The Global Technology Revolution Bio/Nano/Materials Trends and Their Synergies with Information Technology by 2015

by Anton, Philip S.; Silberglitt, Richard; Schneider, James

• ISBN13: 9780833029492
• ISBN10: 0833029495
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-06-12
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

Beyond the agricultural and industrial revolutions of the past, a global technology revolution is currently changing the world. This book discusses the broad, mulitdisciplinary, and synergistic trends in this revolution, including genomics, cloning, biomedical engineering, smart materials, agile manufacturing, nanofabricated computation devices, and integrated microsystems. The revolution's effects on human health may be the most startling as breakthroughs improve both the quality and length of human life. Biotechnology will also enable us to identify, understand, manipulate, improve, and control living organisms (including ourselves). Information technology is already revolutionizing our lives, especially in the developed world, and is a major enabler of other trends. Materials technology will produce products, components, and systems that are smaller, smarter, multi-functional, environmentally compatible, more survivable, and customizable.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	vii
Tables	ix
Summary	xi
Acknowledgments	xxi
Acronyms	xxiii
Introduction	1	(4)
The Technology Revolution	2	(1)
Approach	2	(3)
Technology Trends	5	(28)
Genomics	5	(5)
Genetic Profiling and DNA Analysis	5	(1)
Cloning	6	(1)
Genetically Modified Organisms	7	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	8	(2)
Therapies and Drug Development	10	(2)
Technology	10	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	11	(1)
Biomedical Engineering	12	(4)
Organic Tissues and Organs	12	(1)
Artificial Materials, Organs, and Bionics	13	(1)
Biomimetics and Applied Biology	14	(1)
Surgical and Diagnostic Biotechnology	14	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	15	(1)
The Process of Materials Engineering	16	(3)
Concept/Materials Design	16	(1)
Materials Selection, Preparation, and Fabrication	16	(2)
Processing, Properties, and Performance	18	(1)
Product/Application	19	(1)
Smart Materials	19	(2)
Technology	19	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	20	(1)
Self-Assembly	21	(1)
Technology	21	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	21	(1)
Rapid Prototyping	21	(1)
Technology	21	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	22	(1)
Buildings	22	(1)
Transportation	22	(1)
Energy Systems	23	(1)
New Materials	24	(1)
Nanomaterials	24	(1)
Nanotechnology	25	(3)
Nanofabricated Computation Devices	25	(1)
Bio-Molecular Devices and Molecular Electronics	26	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	27	(1)
Integrated Microsystems and MEMS	28	(2)
Smart Systems-on-a-Chip (and Integration of Optical and Electronic Components)	28	(1)
Micro/Nanoscale Instrumentation and Measurement Technology	29	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	29	(1)
Molecular Manufacturing and Nanorobots	30	(3)
Technology	30	(1)
Broader Issues and Implications	31	(2)
Discussion	33	(20)
The Range of Possibilities by 2015	33	(2)
Meta-Technology Trends	35	(6)
Multidisciplinary Nature of Technology	35	(3)
Accelerating Pace of Change	38	(1)
Accelerating Social and Ethnical Concerns	39	(1)
Increased Need for Educational Breadth and Depth	39	(1)
Longer Life Spans	39	(1)
Reduced Privacy	39	(1)
Continued Globalization	40	(1)
International Competition	40	(1)
Cross-Facilitation of Technology Effects	41	(3)
The Highly Interactive Nature of Trend Effects	44	(2)
The Technology Revolution	46	(2)
The Technology Revolution and Culture	48	(1)
Conclusions	49	(1)
Suggestions for Further Reading	50	(3)
General Technology Trends	50	(1)
Biotechnology	50	(1)
Materials Technology	51	(1)
Nanotechnology	51	(2)
Bibliography	53