Conclusion

To answer the question as to whether nanotechnology is only science fiction or a technology of the nearest future, we need to make an assumption. We need to separate two different concepts about nanotechnology. Doing so, the answer to the above question will become very straightforward. The first concept of nanotechnology should be associated with molecular machines (assemblers) and their ability to produce any desired product in a short time and to self-replicate. Proponents of this concept foresee nanotechnology as a pathway to a technological utopia with unparalleled prosperity, pollution-free industry and even external life (Stix, 2001). It is easy to predict that this technology will not be available to people in the near future.

On the other hand, we can consider nanotechnology as a technology of producing objects whose size will not exceed 100 nanometers. This technology is one of the fastest growing fields in recent years. In 2001 President Bill Clinton provided a $422-million budget to boost nanoscience and engineering, a 56 percent jump in nanotechnology spending from a year earlier (Stix, 2001). For the federal fiscal years 2004-2007 the House already approved spending of $2.4 billion to foster research in nanotechnology (The Associated Press, 2003). The above numbers and mentioned earlier examples of current advancement in this field allow us to assume that over the next few years nanotechnology will become as advanced as biotechnology is today. We also have to be aware of possible risks and dangers concerning nanotechnology. Finally, we must not forget about the social and ethical issues of this technology.