Nanobot Technology?

[Human No More]

Ah, whut. I really don't see the relevance of that, nobody is talking about artificial life.
Both the pros and cons are subjective (as a simple example, viruses: 1. are only obtained if you do something stupid 2. with your brain as part of the networked system, they could easily be countered.) Radio interference is pure scaremongering, and as for storage, we have a huge capacity and even if we ever did come close to filling it, just add a storage device. As for testing, people would be willing to in exchange for the actual functionality given, I think
Nobody is asking you to, but that doesn't mean you can say I shouldn't. Just because it's something I really want, doesn't mean it's for everyone, I accept that, but you shouldn't deny people their ideal form.

[PunkMaister]

Originally Posted by Human No More

Ah, whut. I really don't see the relevance of that, nobody is talking about artificial life.
Both the pros and cons are subjective (as a simple example, viruses: 1. are only obtained if you do something stupid 2. with your brain as part of the networked system, they could easily be countered.) Radio interference is pure scaremongering, and as for storage, we have a huge capacity and even if we ever did come close to filling it, just add a storage device. As for testing, people would be willing to in exchange for the actual functionality given, I think
Nobody is asking you to, but that doesn't mean you can say I shouldn't. Just because it's something I really want, doesn't mean it's for everyone, I accept that, but you shouldn't deny people their ideal form.

Nanobots by definition would be some kind of sentience. However the kind of network you speak off could be achieved without it with the use of totally organic Biochips now this is a tech that looks far safer than to implant nanobots into your system.

And you must accept that since you are already an adult there is only so much that can be done. For example they could use gene therapy so your muscle and bone mass increase making you stronger and even make your pigmentation green or blue but there is no way you could grow a tail, only a genetically altered Embryo could achieve that which begs the question would you alter your off spring to look like a Na'vi on the grounds that you cannot grow Na'vi like ears or a tail but you could make those changes in your unborn son or daughter?

[Tsyal Makto]

Originally Posted by PunkMaister

Nanobots by definition would be some kind of sentience. However the kind of network you speak off could be achieved without it with the use of totally organic Biochips now this is a tech that looks far safer than to implant nanobots into your system.

And you must accept that since you are already an adult there is only so much that can be done. For example they could use gene therapy so your muscle and bone mass increase making you stronger and even make your pigmentation green or blue but there is no way you could grow a tail, only a genetically altered Embryo could achieve that which begs the question would you alter your off spring to look like a Na'vi on the grounds that you cannot grow Na'vi like ears or a tail but you could make those changes in your unborn son or daughter?

That's interesting with biochips, thanks for the link. Do they come in ponytail form?

Though seriously, it would be interesting to see if we can get those to grow naturally. We could assemble a system like Eywa on Earth!!

Oh, and it doesn't really matter what somebody looks like if it is a simulated reality, which is what this thread is discussing. Theoretically, one could take any form they wanted - human, Na'vi, klingon, anything! And anywhere, at any time!

When it comes to our present reality, while modifying someones current body would be impractical, one could theoretically grow a new body in a lab and have their mind transplanted into it.

[Human No More]

Originally Posted by PunkMaister

Nanobots by definition would be some kind of sentience. However the kind of network you speak off could be achieved without it with the use of totally organic Biochips now this is a tech that looks far safer than to implant nanobots into your system.

And you must accept that since you are already an adult there is only so much that can be done. For example they could use gene therapy so your muscle and bone mass increase making you stronger and even make your pigmentation green or blue but there is no way you could grow a tail, only a genetically altered Embryo could achieve that which begs the question would you alter your off spring to look like a Na'vi on the grounds that you cannot grow Na'vi like ears or a tail but you could make those changes in your unborn son or daughter?

I think people have the right to take whatever form they like, when the technology is available to allow them to.

As for a tail, Na'vi ears, etc, they're not possible yet, but that doesn't mean they would certainly be impossible in the future.

As Tsyal Makto said, in a simulated reality, such changes could be taken a lot further as well (as well as changes to surroundings, e.g. recreating Pandora)

[PunkMaister]

Originally Posted by Human No More

I think people have the right to take whatever form they like, when the technology is available to allow them to.

As for a tail, Na'vi ears, etc, they're not possible yet, but that doesn't mean they would certainly be impossible in the future.

As Tsyal Makto said, in a simulated reality, such changes could be taken a lot further as well (as well as changes to surroundings, e.g. recreating Pandora)

They would never be possible to grow in your current adult body I do not care how advanced we become. Only way to achieve that in the real world would be by altering an unborn embryo which again begs the question you have been avoiding all along, would you alter your own offspring to look like a Na'vi on the grounds that you could not fully turn into one yourself?


