Nanotechnology Update

More nanotechnology developments in 2008:

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/21900/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

An effective biofuel developed for jet engines:

http://news.aol.com/article/airline-uses-vegetable-oil-to-fuel-jet/289514

Computing Update

Researchers working on atomic-scale computing have managed to design a simple logic gate with 30 atoms that perform the same task as 14 transistors:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222113532.htm

Nanotechnology Update

Nanotechnology's biggest stories of 2008:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16340-nanotechnologys-biggest-stories-of-2008.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

Transportation Update

FINALLY, scientists have developed a turbo encabulator to solve the problem of inverse reactive current per use in unilateral phase detractors and synchronizing cardinal grammeters in vehicle transmissions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDgQg6bq7o

(C'mon, gotta have a little levity now and then....)

Alternative Energies Update

Solar energy finally reaches "grid parity" (equal or cheaper cost than coal-based energy)...depending on how you calculate it:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2400/83/

Nanotechnology Update

Researchers design and build a fully functional nanocar, which is four nanometers across and includes a chassis with an engine, a pivoting suspension and rotating axles attached to rolling buckyball wheels:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Storage&articleId=9123959&taxonomyId=19&pageNumber=1

Predictions Update

Here's a long, old but well-written article on the path to the singularity, using references to science fiction throughout the ages:

http://www.grg.org/charter/Krell2.htm

Notable quote:

"If we assume that self-programming ability follows processing power, very soon after the point that computers of human brainpower are mass-production items, we may expect that computers will attain the total information processing power of all human minds on the planet. They will have long since become the experts in the design of more complex computers, just as they are today the reigning experts at chess strategy. At some point not long after that, computers will recapitulate human history, human culture, and human thought. They will then teach each other everything we humans know in a matter of years (months? days? hours?), and then move on. The whole thing will happen in a flash, and if it happens at all, will certainly happen long before we’re really ready for it. The "flash" seems inevitable before the end of this century, and seems quite probable (given even modest extrapolation) before the middle of it. And, of course, we’ll be unable to stop it, anymore than we can stop anything on the Internet. Before we know it, it will be done."

Computing Update

Researchers create graphene-based memory that can potentially store many times the memory of current flash memory, and is far more resistant to heat:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9123838

Genetic Engineering Update

Researchers engineer bacteria beyond the limits of nature to create higher-density biofuels:

http://www.physorg.com/news148833955.html

Artificial Intelligence Update

Researchers are working to build a machine that can learn from experience:

http://www.physorg.com/news148754667.html

Predictions Update

A list of upcoming inventions, from HUD contact lenses to bionic limbs. Also mentioned is uploading human minds to computers, allowing us to become truly immortal:

http://www.aolhealth.com/health/bionic-human-scientific-advancements?icid=200100397x1215240606x1201026834

Transportation Update

And now electric vehicle technology has extended to the airplane. Here is a modified glider that not only can go 70 mph for 90 minutes for a total recharge cost of 70 CENTS, but when parked the propeller acts as a windmill to recharge the battery!

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2353/69/

Transportation Update

For electric vehicle fans, here's a race between the Tango and the Tesla Roadster:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2355/69/

Electric vehicles and their immediate full torque can give them performance to put IC engines to shame.

Robotics Update

Medical robot likely to see battlefield use within a year:

http://www.physorg.com/news148069187.html

It's more like telepresence than it is a robot, but it's a significant step.

Alternative Energies Update

New thin film solar cells are 15% more efficient and use hundreds of times less material than conventional solar cells:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21755/?a=f

Computing Update

First superconducting transistor promises PC revolution:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026856.600-first-superconducting-transistor-promises-pc-revolution.html

Alternative Energies Update

Nanoporous silicon allows the creation of lithium batteries that can hold at least double the charge:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21750/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

Nanoporous silicon allows the creation of lithium batteries that can hold at least double

Alternative Energies Update

New wind power system borrows technology from jet engines to potentially decrease the cost of wind power by half:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21737/?a=f

