So, Mr. Stephenson, what's next?

December 14, 2002 5:58 AM

The Diamond Age begins. Research scientists at the University of Wisconsin at Madison have bound DNA to circuits using a thin film of diamond as a bridge. Pathogens detected by the DNA, trigger it to send an electrical signal via the diamond medium to the circuit. [MORE]
posted by yonderboy (7 comments total)

My first thought upon reading this was a reverse of the process. Send instructions from circuits through the diamond medium to the DNA, which would then construct the necessary organic material. Not exactly Stephenson's book The Diamond Age, but as I said, a beginning.
posted by yonderboy at 6:05 AM on December 14, 2002

Life is a machine. As we use our computers, we are increasing our own capabilities. As the enhancements we make become more and more fundamental, there will be no division between us and the machines we create. And then we will be thought alone.
posted by Pretty_Generic at 6:48 AM on December 14, 2002

Steve Austin, astronaut..a man barely alive...we can rebuild him..we have the technology...we can make him...better than he was...
BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER.

Jesus, I'm getting old.
posted by bradth27 at 7:22 AM on December 14, 2002

Pretty_Generic: True that. I don't often see people thinking the way I do about this. Dream on - we need such dreams.
posted by azazello at 1:49 PM on December 14, 2002

Damn! de Beers will own us all.

Actually this is a very interesting article, thanks.
posted by riffola at 3:35 PM on December 14, 2002

Dear god I hope we don't become merged with our computers. We would become minds entirely devoted to viewing advertisements. I don't want my limbic system to be sponsored by Doritos.
posted by Hildago at 8:52 AM on December 15, 2002

:)
posted by Hackworth at 4:41 PM on December 15, 2002