Author: Mihail C. Roco
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401703590
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 477
Book Description
M. C. Roco and W.S. Bainbridge In the early decades of the 21st century, concentrated efforts can unify science based on the unity of nature, thereby advancing the combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and new technologies based in cognitive science. With proper attention to ethical issues and societal needs, converging in human abilities, societal technologies could achieve a tremendous improvement outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life. This is a broad, cross cutting, emerging and timely opportunity of interest to individuals, society and humanity in the long term. The phrase "convergent technologies" refers to the synergistic combination of four major "NBIC" (nano-bio-info-cogno) provinces of science and technology, each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate: (a) nanoscience and nanotechnology; (b) biotechnology and biomedicine, including genetic engineering; (c) information technology, including advanced computing and communications; (d) cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience. Timely and Broad Opportunity. Convergence of diverse technologies is based on material unity at the nanoscale and on technology integration from that scale.
Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance
Author: Mihail C. Roco
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401703590
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 477
Book Description
M. C. Roco and W.S. Bainbridge In the early decades of the 21st century, concentrated efforts can unify science based on the unity of nature, thereby advancing the combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and new technologies based in cognitive science. With proper attention to ethical issues and societal needs, converging in human abilities, societal technologies could achieve a tremendous improvement outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life. This is a broad, cross cutting, emerging and timely opportunity of interest to individuals, society and humanity in the long term. The phrase "convergent technologies" refers to the synergistic combination of four major "NBIC" (nano-bio-info-cogno) provinces of science and technology, each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate: (a) nanoscience and nanotechnology; (b) biotechnology and biomedicine, including genetic engineering; (c) information technology, including advanced computing and communications; (d) cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience. Timely and Broad Opportunity. Convergence of diverse technologies is based on material unity at the nanoscale and on technology integration from that scale.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401703590
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 477
Book Description
M. C. Roco and W.S. Bainbridge In the early decades of the 21st century, concentrated efforts can unify science based on the unity of nature, thereby advancing the combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and new technologies based in cognitive science. With proper attention to ethical issues and societal needs, converging in human abilities, societal technologies could achieve a tremendous improvement outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life. This is a broad, cross cutting, emerging and timely opportunity of interest to individuals, society and humanity in the long term. The phrase "convergent technologies" refers to the synergistic combination of four major "NBIC" (nano-bio-info-cogno) provinces of science and technology, each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate: (a) nanoscience and nanotechnology; (b) biotechnology and biomedicine, including genetic engineering; (c) information technology, including advanced computing and communications; (d) cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience. Timely and Broad Opportunity. Convergence of diverse technologies is based on material unity at the nanoscale and on technology integration from that scale.
Managing Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno Innovations
Author: William Sims Bainbridge
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402041071
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 381
Book Description
With the convergence of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information technology and Cognitive science (NBIC) fields promising to change our competitive, operational, and employment landscape in fundamental ways, we find ourselves on the brink of a new technological and science-driven business revolution. The already emerging reality of convergence is to be found in genomics, robotics, bio-information and artificial intelligence applications, such as: • Self-assembled, self-cleaning and self-healing manufactured materials and textiles, and much stronger, lighter and more customizable structural materials, • Miniature sensors allowing unobtrusive real-time health monitoring and dramatically improved diagnosis; with greatly enhanced real time information to vehicles and drivers on the way, • New generations of supercomputers and efficient energy generators based on biological processes, • Greatly enhanced drug delivery from unprecedented control over fundamental structural properties and biocompatibility of materials. These advances are here already, or in development. And Japan, other Asian nations and Western European countries are investing heavily and moving aggressively to develop and apply NBIC technologies. Notwithstanding the passage of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, significant further funding and action by both government and private industry will be critical to maintaining US scientific and industry leadership.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402041071
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 381
Book Description
With the convergence of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information technology and Cognitive science (NBIC) fields promising to change our competitive, operational, and employment landscape in fundamental ways, we find ourselves on the brink of a new technological and science-driven business revolution. The already emerging reality of convergence is to be found in genomics, robotics, bio-information and artificial intelligence applications, such as: • Self-assembled, self-cleaning and self-healing manufactured materials and textiles, and much stronger, lighter and more customizable structural materials, • Miniature sensors allowing unobtrusive real-time health monitoring and dramatically improved diagnosis; with greatly enhanced real time information to vehicles and drivers on the way, • New generations of supercomputers and efficient energy generators based on biological processes, • Greatly enhanced drug delivery from unprecedented control over fundamental structural properties and biocompatibility of materials. These advances are here already, or in development. And Japan, other Asian nations and Western European countries are investing heavily and moving aggressively to develop and apply NBIC technologies. Notwithstanding the passage of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, significant further funding and action by both government and private industry will be critical to maintaining US scientific and industry leadership.
Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity
Author: Bert Gordijn
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402088523
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
As we are increasingly using new technologies to change ourselves beyond therapy and in accordance with our own desires, understanding the challenges of human enhancement has become one of the most urgent topics of the current age. This volume contributes to such an understanding by critically examining the pros and cons of our growing ability to shape human nature through technological advancements. The authors undertake careful analyses of decisive questions that will confront society as enhancement interventions using bio-, info-, neuro- and nanotechnologies become widespread in the years to come. They provide the reader with the conceptual tools necessary to address such questions fruitfully. What makes the book especially attractive is the combination of conceptual, historical and ethical approaches, rendering it highly original. In addition, the well-balanced structure allows both favourable and critical views to be voiced. Moreover, the work has a crystal clear structure. As a consequence, the book is accessible to a broad academic audience. The issues raised are of interest to a wide reflective public concerned about science and ethics, as well as to students, academics and professionals in areas such as philosophy, applied ethics, bioethics, medicine and health management.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402088523
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
As we are increasingly using new technologies to change ourselves beyond therapy and in accordance with our own desires, understanding the challenges of human enhancement has become one of the most urgent topics of the current age. This volume contributes to such an understanding by critically examining the pros and cons of our growing ability to shape human nature through technological advancements. The authors undertake careful analyses of decisive questions that will confront society as enhancement interventions using bio-, info-, neuro- and nanotechnologies become widespread in the years to come. They provide the reader with the conceptual tools necessary to address such questions fruitfully. What makes the book especially attractive is the combination of conceptual, historical and ethical approaches, rendering it highly original. In addition, the well-balanced structure allows both favourable and critical views to be voiced. Moreover, the work has a crystal clear structure. As a consequence, the book is accessible to a broad academic audience. The issues raised are of interest to a wide reflective public concerned about science and ethics, as well as to students, academics and professionals in areas such as philosophy, applied ethics, bioethics, medicine and health management.
Becoming Digital
Author: Vincent Mosco
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
ISBN: 1787432955
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
This book examines the convergence of Cloud Computing, Big Data, and the Internet of Things to forge the Next Internet. Ubiquitous computing enables universal communication, concentration of power, privacy erosion, environmental degradation, and massive automation and this title explores solving these issues to create a democratic digital world.
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
ISBN: 1787432955
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
This book examines the convergence of Cloud Computing, Big Data, and the Internet of Things to forge the Next Internet. Ubiquitous computing enables universal communication, concentration of power, privacy erosion, environmental degradation, and massive automation and this title explores solving these issues to create a democratic digital world.
Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance
Author: Mihail C. Roco
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 415
Book Description
Report of a December 3-4, 2001 workshop organized by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Commerce at the request of the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET). The integration of four major Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno (NBIC) areas of science and technology will enable the improvement of human performance. Workshop participants explored the following areas: overall potential of converging technologies; expanding human cognition and communication; improving human health and physical capabilities; enhancing group and societal outcomes; national security; and unifying science and education. The workshop recommended a national research and development priority area on converging technologies focused on enhancing human performance.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 415
Book Description
Report of a December 3-4, 2001 workshop organized by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Commerce at the request of the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET). The integration of four major Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno (NBIC) areas of science and technology will enable the improvement of human performance. Workshop participants explored the following areas: overall potential of converging technologies; expanding human cognition and communication; improving human health and physical capabilities; enhancing group and societal outcomes; national security; and unifying science and education. The workshop recommended a national research and development priority area on converging technologies focused on enhancing human performance.
Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society
Author: Mihail C. Roco
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3319022040
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 603
Book Description
This volume aims to document the most important worldwide accomplishments in converging knowledge and technology, including converging platforms, methods of convergence, societal implications, and governance in the last ten years. Convergence in knowledge, technology, and society is the accelerating, transformative interaction among seemingly distinct scientific disciplines, technologies, and communities to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism, and integration, and through this process to create added value for societal benefit. It is a movement that is recognized by scientists and thought leaders around the world as having the potential to provide far-reaching solutions to many of today’s complex knowledge, technology, and human development challenges. Four essential and interdependent convergence platforms of human activity are defined in the first part of this report: nanotechnology-biotechnology-information technology and cognitive science (“NBIC”) foundational tools; Earth-scale environmental systems; human-scale activities; and convergence methods for societal-scale activities. The report then presents the main implications of convergence for human physical potential, cognition and communication, productivity and societal outcomes, education and physical infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative and responsible governance. As a whole, the report presents a new model for convergence. To effectively take advantage of this potential, a proactive governance approach is suggested. The study identifies an international opportunity to develop and apply convergence for technological, economic, environmental, and societal benefits. The panel also suggests an opportunity in the United States for implementing a program aimed at focusing disparate R and D energies into a coherent activity - a "Societal Convergence Initiative”. This study received input from leading academic, industry, government, and NGO experts from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3319022040
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 603
Book Description
This volume aims to document the most important worldwide accomplishments in converging knowledge and technology, including converging platforms, methods of convergence, societal implications, and governance in the last ten years. Convergence in knowledge, technology, and society is the accelerating, transformative interaction among seemingly distinct scientific disciplines, technologies, and communities to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism, and integration, and through this process to create added value for societal benefit. It is a movement that is recognized by scientists and thought leaders around the world as having the potential to provide far-reaching solutions to many of today’s complex knowledge, technology, and human development challenges. Four essential and interdependent convergence platforms of human activity are defined in the first part of this report: nanotechnology-biotechnology-information technology and cognitive science (“NBIC”) foundational tools; Earth-scale environmental systems; human-scale activities; and convergence methods for societal-scale activities. The report then presents the main implications of convergence for human physical potential, cognition and communication, productivity and societal outcomes, education and physical infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative and responsible governance. As a whole, the report presents a new model for convergence. To effectively take advantage of this potential, a proactive governance approach is suggested. The study identifies an international opportunity to develop and apply convergence for technological, economic, environmental, and societal benefits. The panel also suggests an opportunity in the United States for implementing a program aimed at focusing disparate R and D energies into a coherent activity - a "Societal Convergence Initiative”. This study received input from leading academic, industry, government, and NGO experts from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Innovation Economics, Engineering and Management Handbook 1
Author: Dimitri Uzunidis
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119832489
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
Innovation, in economic activity, in managerial concepts and in engineering design, results from creative activities, entrepreneurial strategies and the business climate. Innovation leads to technological, organizational and commercial changes, due to the relationships between enterprises, public institutions and civil society organizations. These innovation networks create new knowledge and contribute to the dissemination of new socio-economic and technological models, through new production and marketing methods. Innovation Economics, Engineering and Management Handbook 1 is the first of the two volumes that comprise this book. The main objectives across both volumes are to study the innovation processes in todays information and knowledge society; to analyze how links between research and business have intensified; and to discuss the methods by which innovation emerges and is managed by firms, not only from a local perspective but also a global one. The studies presented in these two volumes contribute toward an understanding of the systemic nature of innovations and enable reflection on their potential applications, in order to think about the meaning of growth and prosperity.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119832489
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
Innovation, in economic activity, in managerial concepts and in engineering design, results from creative activities, entrepreneurial strategies and the business climate. Innovation leads to technological, organizational and commercial changes, due to the relationships between enterprises, public institutions and civil society organizations. These innovation networks create new knowledge and contribute to the dissemination of new socio-economic and technological models, through new production and marketing methods. Innovation Economics, Engineering and Management Handbook 1 is the first of the two volumes that comprise this book. The main objectives across both volumes are to study the innovation processes in todays information and knowledge society; to analyze how links between research and business have intensified; and to discuss the methods by which innovation emerges and is managed by firms, not only from a local perspective but also a global one. The studies presented in these two volumes contribute toward an understanding of the systemic nature of innovations and enable reflection on their potential applications, in order to think about the meaning of growth and prosperity.
