Prey question

We've got the bacteria, the drones, the molecular assemblers, the nanotechnology, and now. . .the flying-robot-swarms.

1"RoboBees" take first flight - http://cbsn.ws/104EvjV
By SHOSHANA DAVIS / CBS NEWS May 2, 2013

Molecular assembler finally created - http://bit.ly/104DDM0
By Brian Dodson - gizmag.com January 26, 2013

I think the point was to illustrate the enhanced intellectual ability of swarms. One termite is a real dud, a colony can build incredible underground edifices. One computer is Ok, but a whole network somehow gives that computer the ability to fix itself and Lord knows what else. One man can be dangerous, but look at the havoc a mob inflicts. Futuristic books should leave you with a certain feeling of dread and a "What if?" mindset. This one succeeds.

I would say that it is theoretically possible, but technology is currently not anywhere close enough to do the nanotech or the AI.

My opinion is that is was a fun read. Period.

Chrichton usually tries to keep his premise based on sound science. Although from that point he sometimes seems to speculate rather wildly. For the most part the tech is feasible and the "grey goo" disaster scenario may be A very real problem for our children and their children like nuclear and bioterror were for the last generations

Like most things in this area the first level is easier to predict. It secondary responses of culture and technology that are harder. How the environment reacts as it were. Like in the 70s who would have thought having a personal portable phone was important? Or the impact of the car + the baby boom on the sexual revolution, teenager independence, and the overall "me" cultural revolution. Here he didn't really think too many steps ahead and simply looked at the first level - which likely was appropriate for when he published the book and the setting though it made it a bit weaker.
The biggest issue with nano tech so far is power though strides are being made into that arena. Most everything else is corrected in the last decade.

Don't kid yourselves, Michael Crichton did his research thoroughly! Nano technology is a fascinating technology that is vastly amazing and is already far reaching. This technology is not only possible, it is being used. Even though I am sure he used some artistic license to a degree, I don't believe that it is too far from reality.

I soooo loved this book, maybe this one was my favorite from MC...so sorry he passed away :( what a talent :(

Between drones and swarm technology currently being developed I think that is is not only possible, but fairly realistic if a need arose. Nanotechnology is still in its infancy, but there has not been a huge driving force to push the technology. As this increases, who knows what all might be possible. Terrifying if a person thinks about it too much.

We're already doing this stuff in biotech with viruses. Granted a virus isn't too smart, but it's smarter than we are at gene splicing operations.

The single-minded genetic programming of smallpox, polio, measles, influenza, Ebola, Huntavirus, and AIDS have given us a hard time for many years. I think Crichton's prophecy is probably too mild.

Thx William for sharing this especially as I was about to post an almost sure sentence that I have already heard/read/watched some bit of science news somewhere about nanotechnology use (like for real, trying to use it not just wishful thinking...but I'm no expert in the topic).
This seems / comes as no surprise too me...I know you mention viruses but if I try to remember the phones that I had and used 2 years ago, 1 year ago and now?! The difference is almost dramatic. What other sciences have been following this path of advancement, could be a lot of them!

This type of technology is already used in medicine. There are multiple videos at the bacterial level showing specifically designed bacteria/proteins accomplishing specific tasks.

I kept thinking and still do that with every thing happening and with all the new technology and discovers made in this day of age that it can actually happen,even with all the safety precautions that the government and no government companies make because there is always going to be someone who want to make a fast buck and not caring who gets hurt at the time.