Presentations at the The Foresight Institute’s First Conference on Advanced Nanotechnology, held last week near Washington, D.C., covered near-term technologies and longer-term implications of nanotechology developments.

Many presentations focused on the improvements nanotechnology could bring to both developed and developing nations. Other presentations covered potential dangers of nanotechnology such as economic disruptions or concerns in the area of civil liberties and human rights.

Chris Phoenix, director of research for the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, talked about “Clean Molecular Manufacturing,” whose slogan could be “No Atom Left Behind.” He also spoke on “The Top Ten Impacts of Molecular Manufacturing,” predicting that products made using a mature molecular nanotechnology would cost $1 per pound to make. After nanotech factories hit their stride, molecular manufacturing will provide more manufacturing capacity than all the world’s factories offer today.

Robert A. Freitas Jr. spoke on “Nanomedicine and Medical Nanorobotics.” He predicted that we would see biologically active nanoparticles used as diagnostic sensors in the next five years.