Handbook of Science and Technology Convergence
Author: William Bainbridge
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9783319070513
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Scientists and engineers have long been aware of the tension between narrow specialization and multidisciplinary cooperation, but now a major transformation is in process that will require technical fields to combine far more effectively than formerly in the service of human benefit. This handbook will catalog all the ways this can be accomplished and the reasons it must be. Nature is a single coherent system and diverse methods of scientific and engineering investigations should reflect this interlinked and dynamic unity. Accordingly, general concepts and ideas should be developed systematically in interdependence, with cause-and-effect pathways, for improved outcomes in knowledge, technology and applications. At the same time, industrial and social applications rely on integration of disciplines and unification of knowledge. Thus, convergence is both a fundamental principle of nature and a timely opportunity for human progress. This handbook will represent the culmination of fifteen years of workshops, conferences and publications that initially explored the connections between nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and new technologies based on cognitive science. A constant emphasis on human benefit then drew in the social sciences, even as shared scientific and ethical principles brought in sustainability of the Earth environment and the challenge of equitable economic advancement. The intellectual contributions of literally hundreds of scientists and engineers established a number of research methods and analytical principles that could unite disparate fields. The culmination has been called Convergence of Knowledge and Technology for the benefit of Society (CKTS), defined as the escalating and transformative interactions among seemingly different disciplines, technologies, communities and domains of human activity to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism and integration.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9783319070513
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Scientists and engineers have long been aware of the tension between narrow specialization and multidisciplinary cooperation, but now a major transformation is in process that will require technical fields to combine far more effectively than formerly in the service of human benefit. This handbook will catalog all the ways this can be accomplished and the reasons it must be. Nature is a single coherent system and diverse methods of scientific and engineering investigations should reflect this interlinked and dynamic unity. Accordingly, general concepts and ideas should be developed systematically in interdependence, with cause-and-effect pathways, for improved outcomes in knowledge, technology and applications. At the same time, industrial and social applications rely on integration of disciplines and unification of knowledge. Thus, convergence is both a fundamental principle of nature and a timely opportunity for human progress. This handbook will represent the culmination of fifteen years of workshops, conferences and publications that initially explored the connections between nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and new technologies based on cognitive science. A constant emphasis on human benefit then drew in the social sciences, even as shared scientific and ethical principles brought in sustainability of the Earth environment and the challenge of equitable economic advancement. The intellectual contributions of literally hundreds of scientists and engineers established a number of research methods and analytical principles that could unite disparate fields. The culmination has been called Convergence of Knowledge and Technology for the benefit of Society (CKTS), defined as the escalating and transformative interactions among seemingly different disciplines, technologies, communities and domains of human activity to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism and integration.
