November 20, 2001: Nanotechnology and Cryonics - Dr. Ralph Merkle
The Art Bell Archive · Arthur William Bell III
January 15, 20252h 39m
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Show Notes
Art Bell sits down with Dr. Ralph Merkle, co-inventor of public key cryptography and principal fellow at Zyvex, for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of nanotechnology. Dr. Merkle explains how molecular machines built atom by atom could one day pack more computing power into a sugar cube than currently exists in the entire world, and how the scanning tunneling microscope already allows scientists to move individual atoms.
The conversation turns to nanomedicine, where Dr. Merkle describes artificial red blood cells that could carry enough compressed oxygen to keep a heart attack victim conscious and functioning long enough to reach an emergency room. He outlines how nanodevices equipped with onboard computers could identify and destroy cancer cells with pinpoint precision by monitoring multiple chemical signatures simultaneously.
Art presses Dr. Merkle on the dangers, including the theoretical "gray goo" scenario and weaponized nanotechnology. Dr. Merkle argues that broadcast architecture designs, where devices require external instructions to function, provide built-in safety. He also reveals his personal decision to sign up for cryonic preservation with Alcor.
The conversation turns to nanomedicine, where Dr. Merkle describes artificial red blood cells that could carry enough compressed oxygen to keep a heart attack victim conscious and functioning long enough to reach an emergency room. He outlines how nanodevices equipped with onboard computers could identify and destroy cancer cells with pinpoint precision by monitoring multiple chemical signatures simultaneously.
Art presses Dr. Merkle on the dangers, including the theoretical "gray goo" scenario and weaponized nanotechnology. Dr. Merkle argues that broadcast architecture designs, where devices require external instructions to function, provide built-in safety. He also reveals his personal decision to sign up for cryonic preservation with Alcor.