About Mike Treder Expertise My specialty is the societal and environmental implications of advanced nanotechnology. I can help people to better understand the implications of molecular manufacturing -- building products "from the bottom up," and to focus on the real risks and benefits of the technology.
Experience I am a professional writer, speaker, and activist with a background in technology and communications company management. In 2002, I co-founded the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN), a non-profit think tank. CRN promotes public awareness and education, and the crafting of effective policy to maximize benefits and reduce dangers. I am the executive director of CRN.
Organizations - Research Fellow, Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies
- Advisory Board, Global Risks Council
- Consultant, Future Technologies Advisory Group
- Editorial Advisory Board, Nanotech Briefs
- Consultant, AC/UNU Millennium Project
Publications The Futurist (magazine)
The Scientific Conquest of Death (book chapter)
Future Brief (online journal)
Expert: Mike Treder Date: 1/3/2006 Subject: What do scientists use to...
Question What do scientists use to manipulate the atoms?
Will we be able to actually see an atom?
Answer At the present time, scientists use special types of microscopes to "see" and also to manipulate atoms. You can find a good description of the atomic force microscope (AFM) at http://tinyurl.com/a32so
Because the size of an atom is actually smaller than the standard wavelength of light, normal microscopes will likely never provide an image of an atom. A new type of "superlens" has just been announced, however, which may do the trick. See http://tinyurl.com/cs8sn
In the future, perhaps in 10 or 20 years, advances in nanotechnology may allow the construction of machines called "molecular mills" to sort and place individual atoms. To get a better idea of how this might work, take a look at the short animated movie linked at http://tinyurl.com/98o5l
