Read the three texts below, which are all concerned in some way with the technological advances. Choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D) to the questions that follow the texts.
Nanotechnology was born in the 1980s and describes the advanced capabilities of assembling molecules with atomic precision. In layman’s terms, it means that we may have the ability to place one atom at a time in a specified place – it’s molecular manipulation at the very finest level. This is a huge advance in technology and has enormous possibilities for every aspect of our lives. Hence substantial government funding in this area and the vast number of nanotech companies already in existence.
Intended uses
There are some that doubt it will be possible to manipulate molecules in the way nanotechnology claims it can. But others claim it will soon be possible to make tiny devices like ‘nanobots’, which are microscopic robots small enough to travel in our bloodstreams, destroy cancer cells, or repair faulty heart valves. They hope that the technology can also be used in other areas of our lives, such as to generate cheap electricity and to purify water.
Potential drawbacks
There are rumours that there could be dangerous unintended consequences, such as self-replicating robots destroying the world. Problems are actually more likely to be similar to those people associate with nuclear energy and genetically modified foods. That is, some of the tiny units could damage cells and be an environmental danger. And whilst there is a legal requirement to inform the public, this could also pose risks if nanotechnology were to fall into the wrong hands, such as activist organizations, and be used to harm innocent people. Openness on technological issues is essential but regulation is also important.
1. Interest in the potential benefits of nanotechnology is evident from...