Cybernetics Update

The world's first cybernetic leaf uses plant photosynthesis to generate electricity:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16132-cyborg-leaf-makes-new-solar-power-plant.html

Artificial Intelligence Update

Combat robots may be built with AI able to behave more ethically than human beings:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/science/25robots.html?_r=1

Genetic Engineering Update

Bacteria may be turned into microscopic bio-robot slaves to print nanoscale patterns:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16119-invention-microscopic-biorobot-slaves.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

Alternative Energies Update

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is designed to exploit the difference in temperature between seawater near the surface and deep down, and has the potential to become the biggest source of renewable energy in the world:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026836.000-plumbing-the-oceans-could-bring-limitless-clean-energy.html?full=true

Cybernetics Update

Scientists develop a machine-brain interface that can detect neural activity and predict the movement of fingers, as well as which of several sounds the patient is imagining. This may lead to robotic limbs that move as easily as real ones, or a computer interface that detects imagined words:

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/21699/

Artificial Intelligence Update

DARPA funding "cognitive computing" intended to "engineer the mind by reverse-engineering the brain":

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/hunting-for-a-brainy-computer/

Robotics Update

Six ways to build robots that do humans no harm:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16068-six-ways-to-build-robots-that-do-humans-no-harm.html

Computing Update

Within the next couple of years, high-bandwidth wireless Internet signals will soon blanket the US, as frequencies previously used for television are freed up:

http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/21671/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

New windmill with variable pitch blades to optimize power generation from variable winds, increasing overall output by 50-100%:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21666/?a=f

Computing Update

System on a chip developed with transmission speeds 100 times faster than WiFi and 350 times faster than 3.5G cell phones, at about 1/10th the size and cost of existing chips:

http://www.physorg.com/news145636894.html

Alternative Energies Update

Soon to be available for sale: shed-sized, safe, relatively cheap, no-maintenance nuclear power stations with no moving parts and no weapons-grade material, each capable of powering 20,000 homes and requiring refills every decade:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/09/miniature-nuclear-reactors-los-alamos#history-byline

Cybernetics Update

Honda develops a unique leg exoskeleton that is easy to strap on and assists with walking, crouching, etc.:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212001311&subSection=Management

Genetic Engineering Update

I think mastery of genetics is only a stepping stone or even a temporary side-step to converting human intelligence to non-biological information technology, but it still does have some interesting potential.

For example: MIT and Caltech students are studying how to convert bacteria into food to fight cavities, produce vitamins, and treat lactose intolerance:

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/21654/

Computing Update

Effective 3D holographic-like display developed:

http://www.physorg.com/news145514544.html

Watch the video.

Predictions Update

Here's a list of the top ten forecasts for 2009 and beyond by The Futurist magazine:

http://www.wfs.org/Sept-Oct08/Nov-Dec%20FUTURIST/topTen.htm

An example: "Everything you say and do will be recorded by 2030. By the late 2010s, ubiquitous, unseen nanodevices will provide seamless communication and surveillance among all people everywhere."

Technology Funding Update

Bill Joy is alarmed by the potential risks of advanced nanotech and the Singularity, so I'm not sure he's the best choice for being the US's chief technology officer (or maybe he's ideal because of that worry), but it's great to see that Obama is already seeking out the best minds in the field for his administration:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/john-doerrs-advice-for-barack-obama-hire-bill-joy/

Technology Funding Update

Good news: Barak Obama plans to greatly increase federal funding for scientific research, technological development and science education, as well as lift the ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/dn15130-obama-promises-new-era-of-scientific-innovation.html (see the attached PDF file for more specific details)

And more from Obama on scientific development, in his own words:

http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/dn15134-obama-on-science-in-his-own-words.html

Finally!

Virtual Reality Update

The US Army plans to use virtual worlds to make virtual humans indistinguishable from real humans:

http://gizmodo.com/5077240/us-army-to-push-x+files-tech-development-invade-world-of-warcraft

This article also lists several other projects of interest.

Alternative Energies Update

New technique for splitting water to get hydrogen using solar power:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2241/83/

The inventor claims it will change the world.

