Editing Ray Kurzweil (section)

===Genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics===

Kurzweil was working with the [[Army Science Board]] in 2006 to develop a rapid response system to deal with the possible abuse of biotechnology. He suggested that a bioterrorist could use the same technologies that empower us to reprogram biology away from cancer and heart disease to reprogram a virus to be more deadly, communicable, and stealthy. But he suggests we have the scientific tools to defend against such an attack, much as we defend against computer software viruses. Kurzweil has testified before Congress on [[nanotechnology]], saying that it has the potential to solve serious global problems such as poverty, disease, and climate change: "Nanotech Could Give Global Warming a Big Chill".<ref name="Global_warming">{{cite web |date=July 2006 |title=Nanotech Could Give Global Warming a Big Chill |url=http://www.qsinano.com/pdf/ForbesWolfe_NanotechReport_July2006.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023163838/http://www.qsinano.com/pdf/ForbesWolfe_NanotechReport_July2006.pdf |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2011}}</ref>

In media appearances, Kurzweil has stressed nanotechnology's extreme potential dangers<ref name=booktv /><!-- at 85, 147, 167 and 173 minutes into 3-hour interview--> but argues that, in practice, progress cannot be stopped because that would require a totalitarian system, and any attempt to do so would drive dangerous technologies underground and deprive responsible scientists of the tools needed for defense. He suggests that the proper place of regulation is to ensure that technological progress proceeds safely and quickly but does not deprive the world of profound benefits. He said: "To avoid dangers such as unrestrained nanobot replication, we need relinquishment at the right level and to place our highest priority on the continuing advance of defensive technologies, staying ahead of destructive technologies. An overall strategy should include a streamlined regulatory process, a global program of monitoring for unknown or evolving biological pathogens, temporary moratoriums, raising public awareness, international cooperation, software reconnaissance, and fostering values of liberty, tolerance, and respect for knowledge and diversity."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kurzweilai.net/nanotechnology-dangers-and-defenses |title=Nanotechnology Dangers and Defenses |publisher=KurzweilAI |access-date=2013-07-28 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004175320/http://www.kurzweilai.net/nanotechnology-dangers-and-defenses |url-status=dead }}</ref>