supported by Miah’s article and others cited.
Security Concerns
The Security concerns of Nanotechnology pertain to current conventional weapons, biologically
created ones, and many more by means of Nanotechnological production (Drege, 2013). Security
concerns in the field of Nanomedicine can relate to artificial organs or any implanted systems.
As seen in Vice President Dick Cheney, there was fear of his implanted pacemaker becoming
compromised and someone inducing a Cardiac Arrhythmia (Kloeffler, 2013). The same concept
could apply to any artificial implant received. If there are transceivers in such systems they
could be hacked, interfered with, malfunction. Furthermore, with new technologies new forms
of hacking may arise13
, Also if an Electronic Magnetic Pulse wave or large magnets, came into
contact with said electronic organs/nanobots/other devices it could cause them to malfunction,
whether by design or by accident14
.
Social Problems
12 (e.g. Stem Cells from Aborted Babies, Cloned Organs for Transplants)
13 (e.g. Biological weapons like a Nanovirus - using small “nanobites” could wreak havoc on people's immune systems or computers others like
Nano Created nuclear weapons could also create issues (Pamlin, 2015)(Drege, 2013).
14 (e.g. Nuclear tests, Large Industrial Magnets).
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 7
New, faster smaller digital glasses, or new Nanocoated solar panels are unlikely to cause any
social problems and may receive significant support. The issues arise when upgrading, or
changing the body. Black Market commodities could arise if opponents object to human testing.
Social issues could also arise when more fully artificial humans change their appearance or
functions. If this happens, there may be reverse discrimination on those who have not undergone
similar changes not only on those who elect changes. We already have artificial limbs and
prosthetic devices, but they are not as advanced as they could be. Other social issues like
bombings of Artificial Enhancement Clinics could occur; similar to the bombings of Abortion
clinics. The fragile ecosystems of the world could face further strain due to the advancement of
medicine, and the further increased life spans.
Further Required Research
In the large field of Nanotechnology with its limitless applications the most promising and
important field (in my opinion), is Nanomedicine. This area will improve quality of life, cure
diseases, and expand lifespans. Once we achieve these goals we can begin to focus more
research on advanced applications like artificial bodies, complex organs, and more effective
surgeries. Before these giant steps, we can take smaller steps. Learning more about our
biological systems and human anatomy with Nanomedicine will allow the development of
adaptable prosthetics and beyond. With these new discoveries we can learn to make leeway
towards creating amazing technologies that improve our daily life using Nanotechnology.
Conclusion
Nanotechnology with the idea of super, atom sized electronic systems is one of the most, if not
the most important fields of study our generation has ever embarked on. The field alone was
estimated at 114 billion in Nanomedicine in the State of California; no question Nanomedicine is
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 8
emerging and will continue to grow (CHI, 2011). These trends of human enhancement are no
longer fiction, they are a reality. The real question is, how far will, we advance. Whether it is
upgrading our own biological systems, our cell phones, one thing is for sure, our technologies
will continue to become smaller and more efficient in the foreseeable future. This is in large part
due to the discovery of Nanotechnology with its ingenious researchers, pursuing unthinkable
fringe sciences like Nanotech.
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 9
References
Binns, C. (2010). Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.
Retrieved February 20th from
http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.mutex.gmu.edu/book/-
/9781118017067/firstchapter
This book, accessible online through George Mason University Library, was a great book
to look through for an overview of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology. It summarizes both
topics, yet focuses more on Nanomedicine. It is a great source to quote from. In text
citation (Binns, 2010).
California Biomedical Industry 2011 Report - State of California (2011) Retrieved from
http://www.chi.org/uploadedFiles/2011%20CA%20Biomed%20Industry%20Report_FIN
AL.pdf
This state government journal showed a viable statistic in the Nanomedical industry that I
referenced. It also provided reasons for monetary input in the Biomedical industry, worth
114 billion in the State of California, in 2011. In text citation (CHI, 2011).
