X-Message-Number: 12782 From: Thomas Donaldson <> Subject: Re: CryoNet #12776 - #12780 Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 00:17:05 +1100 (EST) And also (I had to get out of my net accessing system to make sure, since I have no extra copies) I actually discussed the article on nanocircuits in the July 16 issue of SCIENCE in PERIASTRON. Those on Cryonet who subscribe can look that up for themselves. While I would cheer on all attempts to get over the silicon barrier to make smaller computers, I must add that such abilities will help but hardly solve the problems we have in reviving someone who has been badly suspended and thus brain-damaged. The most critical issue in such cases is that of recovering their memory; and at least for me, I would hardly be satisfied by lots of versions of myself each containing one of many POSSIBLE sets of memories... especially since we don't yet understand memory completely (though we are far ahead of where we were only 10 years ago). The distinction made recently between blueprints and general plans is important if we really wish to solve this problem rather than go into quasi-religious ecstasy. And as for waking up and finding that George Smith's predictions came true, a lot depends on just how long we've been in suspension. Sure, we'll wake up to lots of wonderful things... but everything takes time, the more time the more complex the job is. And the use of computers to speed up our understanding isn't at all so simple, itself (the major thing to do in science is to ask the right questions, and that isn't at all easy to do, and even harder to get a computer to do INDEPENDENTLY OF US). Best wishes and long long life to all, again, Thomas Donaldson Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=12782