In “The Dark Secret of Hendrik Schön,” we are given a glimpse into the world of nanotechnology and the potential dangers it presents. The documentary follows the story of Hendrik Schön, a brilliant young scientist who made a breakthrough in nanotechnology by creating a computer transistor out of a single organic molecule. This achievement was met with great excitement as it paved the way for the development of minute computers that could grow as living cells.
As scientists speculated on the potential applications of this technology, questions arose about its safety and potential dangers. The documentary reveals the concerns of some, including Prince Charles, about the possibility of swarms of tiny nanobots coming together and devouring human flesh, leading to a non-biological cancer.
The implications of nanotechnology were far-reaching, with some speculating that it could lead to the end of the entire silicon chip industry. At the same time, concerns were raised about the possibility of military use of these tiny machines as new weapons. If the machines could grow by themselves, how could they be stopped from growing?
The documentary goes on to reveal the dark secret that was hidden behind Hendrik Schön’s discovery. It destroyed reputations and shattered lives, exposing the flaws in the scientific peer review process.
Overall, “The Dark Secret of Hendrik Schön” is a fascinating and eye-opening exploration of the potential perils of nanotechnology. It reveals the excitement and promise of this cutting-edge technology, while also highlighting the need for caution and thorough safety testing.