| Sumario: | An advanced form of nanotechnology could create the next Industrial Revolution. Molecular nanotechnology is concerned with constructing shapes, machines, and products at the atomic level, fitting them together molecule by molecule. Possessing parts only a few nanometers wide, it could become possible to construct a supercomputer smaller than a grain of sand, a weapon smaller than a mosquito, or a self-contained nanofactory that could lie on a kitchen counter. It is conceivable that within months, even the most modern appliances, machines, communication media, and other pieces of equipment will be outdated. Much social disturbance can be traced directly to material poverty, poor health, and ignorance, and nanofactories could greatly decrease these problems. Nonetheless, all this sudden change could disrupt many aspects of society and politics: chemical and biological weapons could become much deadlier and easier to hide, for example.
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