DNA Nanobots Enter Living Organism For First Time - Human Trials Within 5 Years?Nicholas West Kurzweil goes on to envision eventually connecting our brains to Cloud computing for easy upload and download. Knowing this, the announcement that DNA nanobots have already moved beyond theory and have been successfully implanted in a living organism should get everyones attention. The cockroach has naturally become a testing ground for the neuroscience community. Insects and mice have long been tested upon in the areas of direct mind control. Cyborg insects in particular have also been tested for their surveillance potential. Its a strange new world where even remote controlled humans via the Internet is now possible, as well as the promise of DNA downloads from the Internet. This obsession with brain research and genetics is coalescing at a very rapid rate within the field of bioengineering that is now utilizing advancements in nanotechnology to open up the final doors to access all that encompasses any living structure. New Scientist explains the latest findings: There have been some other curious pronouncements from the robotics and artificial intelligence fields as of late that also pinpoint the arrival of these technologies within 5 years. At the risk of sounding like a Luddite, I do think that ethical considerations are lagging very far behind the rate of technological development. While there can be little doubt that such revolutionary technology could be used in a beneficial way, we would do well to look at where this technology originates from (primarily the military) and some of the other uses that have been suggested. For example, a recent article discussing the work of Dr. Rebecca Roache (yeah, curious, I know) opens with one line: Sentencing a criminal to 1,000 years in an artificial hell may one day become a reality. The work of Dr. Roache supposedly an ethicist postulates that the length of prison and the suffering endured is not commensurate with some of the most heinous crimes committed. Thus, using technology such as lifespan enhancement, mind uploading, altering perception of duration (through pills), and robot prison officers doors can be opened that could create a literal hell on earth for those selected for such treatment. No mention is made, however, of any positive uses such as learning at a far more rapid rate of speed, augmenting ones natural creativity to more easily enter the boundlessness of the human experience, or anything remotely arguing for individual empowerment and freedom. Only endless suffering and pain. What are your thoughts? Please leave your comments below. Recently by Nicholas West: At the risk of sounding like a Luddite, I do think that ethical How quaint. It is literally impossible for ethical considerations to keep up with technological development at this point. It is impossible because ethical considerations remain solely in the realm of linear thinking while technological development thrives in the realm of exponential growth. Obviously, its not too late to slow down. But good luck convincing the tech companies to do it, or get world governments to acquiesce to your concerns. 