Nanotechnology and Homeland Security New Weapons for New Wars

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Treatment on a Topical Subject
Review: An excellent treatment on a topical subject

The authors have done a considerable service to the advancement of Nanotechnology by writing this book. A topical subject that is given effective and illuminating treatment on a grand scale. The writing is clear and concise, well organized, and very informative.
in a robust style. There is little hype - and much more of the reality. In the fast developing field of Nanotechnology there are many applications that can be applied and have been described but precious little in the field of warfare, terrorism and the protection against malicious enemies. Until now.

I would recommend this book as a valuable guide to anyone who is seriously thinking about Nanotechnology. All in all, it's a strong accomplishment that is a courageous attempt to define the Nanotechnology in modern warfare.

Rating:
Summary: The Ratners Have Done It Again!!!
Review: I normally do not have time to review books on Amazon.com, but I had to make an exception for this one. It is terrific!

A sequel to their previous book, Nanotechnology, A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea, the Ratners have done it again with Nanotechnology and Homeland Security. This book makes the field with the most scientific jargon seem like child's play. I found it most refreshing after the series of myths that has propogated the world market about nanobots and nano-monsters. If you've read Michael Chrichton's Prey, do yourself a favor and read this book as well so you can see the direction that nano is really taking.

The Ratners begin by giving an overview of the latest developments in the field of nanotechnology, with an emphasis on war. Sensors, energy, electronics, biomedical application and optics are all covered. Anyone who has sent he recent Matrix movies will especially appreciate the next section on smart materials and the Man-Machine interface. The Ratners continue to examine the face of war on the battlefield, and how it is changing. From the integration of battlefield baggage into a self-climatized nanosystem and the changing of an army suit into a self-healing bandage, they show us the wave of the future. And it is fascinating!

The book continues to cover national alert systems and how they as well are changing. Instead of being confused by green, orange, blue alert levels, they propose a new, innovative form of national alert. They even tackle the world's dependence on oil, and how that might be averted. Environmental concerns of bioterrism and pollution are also examined. The influence of nano on biology, genetics, morality, economics and more is fully integrated as you move through the text. Their final section is a brilliant wrap-up of the previous information, involving everything from a commentary on recent political developments to a discussion of the Harry Potter series.

I am consistently impressed by the Ratners' witty commentary and intelligent deduction. They have a real knack for making the most complicated wave of the future accessible to a common reader. Keep the books coming!

Rating:
Summary: The Ratners Have Done It Again!!!
Review: I normally do not have time to review books on Amazon.com, but I had to make an exception for this one. It is terrific!

A sequel to their previous book, Nanotechnology, A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea, the Ratners have done it again with Nanotechnology and Homeland Security. This book makes the field with the most scientific jargon seem like child's play. I found it most refreshing after the series of myths that has propogated the world market about nanobots and nano-monsters. If you've read Michael Chrichton's Prey, do yourself a favor and read this book as well so you can see the direction that nano is really taking.

The Ratners begin by giving an overview of the latest developments in the field of nanotechnology, with an emphasis on war. Sensors, energy, electronics, biomedical application and optics are all covered. Anyone who has sent he recent Matrix movies will especially appreciate the next section on smart materials and the Man-Machine interface. The Ratners continue to examine the face of war on the battlefield, and how it is changing. From the integration of battlefield baggage into a self-climatized nanosystem and the changing of an army suit into a self-healing bandage, they show us the wave of the future. And it is fascinating!

The book continues to cover national alert systems and how they as well are changing. Instead of being confused by green, orange, blue alert levels, they propose a new, innovative form of national alert. They even tackle the world's dependence on oil, and how that might be averted. Environmental concerns of bioterrism and pollution are also examined. The influence of nano on biology, genetics, morality, economics and more is fully integrated as you move through the text. Their final section is a brilliant wrap-up of the previous information, involving everything from a commentary on recent political developments to a discussion of the Harry Potter series.

I am consistently impressed by the Ratners' witty commentary and intelligent deduction. They have a real knack for making the most complicated wave of the future accessible to a common reader. Keep the books coming!

Rating:
Summary: Bound for the Discount Rack
Review: I'm glad I got this as a gift as I certaily wouldn't have paid for it. If you want to read it take my advice and wait a year. It's bound to end up in the dollar bin, and you're bound to find dozens of used copies showing up on amazon.

Rating:
Summary: Just Trust Us
Review: It is becoming conventional wisdom that nanotechnology will not only be the key driver of economic expansion in the 21st century; but, it will also be a major determinant of which country or countries militarily preponderate the new century. With this in mind Daniel and Mark Ratner have penned a book, "Nanotechnology and Homeland Security: New Weapons for New Wars", designed to explain to the layman the future of military technology as it relates to the field of nanotechnology.

The Ratners focus here specifically on making the United States military and the American people safe(r) from terrorist attacks. They discuss such future tech as sensors for detecting chemical and biological agents, light-weight body armor, active camouflage, and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

While knowing that these and other technologies will possibly be aiding in the defense of the United States within the next two decades is interesting for its own sake, the Ratners do not take the next step and adequately describe the technology for their readers. They all too often take a "trust us" approach to describing these technologies when a brief description of the underlying technology seems to be required at the minimum.

Where this book does come up a winner though is in the Ratners acceptance of the societal impact that nanotechnology will have. Already we have heard prophesies of doom coming from the gallery regarding the havoc that nanotechnology will unleash upon the world. The Ratners are right that nanotechnology enthusiasts cannot be assured that their discipline will be viewed in a positive light so long as it provides benefits to the world. Bioengineering holds the promise of removing many natural dangers to human life, including cancer, but is still viewed as Frankensteinian.

The Ratners rightfully state that nanotechnologists need to eschew the bioengineers' love for secrecy. They need to publish and freely discuss their work and the effect (both good and bad) it will have on society.

"Nanotechnology and Homeland Defense" is an uninspired look at the future of military hardware but a good first step in acquainting the American people with the technologies that will soon be shaping our world. Within a few years time we should have several more works that will more adequately describe the technologies themselves.

Rating:
Summary: Save your money
Review: Save your money. The book is light on science and specifics and seems to spend a lot of time on things that do not seem to be related to either nanotechnology or homeland security. For example, they talk about and have a picture of nanotechnology-enhanced stain resistant pants from Eddie Bauer. If your looking for the latest on nanotech, better to read Smalltimes.

Rating:
Summary: Bound for the Discount Rack
Review: Save your money. The book is light on science and specifics, and heavy on hyping things that seem unrelated to either nanotechnology or homeland security. For example, they have a picture of nanotechnology-enhanced stain resistant pants from Eddie Bauer. For better information on the latest developments, I would recommend Smalltimes.

Rating:
Summary: Save your money
Review: Save your money. The book is light on science and specifics, and heavy on hyping things that seem unrelated to either nanotechnology or homeland security. For example, they have a picture of nanotechnology-enhanced stain resistant pants from Eddie Bauer. For better information on the latest developments, I would recommend Smalltimes.