And a so called simulated reality is nothing more than another fancy word for Virtual reality which in a way already exists, now in the future it will be even more immersive but it will still be just a simulation for entertainment purposes like say the Holodeck on the Enterprise.

[Tsyal Makto]

Originally Posted by PunkMaister

And a so called simulated reality is nothing more than another fancy word for Virtual reality which in a way already exists, now in the future it will be even more immersive but it will still be just a simulation for entertainment purposes like say the Holodeck on the Enterprise.

No, they are different. Virtual reality is where an alternative environment is projected around you, like a flight simulator or combat simulator. In a virtual reality system you simply put on a helmet or step into a cockpit mock-up, and you are there. A simulated reality is where you project yourself into the simulation. It's like the Matrix, but in a much more benign sense. In a simulated reality your conscious is uploaded into a construct which is as realistic and immersive as real life. Basically, it would be a dream crossed with an MMO.

Interesting article Popsci just wrote about DNA-based nanochips.
http://www.popsci.com/technology/art...ssing-backbone

[Human No More]

And why should they be stopped? Not all sentient creatures inherently want to destroy all lifeforms.

[Tsyal Makto]

Originally Posted by Human No More

And why should they be stopped? Not all sentient creatures inherently want to destroy all lifeforms.

Exactly. Remember, we program them, what is stopping us from programming them with something like the Na'vi mindset?

[Raptor]

I will be honest. I really don't like the thought of being able to remotely control a human brain. That just sounds morally wrong.

While I think it will be cool to jump into a virtual reality for recreation, I strongly oppose being able to permanently alter and enhance. I love math and science, but for me, mind control really destroys the essence of humanity. We are born to be different, and the various strengths and weaknesses of human beings are what make us colorful. I hate the thought of having a "perfect" race in the future. It will remove competition, and make the whole world dull.

While we can certainly eradicate the evils of man, I don't think that mind control is the way to go. It will remove the meaning of life, and our motivation to achieve more. The idea of nanobots controlling our minds makes me think of the story "Harrion Bergeron" and the movie "Gattaca". We would essentially be removing our freedom if we do so.

[Tsyal Makto]

Originally Posted by AC130StandingBy

I will be honest. I really don't like the thought of being able to remotely control a human brain. That just sounds morally wrong.

While I think it will be cool to jump into a virtual reality for recreation, I strongly oppose being able to permanently alter and enhance. I love math and science, but for me, mind control really destroys the essence of humanity. We are born to be different, and the various strengths and weaknesses of human beings are what make us colorful. I hate the thought of having a "perfect" race in the future. It will remove competition, and make the whole world dull.

While we can certainly eradicate the evils of man, I don't think that mind control is the way to go. It will remove the meaning of life, and our motivation to achieve more. The idea of nanobots controlling our minds makes me think of the story "Harrion Bergeron" and the movie "Gattaca". We would essentially be removing our freedom if we do so.

Interesting thoughts, however, I disagree. I think mind opening technologies will help us realize our humanity even more, and help us answer our questions about the meaning of life. Through simulated reality, we can finally experience, first hand, our deepest dreams and desires. All of those things that have, until now, been limited to our minds, can finally be layed out before us to experience. Pandora can be made tangible! Even outside of simulated worlds, we could make tsaheylu a reality. It would allow humans to become a unified race just like the Na'vi!

I don't like the idea of a "perfect" race either, but it is important to clarify the difference between characteristics of people, and the weaknesses of people. It's our characteristics that make us unique - our height, our ethnicity, our personality, etc. It's also why I support people being allowed to take whatever bodily form they want to. Our world would be even more diverse and unique if people could have the option of being a human, a Na'vi or anything else that they feel they truly are on the inside. On the other hand, we need to work to eliminate our weaknesses, such as diseases, cancers, and other health problems.

And I am begining to doubt that nanobots will be doing the job, too. Judging by recent happenings in the scientific community, it looks like it will be a system like that nanotube system I posted the article about. And don't worry, you would be in complete control.

[joeylovesgaia]

Why do we eagerly pursue technologies like this despite the real potential for abuse and accidents? What is it in the idea of a virtual world and mind linking that makes us want it so badly? I would argue, it is because in forgotten times we had such a world, a spirit world where you could share thoughts and feelings with plants and animals. There are a few even today who can do this, such as the ayahuasqueros of the Amazon.

