Tech update

Kitchen Robots - Sushi Chef

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/japan-prepares-robots-to-take-over-the-kitchen-1701574.html

Drought Resistant Corn
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/monsanto-basf-announce-first-drought-tolerant-biotech-crop/360572/

Incredible changes ahead by mid-2020s, experts say

http://www.positivefuturist.com/default-blog.asp?Display=1123

Futurist Ray Kurzweil believes we will experience more discoveries in the next twenty years than we did in the last two hundred. Many of tomorrow’s sci-tech advances are in the ‘idea’ stage already and, driven by corporate profits, experts believe they will arrive on schedule. Welcome to the wonderful world of mid-2020s.

Computers – merged into our houses and clothing, the computer, keyboard, and mouse are gone. Images now appear on any wall on command or directly onto our retinas, bypassing display screens entirely. By late-2020s, signals can go straight to the optic nerve (the optic nerve tells the brain what we see), allowing our brain to ‘see’ pictures without using our eyes. Coupled with enhanced intelligence, we could enjoy a movie and talk with friends simultaneously – with complete understanding and memories of both events.

Nano-Biotech – doctors routinely replace diseased organs with newly-cloned ones. Tiny medical nanobots cruise through our veins and neurons, keeping us forever young, smart, and in perfect health.

Genetics – procedures discovered from RNAi research includes restoring mobility to the paralyzed, creating enhancements that erase wrinkles, strengthen muscles and bones; even change skin color!

Science and the Internet – nanotech, biotech, infotech, and cognitive science have dramatically improved the human condition by increasing available food, energy, and water. In 2025, over 70% of the world has created a better life for themselves by accessing information and opportunities on the ‘net’.

Education – some groups resisted modern technologies, which resulted in out-of-date textbooks and poor education systems. However for most children, the ‘Internet brain’ became as normal as the PC was to their parents and the telephone to their grandparents. New learning systems recognize cognitive difficulties and alter curriculum as needed for each student. They also diagnose potential for violent behavior and provide corrective therapies, which turns troubled children into model citizens. Most people accept this invasion of privacy for the gain in human security.

Terrorism and Weaponry – some futurists describe Earth 2025 as a “world astir”, with angry populations and potentially wide dissemination of WMDs. The most vivid threats involve terrorists gaining access to futuristic weapons. However, most countries now use non-lethal weapons in combat, which temporarily disrupt the conscious faculties of enemies without killing them. This policy has resulted in a reduction of threats posed by terrorists.

Religion – ethicists wonder, do we have the right to genetically change ourselves and future generations? Is it right for people to merge with technology to prevent machines from gaining control over humanity? Growing secularism is challenging many of these religious concerns, which has caused conservative religions to lose membership, while other new age ‘religions’ are flourishing.

Robots – priced in the $10,000 range, these amazing machines perform many tasks. Also valued for personality, wisdom and wit, most families have grown to love their servant ‘bot.

Space – returning men to the moon and the expected completion of the space elevator by late 2020s has renewed space enthusiasm. Excitement builds for the planned Mars landing in 2030.

Shifting World Power – for 75 years, the U.S. has led the world in scientific discovery and innovations and though they still maintain this predominance in mid-2020s, futurists predict that China may eventually surpass the U.S.

Today we only dream of replacing body parts and aging skin on demand. In the 2020s, this dream becomes real. Go “magical future”. Comments welcome.