May 10 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Other Year: General Rating: 12 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
Ever since the first true nanomedicine product came on the
market, a caged cancer drug that releases once bound to the cancer
cell, researchers have been working towards utilizing these
technologies for control purposes. 
Last week it was announced that NanoCage, in collaboration with
United Penitentiary Systems, have developed the first barless
prison. Upon entry, inmates are injected with a cocktail of caged
drugs that have a variety of effects when released via radio
control. The base technology utilizes focused radio waves that
enable the drugs to cause the intended pain to the prisoner.
The basis for this futuristic security system is a net of radio
transmitters that surrounds the facility. As a prisoner crosses the
perimeter threshold, the radio signals will cause the release of
one type of caged drug. For instance, if the prisoner crosses an
inner warning perimeter, a drug will be released that causes
extreme vertigo and mild nausea. If the prisoner continues, the
next perimeter will signal the release of incapacitating sedatives,
and if the last signal is reached, it will trigger a fatal dose of
narcotics. These perimeters are spaced far apart enough to prevent
unintentional crossing of more than the first.
The caged drug is connected to an antenna that upon receipt of a
specific radio signal causes the physical break down of the
carbon-nanotube-based cage. The package including the antenna is
roughly half the size of a red blood cell. A coating of
biocompatible molecules minimizes the physiological side effects
from the caged drugs. (cont.)
Guards in barless facilities will be equipped with radio
transmitters that can be aimed at individual inmates or larger
areas to quell local unrest. The transmitters used by the guards
will be unable to access the frequencies that trigger the fatal
dosages.
NanoCage and United Penitentiary Systems claim this is the new
model for working prisons, where inmate labor is unencumbered by
restraints or monitoring devices and physical investment costs are
not much more than traditional factories.
Most positive futurists believe that this is a good idea. It may
have a little “big brother” stigma attached, but it could be enough
of a threat to turn some would-be criminals into law abiding
citizens. And it will certainly make prison labor more competitive,
which might help rehabilitate wrongdoers.
What do you think? Is this technology good for humanity’s
future, or is it just another way to abuse the downtrodden?
Comments welcome.
Comment Thread ()