Imagine you walked in a digital Pandora while the real Earth continued to be stripmined and turned into a garbage heap. Imagine you flew on a software Ikran as the last real birds died and with them, your chance to know and See a living, spirited being--not some robot, not our cartoon idea of them. To flee into a digital Eden would be to mock and spit upon our real and living Gaia.

Even this forum is no substitute for Her: remember, computers are made of plastic and heavy metals, fueled with electricity that probably comes from oil and coal. You speak of making a metal leg, when the smart thing is to stop cutting your own leg off!

[Tsyal Makto]

Why do we eagerly pursue technologies like this despite the real potential for abuse and accidents? What is it in the idea of a virtual world and mind linking that makes us want it so badly? I would argue, it is because in forgotten times we had such a world, a spirit world where you could share thoughts and feelings with plants and animals. There are a few even today who can do this, such as the ayahuasqueros of the Amazon.

Well, a lot of people are not able to develop such a deep spirituality on their own. Ayahuasqueros are extremely disciplined people, more than I believe most people could be. Plus, a lot of people want something physical for proof - faith alone is not enough for more and more people. While I do not doubt that a metaphysical connection might occur between two people, or a person and an animal, there are a lot of people that do. There is no way someone could doubt a physical tsaheylu.

Imagine you walked in a digital Pandora while the real Earth continued to be stripmined and turned into a garbage heap. Imagine you flew on a software Ikran as the last real birds died and with them, your chance to know and See a living, spirited being--not some robot, not our cartoon idea of them. To flee into a digital Eden would be to mock and spit upon our real and living Gaia.

Actually, I think this sort of technology would be good for the environment. For example, people would no longer need to travel to do a business trip. A meeting could be held in a virtual world, while each individual is still at home. People would also cut down their pleasure travel as well, because people could go to even more exotic places than the world can provide on it's own. Our reduced strain would allow the earth to heal. Plus, with other emerging technology, we could clone recently extint species, and help restore ecosystems to previous states.

Even this forum is no substitute for Her: remember, computers are made of plastic and heavy metals, fueled with electricity that probably comes from oil and coal. You speak of making a metal leg, when the smart thing is to stop cutting your own leg off!

Metal leg, wha? Anyway, computers are moving to alternative, quantum technology, which would make them smaller and faster, requiring less materials, and making them more energy efficient. Also, a lot of new technologies don't even use metals, like a chip made from organic molecules or DNA. We could grow computer chips in labs, not have to mine materials for them!

[Human No More]

Originally Posted by joeylovesgaia

Why do we eagerly pursue technologies like this despite the real potential for abuse and accidents? What is it in the idea of a virtual world and mind linking that makes us want it so badly? I would argue, it is because in forgotten times we had such a world, a spirit world where you could share thoughts and feelings with plants and animals. There are a few even today who can do this, such as the ayahuasqueros of the Amazon.

Nice idea, but I really don't believe that. We just don't have the hardware for it, neurologically
I don't really see any 'potential for abuse'... as for accidents... there's 'potential' for an accident every time you get up, walk downstairs, go outside, eat something... Yet people still do those, you can't live in fear or everything.

Imagine you walked in a digital Pandora while the real Earth continued to be stripmined and turned into a garbage heap. Imagine you flew on a software Ikran as the last real birds died and with them, your chance to know and See a living, spirited being--not some robot, not our cartoon idea of them. To flee into a digital Eden would be to mock and spit upon our real and living Gaia.

Well, of course, that's your opinion, but personally I don't believe in Gaia. Yes, there is still beauty left in the world but unfortunately, it WILL be lost whether people try or not. Humans in general just don't care.
Tsyal Makto is right about travel. Not to mention, some people will always think 'ah, but it isn't real' and that might get them to actually experience it physically, to go there, to try and help.

Even this forum is no substitute for Her: remember, computers are made of plastic and heavy metals, fueled with electricity that probably comes from oil and coal. You speak of making a metal leg, when the smart thing is to stop cutting your own leg off!

So you believe all technology is bad simply because it's based on industrial processes? Sorry, but that's just naive.

[Aquaplant]

More tools for escapism, too bad that they will be too costly for the average Joe, and take ages before they can even be put to practical use.

I wish people would stop complaining about moral issues and cons, because those things are not because of the faults of technology, but the downside of human nature, and that is never going to change.

[Tsyal Makto]

Bump! With an interesting article on mind interfacing.

Porting Digital Memory | h+ Magazine

The one that peaks my interest the most is the neurode, very promising! I can see them being used in artificial queues one day, and the best part is that they are mostly biological, not mechanical! Hopefully they come in ponytail form.

A situation like this calls for a...