Intelligence Squared The Wonders of Nanotechnology, with Sonia Contera and Tom Whipple
Jan 10, 2020
Sonia Contera, a Professor of Biological Physics at the University of Oxford, joins science editor Tom Whipple to explore the fascinating realm of nanotechnology. They delve into how manipulating life's building blocks can revolutionize medicine, from groundbreaking cancer treatment strategies to innovations in tissue engineering. Contera highlights the interconnectedness of biology and physics, discussing the implications of environmental mechanics and the challenges posed by potential risks like 'grey goo.' Get ready to be amazed by the future possibilities!
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Sonia Contera's Path to Nanotechnology
- Sonia Contera's interest in nanotechnology began with a talk about the scanning tunneling microscope.
- This led her to study the nanomachines of biology and their potential for material science and medicine.
How Scanning Probe Microscopes Work
- Scanning probe microscopes use a nano-sized tip to interact with matter, like a "nano finger."
- This allows scientists to see molecules moving in their natural environment, like warm water, which is crucial for studying life.
The Divide Between Biology and Physics
- Biology separated from physics partly due to a lack of tools and political reasons, such as social Darwinism.
- The focus on DNA as the sole carrier of life information, a consequence of this, has led to an oversimplified model of biology.