Alternative Energies Update

New solar panel material absorbs almost 100% of the sunlight from the entire spectrum and from any direction:

http://www.physorg.com/news144940463.html

Singularity Update

The 2008 Singularity Summit's key announcements/revelations/events:

http://singularityhub.com/2008/11/02/singularity-summit-2008-reviewed/

My favorite note:

"According to Ray Kurzweil, solar energy is an information technology that is experiencing exponential growth. Solar energy production has doubled every year for the last 20 years and is now only 8 doublings away (that is about 10 years!) from providing nearly all of the world’s energy needs."

Robotics Update

A robot head mimics human expressions in real time:

http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn15055-mummy-that-robot-is-making-faces-at-me.html

It's still easy to see it's a robot...but give it a few years and I'll bet we won't be able to tell.

Alternative Energies Update

New "black silicon" captures nearly the entire light spectrum and can generate hundreds of times the current of conventional silicon:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21611/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

New membrane allows methane fuel cell efficiency to be increased by 50%:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21532/?a=f

Virtual Reality Update

Virtual worlds are poised for a resurgence in the business world:

http://www.silicon.com/silicon/networks/webwatch/0,39024667,39285821,00.htm

Computing Update

Information has been successfully stored in the nucleus of an atom, paving the way for the ultimate miniaturization of computer memory:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/102408-small-storage-device.html

Singularity Update

Economist at the Singularity Summit notes how the mere expectation of the approaching Singularity could have a strong impact on our behavior:

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/as-computers-ge.html

Robotics Update

Marshall Brain (someone I've communicated with on theological, not technological issues) calls for a change in the way we structure the economy in order to deal with the injection of a massive robot force into the workplace:

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/robot-lovers-an.html

Cybernetics Update

Scientists grow reliable computer circuitry out of neurons, possibly providing an effective means of brain-machine interface:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn15019-computer-circuit-built-from-brain-cells.html

Robotics Update

The Army is developing pack robots designed to hunt down uncooperative humans:

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2008/10/packs-of-robots-will-hunt-down.html

Cybernetics Update

Scientists grow neurons into reliable computer circuits, creating what may turn out to be an effective interface system between brain and machine:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn15019-computer-circuit-built-from-brain-cells.html

Energy Storage Update

Inexplicably, superconducting has been found in iron-based compounds, igniting a new race to find low-temperature superconductors:

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/86/8642cover.html

Alternative Energies Update

New solar panel captures the entire spectrum of visible light, instead of just a small part of it, thus generating more power from sunlight:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081016132836.htm

Materials Update

"Buckypaper" is ten times lighter than steel and potentially 500 times stronger, and will likely revolutionize everything from TVs to aircraft:

http://www.physorg.com/news143462841.html

It also gives a brief history of the discovery of (essentially) zero-, one- and two-dimentional forms of buckminsterfullerene.

Computing Update

Self-assembling organic circuits may lead to bendable, low-cost, plastic electronics:

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/21575/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

It turns out cylindrical solar panels have a major advantage over flat panels: they're much cheaper to mount because they capture energy from all directions (capturing reflected light) and thus don't need mechanisms to track the sun. Just lay them on a rooftop and you're set:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2187/83/

Alternative Energies Update

USGS announces geothermal energy sources could provide a large percentage of US energy needs:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2199/76/

Nanotechnology Update

While this is far from being nanotechnology, 3D printing is analogous to what a nanofactory will allow in another decade or two (only with virtually ANY product, not just plastic objects):

http://thefutureofthings.com/news/5522/3-d-printing-on-demand.html

Artificial Intelligence Update

Here are the results of the Turing test (mentioned in an earlier post):

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20081013/D93PMBQ80.html

The best program fooled three out of twelve judges during a five-minute conversation. If an artificial intelligence program can convince a quarter of people it's human right now, imagine where will be when robots physically indistinguishable from humans are expected to become available ten to twenty years from now.

Does anyone really doubt robots will likely replace other humans in our romantic and friendship relationships?