Internet of Things
Author: Ovidiu Vermesan
Publisher: River Publishers
ISBN: 8792982735
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 373
Book Description
Today, we see the integration of Industrial, Business, and Consumer Internet. This integration is bringing together the Internet of People, Internet of Things, Internet of Energy, Internet of Vehicles, and Internet of Media, Services, and Enterprises. In this way, it forms the backbone of the digital economy and digital society and the foundation for the future knowledge and innovation-based economy in supporting solutions for the emerging challenges of public health, aging population, environmental protection and climate change, the conservation of energy and scarce materials, enhancements to safety and security, and the continuation and growth of economic prosperity. Penetration of smartphones and advances in machine to machine (M2M) and wireless communication technology will be the main drivers for Internet of Things (IoT) development. The IoT contribution is in the increased value of information created by the number of interconnections and the transformation of the processed information into knowledge shared in the Internet of Everything. The connected devices are part of ecosystems connecting people, processes, data, and things which are communicating in the cloud, using the increased storage and computing power and pushing for standardization of communication and metadata. In this context, the next generation of the cloud technologies will need to be flexible enough to scale autonomously, adaptive enough to handle constantly changing connections, and resilient enough to stand up to the huge flows in data that will occur. For 2025, analysts forecast that there will be six devices per human on the planet, which means 50 billion more connected devices over the next 12 years. The IoT market is connected to this growth from industrial M2M systems, smart meters, and wireless sensors. Enabling technologies such as nanoelectronics, MEMS, embedded systems, intelligent device management, smart phones, telematics, smart network infrastructure, cloud computing, and software technologies will create new products, new services, and new interfaces by creating smart environments and smart spaces with applications ranging from Smart Cities, smart transport, buildings, energy, and grid, to smart health and life. Internet of Things provides a broad overview of various topics of the IoT from the research and development priorities to enabling technologies, architecture, security, privacy, interoperability, and industrial applications. It is intended to be a standalone book in a series that covers the IoT activities of the Internet of Things European Research Cluster (IERC) from technology to international cooperation and the global "state of play." The book builds on the ideas put forward by the IERC Strategic Research Agenda and presents global views and state-of-the-art results on the challenges that the research, development, and deployment of IoT faces at the global level. Technical topics discussed in the book include: - Introduction - Internet of Things in a wider context: Time for convergence. - Internet of Things Strategic Research Agenda - Interconnection and Integration of the Physical World into the Digital World - Scalable Architectures for IoT Applications - IoT standardisation requirements and initiatives. Standardisation and Innovation. - Service Openness and Interoperability - Software define and virtualization of network resources - Mobile devices enable IoT evolution from industrial applications to mass consumer applications - Innovation through Interoperability and Standardisation when everything is connected anytime at anyplace
Publisher: River Publishers
ISBN: 8792982735
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 373
Book Description
Today, we see the integration of Industrial, Business, and Consumer Internet. This integration is bringing together the Internet of People, Internet of Things, Internet of Energy, Internet of Vehicles, and Internet of Media, Services, and Enterprises. In this way, it forms the backbone of the digital economy and digital society and the foundation for the future knowledge and innovation-based economy in supporting solutions for the emerging challenges of public health, aging population, environmental protection and climate change, the conservation of energy and scarce materials, enhancements to safety and security, and the continuation and growth of economic prosperity. Penetration of smartphones and advances in machine to machine (M2M) and wireless communication technology will be the main drivers for Internet of Things (IoT) development. The IoT contribution is in the increased value of information created by the number of interconnections and the transformation of the processed information into knowledge shared in the Internet of Everything. The connected devices are part of ecosystems connecting people, processes, data, and things which are communicating in the cloud, using the increased storage and computing power and pushing for standardization of communication and metadata. In this context, the next generation of the cloud technologies will need to be flexible enough to scale autonomously, adaptive enough to handle constantly changing connections, and resilient enough to stand up to the huge flows in data that will occur. For 2025, analysts forecast that there will be six devices per human on the planet, which