The Dance of the Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives (Paperback)

by Ted Sargent (Author) "Inspired, guided, and aided by Nature's biology, nanotechnologists turn the physical into the functional, chemistry their implement..." (more)
Key Phrases: optical lithography, Courtesy of Nature, University of Toronto, Moore's Law (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Sargent, visiting professor of nanotechnology at MIT, persuasively argues that advances in nanotechnology are occurring at a dizzying rate and have the potential to transform almost all aspects of human society, from health care to warfare. The book examines cutting-edge science in health, the environment and communications. Sargent's optimism knows almost no limits. He predicts that with nanotechnology's ability "to design and build matter to order," scientists will soon be able to prescribe nano-size drugs that will identify and kill single cancerous cells long before they can do any harm, and regenerate nerve cells to cure spinal cord injuries. Further, Sargent says, "new technologies may allow ground-based warfare without people." Throw in a limitless energy supply and a fully integrated computer and communications system that will become an integral part of humans, and you have a utopia almost beyond belief. Indeed, with only a few pages devoted to possible negative environmental consequences of runaway nanotechnology, Sargent's utopia is beyond belief. Although his exuberance is somewhat infectious, he tries a bit too hard to make his writing witty, such as describing an optical detector as "a voyeur, a castrato ogling the photon but under-equipped to seduce it." (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
Nanotechnologists work on the molecular level to "coax matter into new forms," explains Sargent, a professor of nanotechnology, in this lively and informative introduction to a burgeoning field. Uniting chemistry, physics, and biology, nanotechnology seems destined to launch a revolution even more far-reaching than the digital wave. Sargent begins in the 1980s with the creation of a new stable carbon molecule called the buckyball in honor of Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome, then clearly and entertainingly describes each phase of nano-innovation. Delineating both the science and the applications involved, and profiling key scientists, Sargent explains how nanoparticles can detect and treat cancer, how nanotechnology can vastly improve the capacity of solar cells and help wean us off oil, and how molecular motors will make molecular electronics possible for the construction of ever smaller, more flexible, easier-to-use computers. As with all human inventions, nanotechnologies have capabilities for good and ill. Sargent's sharply etched explanations will help nonscientists stay informed about the pros and cons of new developments as the material world continues to morph before our eyes. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; illustrated edition edition (October 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560258950
• ISBN-13: 978-1560258957
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #421,953 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology, March 7, 2006

By	J. Wisdom - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives (Hardcover)

Dance of the Molecules is an engaging and informative look at some of the more recent advances in nanotechnology and its real-world applications. The book is divided into three approximately equal sections: medicine, the environment, and communications. In the first section, Sargent examines the use of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. For example, scientists have been able to create microscopic beacons which attach themselves specifically to cancer cells, enabling earlier detection of certain kinds of cancer. Similarly, researchers have discovered ways to create a synthetic scaffolding around which tissue cells and eventually organs can grow. At some point in the near future, they may be able to put entire diagnostic and pharmaceutical labs on microchips that, when implanted in humans, could not only diagnose a problem but could also automatically concoct and dispense a drug that targets that specific problem.

The section on the environment explores the use of nanotechnology in power generation (specifically solar and hydrogen power) and biohazard detection. Nanotechnology is already being used in petroleum refineries, and may someday play a key role in cleaning up toxic and nuclear waste. Similarly (and perhaps not surprisingly) the U.S. military is investing heavily in nanotechnology whereby soldiers may one day wear suits that can automatically neutralize whatever biological and chemical weapons might be deployed against them.

The section on communication includes, among other things, a discussion of electronic sensory prostheses (e.g. artificial retinas that may someday enable blind people to see) and computing; specifically on ways of using improving transmission speed and efficiency using photons instead of electrons-think fiber optics applied to all of computing.

In many ways, the book is well-written. Sargent has taken a complex and technical literature and has made its insights available to most non-specialists. It is neither overly simplified nor prohibitively detailed. However, as one reviewer notes, at times he does try a bit too hard to be witty or amusing. For example, in describing synthetic scaffolds used to grow new tissue, he writes, "Since our organs vary widely...the scaffolds that tissue engineers create to promote growth of replacement organs also vary tremendously. These scaffolds do, however, share a common purpose: creating appealing spaces for cells to inhabit. Nice big lofts with high ceilings and attractive furnishings, yet comfy and cozy at the same time. Roomy without causing agoraphobia. They create a welcoming environment tailored to the cells of interest: chintz and a cat for pancreatic cells, glass and brushed steel for liver cells." (65) Done occasionally, this can be amusing. Done every few pages or so, it gets tedious.

Finally, I appreciate Sargent's occasional glances at the importance of viewing nanotechnology in its larger (e.g., ethical and social) context. I wish he would have included further discussion of this issue in his appendix. It is one thing to have the ability to pursue various technologies, yet another to be morally justified in doing so. One wonders about the morality of spending billions of dollars on researching diseases that currently have no cure while neglecting the millions, if not billions of people around the world who needlessly suffer from medical conditions that are already curable (e.g. malnutrition, intestinal parasites, polio, tuberculosis). However, since this is not the focus of Sargent's book, its lack of treatment (no pun intended) should not be taken as a criticism. I highly recommend The Dance of the Molecules for those seeking an informative and engaging look at new advances in nanotechnology.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing "Airplane View" of Nanotech, May 9, 2006

By	Wakka - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives (Hardcover)

The author is an accomplished young scientist, who I believe was trying a little too hard to write an "accessible" book. The result is a high-level treatment of an admittedly complex topic, but one which doesn't carry the impact that his professional credentials could have delivered.

Much of the content of this book has already been published here and there in Journal articles and other websites -- I didn't read anything very new, in fact. At some point nanotechnology books will progress past the "Imagine if you could write THE WHOLE ENCYCLOPEDIA on the head of a pin!" scenario that Richard Feynman presented so neatly back in the 1950's.

This book takes a "let's re-create Greta Garbo at the molecular level" scenario as a jumping off point, which I found not only inappropriate, but just plain creepy. The author also strains for a feeling of hipness, or perhaps attempts to talk down to sixth-grade readers, and presents tortured metaphors at the close of paragraphs. If a photon needs to be nurtured and protected in captivity, then "Light is a panda." Yes, the metaphors really ARE that stupid in this book. Sad.

Here's to Ted's next book being better. One gets the feeling he is out for self-promotion as much as scientific progress: witness his web site. He may also have a Napoleon complex going on: witness the extreme up-angle on his publicity photo (which mirrors the up-angle on his nose). Vertically challenged, are we Ted? It is easy to be a giant if your field is nanotech!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inviting introduction for non-scientist readers, April 24, 2006

By	D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives (Hardcover)

Nanotechnology is talked about quite a bit and is reaching ever more into the daily news; but if you'd really understand its basics, don't miss the most readable THE DANCE OF MOLECULES: HOW NANOTECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING OUR LIVES. Author Ted Sargent is a visiting professor of nanotechnology but you'll be surprised to find his exploration is quite readable, discussing the latest potentials of nonotechnology experiments and research and equating this research to all disciplines of science. Both positives and perils are surveyed with easy examples and just enough in-depth discussion to make it useful for college supplementing reading.