Computers Quote by K. Eric Drexler
“Protein engineering is a technology of molecular machines - of molecular machines that are part of replicators - and so it comes from an area that already raises some of the issues that nanotechnology will raise.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Engines of Creation”, 1992
Protein engineering creates molecular machines that are part of replicators, raising similar ethical and safety concerns as nanotechnology.
In simple terms: Protein engineering builds replicating molecular machines, echoing nanotech issues.
Key Takeaway
Address replication risks in bio‑engineering.
Themes
technology
ethics
biology
nanotech
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- biotech research
- synthetic biology
- policy making
Key Concepts
replicators
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards are needed for self‑replicating proteins?
- How do nanotech concerns inform biotech regulation?
A Different Perspective
Uncontrolled replication could cause ecological harm.