means 50 billion more connected devices over the next 12 years. The IoT market is connected to this growth from industrial M2M systems, smart meters, and wireless sensors. Enabling technologies such as nanoelectronics, MEMS, embedded systems, intelligent device management, smart phones, telematics, smart network infrastructure, cloud computing, and software technologies will create new products, new services, and new interfaces by creating smart environments and smart spaces with applications ranging from Smart Cities, smart transport, buildings, energy, and grid, to smart health and life. Internet of Things provides a broad overview of various topics of the IoT from the research and development priorities to enabling technologies, architecture, security, privacy, interoperability, and industrial applications. It is intended to be a standalone book in a series that covers the IoT activities of the Internet of Things European Research Cluster (IERC) from technology to international cooperation and the global "state of play." The book builds on the ideas put forward by the IERC Strategic Research Agenda and presents global views and state-of-the-art results on the challenges that the research, development, and deployment of IoT faces at the global level. Technical topics discussed in the book include: - Introduction - Internet of Things in a wider context: Time for convergence. - Internet of Things Strategic Research Agenda - Interconnection and Integration of the Physical World into the Digital World - Scalable Architectures for IoT Applications - IoT standardisation requirements and initiatives. Standardisation and Innovation. - Service Openness and Interoperability - Software define and virtualization of network resources - Mobile devices enable IoT evolution from industrial applications to mass consumer applications - Innovation through Interoperability and Standardisation when everything is connected anytime at anyplace
Soft Machines
Author: Richard A. L. Jones
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191567248
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Enthusiasts look forward to a time when tiny machines reassemble matter and process information with unparalleled power and precision. But is their vision realistic? Where is the science heading? As nanotechnology (a new technology that many believe will transform society in the next one hundred years) rises higher in the news agenda and popular consciousness, there is a real need for a book which discusses clearly the science on which this technology will be based. Whilst it is most easy to simply imagine these tiny machines as scaled-down versions of the macroscopic machines we are all familiar with, the way things behave on small scales is quite different to the way they behave on large scales. Engineering on the nanoscale will use very different principles to those we are used to in our everyday lives, and the materials used in nanotehnology will be soft and mutable, rather than hard and unyielding. "Soft Machines" explains in a lively and very accessible manner why the nanoworld is so different to the macro-world which we are all familiar with. Why does nature engineer things in the way it does, and how can we learn to use these unfamiliar principles to create valuable new materials and artefacts which will have a profound effect on medicine, electronics, energy and the environment in the twenty-first century. With a firmer understanding of the likely relationship between nanotechnology and nature itself, we can gain a much clearer notion of what dangers this powerful technology may potentially pose, as well as come to realise that nanotechnology will have more in common with biology than with conventional engineering.
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191567248
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Enthusiasts look forward to a time when tiny machines reassemble matter and process information with unparalleled power and precision. But is their vision realistic? Where is the science heading? As nanotechnology (a new technology that many believe will transform society in the next one hundred years) rises higher in the news agenda and popular consciousness, there is a real need for a book which discusses clearly the science on which this technology will be based. Whilst it is most easy to simply imagine these tiny machines as scaled-down versions of the macroscopic machines we are all familiar with, the way things behave on small scales is quite different to the way they behave on large scales. Engineering on the nanoscale will use very different principles to those we are used to in our everyday lives, and the materials used in nanotehnology will be soft and mutable, rather than hard and unyielding. "Soft Machines" explains in a lively and very accessible manner why the nanoworld is so different to the macro-world which we are all familiar with. Why does nature engineer things in the way it does, and how can we learn to use these unfamiliar principles to create valuable new materials and artefacts which will have a profound effect on medicine, electronics, energy and the environment in the twenty-first century. With a firmer understanding of the likely relationship between nanotechnology and nature itself, we can gain a much clearer notion of what dangers this powerful technology may potentially pose, as well as come to realise that nanotechnology will have more in common with biology than with conventional engineering.