Customer Reviews

Nanotechnology and Homeland Security: New Weapons for New Wars

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(3)

 

 

An excellent treatment on a topical subject

The authors have done a considerable service to the advancement of Nanotechnology by writing this book. A topical subject that is given effective and illuminating treatment on a grand scale. The writing is clear and concise, well organized, and very informative.
in a robust style. There is little hype - and much more of the reality. In the fast developing field of Nanotechnology there are many applications that can be applied and have been described but precious little in the field of warfare, terrorism and the protection against malicious enemies. Until now.

I would recommend this book as a valuable guide to anyone who is seriously thinking about Nanotechnology. All in all, it's a strong accomplishment that is a courageous attempt to define the Nanotechnology in modern warfare.

The Ratners explain nanotechnology in a way readily accessible to a general audience. The book tries to suggest what might be realistically achievable in a few years. There are some preliminary results described. Like an improved stain resistant trousers. But these are really early years. It is true that if you focus on the progress made in the book, then there might be some disappointment.

However, the authors make a plausible case that future progress can yield much more. Naturally, the book stresses how new weapons might come into being, based on nanotech. Some of this you might regard as wildly speculative, while other possibilities might seem well within the reach of a few more years of effort.

A useful topic raised is Moore's so-called Second Law. That the cost of a semiconductor fab doubles with each new generation of fabs. This spells the end of Moore's First Law within a decade. Hence, the book positions a nanotech approach as a technological discontinuity as a necessary shift in order for computer hardware to keep improving beyond then.

The science and engineering aspects of nanotech are solidly covered by the book. It deserves to be widely read; especially by policymakers.

I normally do not have time to review books on Amazon.com, but I had to make an exception for this one. It is terrific!

A sequel to their previous book, Nanotechnology, A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea, the Ratners have done it again with Nanotechnology and Homeland Security. This book makes the field with the most scientific jargon seem like child's play. I found it most refreshing after the series of myths that has propogated the world market about nanobots and nano-monsters. If you've read Michael Chrichton's Prey, do yourself a favor and read this book as well so you can see the direction that nano is really taking.

The Ratners begin by giving an overview of the latest developments in the field of nanotechnology, with an emphasis on war. Sensors, energy, electronics, biomedical application and optics are all covered. Anyone who has sent he recent Matrix movies will especially appreciate the next section on smart materials and the Man-Machine interface. The Ratners continue to examine the face of war on the battlefield, and how it is changing. From the integration of battlefield baggage into a self-climatized nanosystem and the changing of an army suit into a self-healing bandage, they show us the wave of the future. And it is fascinating!

The book continues to cover national alert systems and how they as well are changing. Instead of being confused by green, orange, blue alert levels, they propose a new, innovative form of national alert. They even tackle the world's dependence on oil, and how that might be averted. Environmental concerns of bioterrism and pollution are also examined. The influence of nano on biology, genetics, morality, economics and more is fully integrated as you move through the text. Their final section is a brilliant wrap-up of the previous information, involving everything from a commentary on recent political developments to a discussion of the Harry Potter series.

I am consistently impressed by the Ratners' witty commentary and intelligent deduction. They have a real knack for making the most complicated wave of the future accessible to a common reader. Keep the books coming!

Save your money. The book is light on science and specifics and seems to spend a lot of time on things that do not seem to be related to either nanotechnology or homeland security. For example, they talk about and have a picture of nanotechnology-enhanced stain resistant pants from Eddie Bauer. If your looking for the latest on nanotech, better to read Smalltimes.

Save your money. The book is light on science and specifics, and heavy on hyping things that seem unrelated to either nanotechnology or homeland security. For example, they have a picture of nanotechnology-enhanced stain resistant pants from Eddie Bauer. For better information on the latest developments, I would recommend Smalltimes.

Dan Ratner: A man with brains and one hot body! He's got it all! I have had the pleasure of meeting this young and "yummy" hunk after the release of his book. I must say, his photo in the book doesn't do him justice. Ladies, you really have to see this hunk in person! If you are ever in the Chicago area, I would seriously advise you to go.

You can tell he works out by his incredible bulging muscles. Oh, yeah! What a physique! Is this guy for real or just a fantasy? Gotta wipe that drool off your lips, Ladies. *smack* Oh, I'd love to feel those arms for myself. His body, from what I could see, gets an "A" rating here!!

His personality rating is an "A" rating as well. He is so well mannered and is a pleasure to converse with. Quite refreshing to meet such a man. I would certainly love a date with this fine young author over a nice old fashion candle-lit dinner. His mannerism is a definite "A+" rating here!

Unfortunately, my meeting with Mr. Dan Ratner was not long enough to give an extensive review, although, I hope our next meet will be.

Anyway, if you like brains and brawn, I'd definitely recommend this author!

I'm glad I got this as a gift as I certaily wouldn't have paid for it. If you want to read it take my advice and wait a year. It's bound to end up in the dollar bin, and you're bound to find dozens of used copies showing up on amazon.