I wonder why I don't see anyone talking about using the data encoded in DNA to create self-replicating machines and tools that will only have to be engineered, not manufactured. It seems the obvious route to go, since we are already deciphering the human genome and can reengineer some bacterial and viruses to produce products such as insulin and reverse the damage caused by faulty genes. The DNA models for millions of things already exist as life forms produced by evolution. Once we understand how the code works, we can produce what we want through engineering methods. Trying to assemble nanotools through current manufacturing techniques seems to be barking up the wrong tree.
grantc@crash.cts.com