[extropy-chat] visualizing nanoscale

[Brett Paatsch]

Natasha wrote:

> 'gene
> 
> >German transhumanists were discussing PR issues, when the
> >question of decent (c)-free images came up. Specifically,
> >we were talking about realistic images of nanomed gadgetry.
.
> > A couple of days ago
> >I came upon this nice semilog-step flash visualization:
> 
> http://cellsalive.com/howbig.htm
> 
> Nice.  How about exhibiting it at MoTA? :-)

I like it too. I think there is potentially real power in it especially
if it is treated as a prototype and developed further. The power 
is in the invitation to the engines of the mainstream to take a look
at a possible future and to engage with it thereby shaping it some
sure, but also bringing it on even faster. Folks can grasp what's 
going on (or start too) much better when they can see pictures
and even better when those pictures are on the 'net and they can
play with them and show them to their friends and colleagues.
[I know there are copyright issues and there are potential 
development of prototype issues, there always are, but these 
need not be insurmountable.] 

Its sometimes difficult to tell to what extent the progress one 
thinks one sees is a function of ones desire to see it.

This ostensibly small (2 hrs I think Eugen said it took him - it
would have been considerably longer for me!) bit of work/play 
and the paper that Robin Hanson posted the link to -

"Five Assumptions Bridging Conventional and Radical 
Nanotechnology Social Scenarios"  http://hanson.gmu.edu/nanoecon.pdf 

after discussion with folk on this list and elsewhere are, in my view
signs that a group of people that I like to associate with, but that I
know would to many still seem like a fringe-ish subculture is in fact
van-guarding in the ideas that will be the mainstream ideas of the
future. Tomorrow will be a better day, not just for the work that is
done today, but as Eugen and Robin have shown also for the play
and the discussion that had today, provided however, and this is
important I think, that these things are then directed into something
concrete.

Good work Eugen. Good work Robin.

Regards,
Brett