The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN) has published an analysis of the exchange between Eric Drexler and Richard Smalley in the December 1 Chemical & Engineering News.

“We have carefully examined the arguments presented by each side,” says Chris Phoenix, Director of Research at CRN. “We conclude that Smalley failed to show why MNT cannot work as Drexler asserts.”

“Failure to anticipate the development of molecular manufacturing could have serious consequences,” he states. “A working molecular nanotechnology will likely require the design and enforcement of policies to control the use of compact advanced manufacturing systems and their products. But panicked last-minute policy will be bad policy—simultaneously oppressive and ineffective. The military implications are even more perilous.

“Molecular manufacturing systems are expected to be able to produce weapons as powerful as nuclear bombs, but much more selective, easier to manufacture, and easier to use. If a powerful nation suddenly realizes that molecular manufacturing is possible, and discovers that rival nations are already making material progress, they may react violently, or may enter into an arms race that will probably be unstable and thus may result in war with weapons of unprecedented power.

“On the positive side, molecular manufacturing may be able to mitigate many of the world’s humanitarian and environmental crises. Advancing its development by even a year or two could alleviate untold suffering, raising standards of living worldwide while sharply reducing our environmental footprint. However, rapid and effective humanitarian use may also depend on sound policy developed well in advance.”