In real science: Nano-what?!

Nicholas Albertini

Recent research into semiconducting nanoparticles has made some incredible advancements. While much of this progress will be beneficial within the medical field, these advancements border on mind control.
Researchers at the University of California at San Diego are using florescent silicon nanoparticles to highlight tumors. The nanoparticles are nontoxic, biodegradable and target tumors. Treatment with the particles causes tumors to glow red under ultraviolet light. This could allow a surgeon to distinguish between a tumor and surrounding tissue during surgery. The scientists have also demonstrated the capability of these nanoparticles to carry the cancer drug doxorubicin directly to tumors where the particles slowly release the drug.
Scientists at the University of California at Berkley and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst report that they have produced data storage arrays capable of storing 10 terabits per square inch. This is on the order of 15 times greater than any density yet achieved. Their process uses an angularly cut sapphire crystal that is heated to a high temperature, creating very regular and tiny ridges on the cut surface that allow semiconducting nanoparticles to self-arrange by using these ridges as a guide.
At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, investigators have created a method to activate neurological activity in brain tissues using semiconducting nanoparticles and light. These nanoparticles are embedded onto neurons in brain tissue and then illuminated by infrared light. They plan to develop it as a treatment for people who have suffered neurological trauma.
Another study was published in December by a team led by Professor Margalit of Tel Aviv University. These researchers designed a drug encapsulating bubble-like nanostructures that recognize the surfaces of cancer cells and only deposit the drug into them. One might question whether approved chemotherapeutic drugs would even be necessary given such precise targeting. Experts have long suggested that such targeting would allow the use of ricin as a cancer drug since it is one of the most effective cytotoxins known.
Increasing the density of data storage by 15 times obviously has huge consequences for computing and digital electronics. How about an iPod with every song ever recorded? That is starting to sound possible, even imminent.
The ability to trigger the firing of neurons in living individuals using nanostructures in their brains will allow for a form of external mind control. Maybe a version of this technology using microwave or some other form of radiation could be engineered such that the controlling radiation could pass through the skull. Perhaps sensory stimuli could be simulated by activation of the proper areas of the brain. This results in the possibility of an interesting form of virtual reality.
We need to also consider the opposite function. Some other configuration of these nanoparticles ought to emit electromagnetic radiation when their associated neuron fires. Detection of this radiation would disclose much more about brain function than any FMRI or EEG. The combination could allow for direct two-way communication between a brain and a computer.