ecophagy
Grey goo is a hypothetical end-of-the-world scenario involving molecular nanotechnology in which out-of-control self-replicating robots consume all living matter on Earth while building more of themselves (a scenario known as ecophagy).
- Wikipedia, on Grey Goo
I remember reading Eric Drexler's Engines Of Creation (1986) a few years ago and being delighted by it. Sure it's dated (the irony) and amidst the science and 'foresight' you'll find some rhetoric, but what a great read. Worth it for the cover alone.