Cheap Nanostructured Solar Cells Made With Carbon Quantum Dots From Shrimp Shells -
Queen Mary University of London & Nanowerk. (2015, February 19). Retrieved February
26, 2015, from http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news/newsid=39115.php
Information from this article was useful to formulate knowledge on Quantum Dots, their
application and uses. When researching Nanotechnologies history, the dots were
continuously mentioned which lead me to seek additional sources. In text
citation (Nanowerk, 2015).
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 10
Definition of Transhumanism - Oxford. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2015, from
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/transhumanism
This article gives a concise definition of Transhumanism that I referenced. It is by far the
best definition that I came across in my research. I was surprised to find out that I could
write an entire paper just on Transhumanism with the information that I found. In text
citation (Oxford Dictionary).
Dip Pen Nanolithography- Web Stanford. (1999, January 1). Retrieved February 20, 2015, from
http://web.stanford.edu/group/mota/education/Physics%2087N%20Final%20Projects/Gro
up%20Alpha%20v2/dpn.html
This article is used in a footnote to define the technology DPN. It gives further
insight into how the DPN process works and the possible implications of the Nanoprintable technique owned by trademark. In text citation (Web Stanford, "Dip Pen
Nanolithography", 1999).
Drege, S. (2015, February 18). Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology 'Threaten Civilization'
Retrieved February 20, 2015, from
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/18/artificial-intelligencenanotechnology-risks-human-civilisation
The article is written by the Guardian and talks about the risks of Nanotechnology and
the implications it has on human civilization. Although this influenced some of my
opinions towards this technology I tried to balance them objectively. I also quoted the
report listed by the Guardian, which was an complete report expounding on the future
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 11
threats, two of those being Nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. In text
citation (Drege, 2015).
Jain, K (2008). The Handbook of Nanomedicine (pp.1-403). Totowa, N.J.: Humana Press.
Available from Springer. Retrieved from
http://link.springer.com.mutex.gmu.edu/book/10.1007%2F978-1-60327-319-0
This book available online from George Mason University Library, was the best source
for information about Nanomedicine available. It really delved deep into the actual
possible applications. I plan to actually read the entire book in my free time, even though
it covers almost the entire field of Nanomedicine. It does need to be updated from 2008
to include current technologies; highlighting new trends and rates, including processing
and specific Human Augmentation capabilities. Sadly, we have not yet reached full
implementation of all the capabilities listed; when we will reach them is still unknown;
which were mentioned in the paper. In text citation (Jain, 2008).
Kloeffler, D., & Shaw, A. (2013, October 19). Dick Cheney Feared Assassination Via Medical
Device Hacking: 'I Was Aware of the Danger' Retrieved February 20, 2015, from
http://abcnews.go.com/US/vice-president-dick-cheney-feared-pacemakerhacking/story?id=20621434
This article goes on to support the idea of hacking into intelligence gathered from
artificial organs or technologies that help regulate the systems of the body. This idea
correlates to other Human Enhancement issues. The article illustrates a large public case.
The article also displays the possible adverse security concerns with future technologies.
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 12
These ideas were useful for the paper with a relevant case study. In text
citation (Kloeffler, 2013).
Miah, A. (2011, January 1). Ethics Issues Raised by Human Enhancement - OpenMind.
Retrieved February 20, 2015, from https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/article/ethicsissues-raised-by-human-enhancement/?fullscreen=true
This article goes on to explain in depth, ethical dilemmas of Human Enhancement along
with its potential. It’s hard to describe all of the information given. I used very little
information from it because there was too much information to condense for this section
of the paper. If you are interested, I highly recommend reading it. (Miah, 2011)
Mody V. Nanomedicine. Chronicles Of Young Scientists [serial online]. January 2012;3(1):1-2.
Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.mutex.gmu.edu/ehost/detail/detail?sid=c907f4e6-977f-493cb05ba370ca183cbf%40sessionmgr198&vid=0&hid=114&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z
SZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=74234152
This was an online published article I used for my first IT 210 assignment. I skimmed
through it for material earlier on. Although I gained a little information, it was very
difficult to understand. (Mody, 2012)
Moore's Law |Computer Science Encyclopedia Britannica. (2013, September 22). Retrieved
February 15, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/705881/Mooreslaw
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 13
I used this article to define Moores Law; even though I found other definitions I, wanted
the most credible definition. As noted in my paper, the length of Moores Law vary from
source to source. This source included different numbers than the NNI did, which is a
Nanotechnology firm sponsored by the United States Government. In text
citation (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013)
Nanotechnology Timeline NNI R&D U.S. Gov. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2015, from
http://www.nano.gov/timeline
This website was instrumental to learn about Nanotechnology, its inception and
development. Information used for the paper outlines the subjects listed or referenced on
this website. Coincidentally, before writing this paper I had learned from another
Information Technology class that Moore’s Law intertwined with Nanotechnology. This
website is run by the National Nanotechnology Initiative; a United States sponsored R&D
organization. In text citation (NNI R& D).
Pamlin, D., & Dr. Armstrong, S. (2015, February 1). 12 Risks That Threaten Human Civilization
- Global Challenges Report. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from
http://globalchallenges.org/publications/globalrisks/about-the-project/
This scholarly article is referenced in the Guardian Nanotech article (Drege, 2013). I
read this article to add to some of my examples in my paper. This article helped me
understand more complex ideas regarding this technology and the impact this technology
can have on today’s world. In text citation (Pamlin, 2015).
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 14
Quantum Dots - Sigma Aldrich. (2012, January 1). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/materials-science/nanomaterials/quantum-dots.html
I used information from this website to formulate knowledge on the application and the
use of Quantum Dots. When researching Nanotechnology history I noticed that the
Quantum Dots mentioned frequently would require me to look at additional research
from other sources. This website is run by a company which creates Quantum Dots and
other similar technologies. In text citation (Sigma-Aldrich, "Quantum Dots", 2012).
Rathbun, L., & Heally, N. (2005, January 1). What is Nanotechnology? - NNIN. Retrieved
February 18, 2015, from http://www.nnin.org/news-events/spotlights/whatnanotechnology
This website is a research site, dedicated to Nanotechnology. It does a great job of
defining what Nanotechnology is. In my quest to learn about Nanotechnology, I used this
website as a research tool and used it to summarize some facts. I would say this is my
second biggest source of information for the paper, besides the NNI R&D. In text
citation (Rathbun, 2005).
Shah, M. (2014, September 3). Hope for the Blind – First Bionic Eye Implants in the United
States | Triple Helix Online. Retrieved February 22, 2015, from
http://triplehelixblog.com/2014/09/hope-for-the-blind-first-bionic-eye-implants-in-theunited-states/
This article goes on to show the current uses of Human Enhancement Technology similar
to Lasik Surgery. It illustrates technology that is beyond our current applications. It
provides future applications of Human Enhancement. Currently, modern day Prosthetics
Nanotechnology and Human Augmentation 15
are starting to reach usable conditions. In the foreseeable future, these technologies could
surpass our own biological systems. These ideas were all highlighted in paper. In text
citation (Shah, 2014).
Stewart, J. (2013, November 19). Human Enhancement - DUJS Journal Online. Retrieved
February 27, 2015, from http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/fall-2013/humanenhancement#.VPD9gF3PzLc
I chose this online journal as a scientific source that defines what the science of Human
Enhancement. Because it gave a clear and concise definition of Human Enhancement, I
referenced it and added my definition along with it. Readers benefit from its
understandability and that it is a valid, authentic source on Human Enhancement. In text
citation (Stewart, 2013).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Questions & Answers on Food from Genetically Engineered
Plants. (2014, July 22). Retrieved February 22, 2015, from
http://www.fda.gov/food/foodscienceresearch/biotechnology/ucm346030.htm
I used this website because it clearly states the opinions of the FDA when it comes to
Genetically Engineered Plants and their safety. Although there is backlash against these
practices, the United States Federal Government has approved such uses. In text citation
(FDA, 2014).