Robotics Update

A new camera-equipped, dragonfly-like robot may be used to explore planets like Mars:

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/10/10/exofly-future-space-exploration-super-hero/

Robotics Update

Sticky nanotape acts like gecko feet...only ten times stronger. Great potential for wall-climbing robots:

http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/21508/?a=f

Nanotechnology Update

Scientists use DNA to create nanotechnological structures inside living cells:

http://www.physorg.com/news142676484.html

Singularity Update

This forward by Ray Kurzweil to The Intelligent Universe (by James Gardner) gives a great summary of the consequences of the Law of Accelerating Returns, and how it could lead to saturating the universe with intelligence:

http://www.kurzweilai.net/meme/frame.html?main=memelist.html?m=1%23691

"The explosive nature of exponential growth means it may only take a quarter of a millennium to go from sending messages on horseback to saturating the matter and energy in our solar system with sublimely intelligent processes."

(It's a long article, but most of the page is reader commentary after the article.)

Cybernetics Update

This exoskeleton is now available in Japan for a $2,000/month rental fee. It allows the disabled to walk and can amplify human strength 5x!

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20081007/ap_on_hi_te/as_japan_robot_suit

And here is a video of the suit in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynL8BCXih8U

(Note: one commentator says artificial intelligence is virtually impossible to create. That is the case now...but just wait another decade or two.)

Artificial Intelligence Update

Upcoming contest tests computer intelligence to determine whether it can pass the Turing Test:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/oct/05/artificialintelligenceai

Nanotechnology Update

Nanotech development firm Zyvex receives a $9.7 million grant from DARPA and ETF to develop atomically precise manufacturing techniques (aka nanotechnology):

http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=7938

Nanotechnology Update

New x-ray laser technology will allow us to view chemical and atomic reactions as they occur:

http://www.physorg.com/news142257180.html

Alternative Energies Update

New solar cell sets record for efficiency:

http://www.electricalengineer.com/index.php?option=com_zippynews&id=236&task=detailnews&cid=

The 40.8% is under a 326 equivalent...but it's still a record for that category.

Alternative Energies Update

Genetically engineered bacterium breaks down wood and grass (no need to use corn!) into ethanol:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2134/70/

Robotics Update

Vibration, solar and wind-powered, flying surveillance bat-like robot to be built for the US Army:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2137/85/

Alternative Energies Update

A new startup produces high-efficiency solar panels for much lower cost--on par with conventional electricity production:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biztech/21405/

Transportation Update

The Japanese are pursuing the development of a space elevator...something that was once completely in the realm of extreme science fiction:

http://www.kurzweilai.net/news/frame.html?main=/news/news_single.html?id%3D9437

Virtual Reality Update

The latest and greatest VR environment helps scientists visualize the universe from molecules to the cosmos:

http://www.physorg.com/news140975289.html

Robotics Update

Installing self-assembling robots in one's stomach to perform medical procedures:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/21401/?a=f

Robotics Update

Installing self-assembling robots in one's stomach to perform medical procedures:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/21401/?a=f

Alternative Energies Update

A simple process for creating hydrocarbon biofuels chemically, rather than biologically:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21395/

(I don't think hydrocarbon biofuels are the future, but they may be a stopgap measure.)

Alternative Energies Update

Breakthrough may double the storage capacity of ultracapacitors:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143910.htm

Computing Update

Map allows computers to understand the context of word use:

http://www.physorg.com/news140929129.html

Alternative Energies Update

Test shows that long distance wireless transmission of power works, and could make space-based solar power a reality:

http://www.nss.org/news/releases/pr20080909.html

Alternative Energies Update

A summary of the trends and scenarios for alternative energies:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=94743

Robotics Update

Current results of the Stanford Personal Robotics Program for creating robots useful in the home:

http://personalrobotics.stanford.edu/

(Play the videos.)

Computing Update

Petascale computer gets the green light:

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/32152

This shows you the Law of Accelerating Returns in action:

"Specifically, NASA Ames, Intel and SGI will work together on a project called Pleiades to develop a system with a capacity of one Petaflops peak performance by 2009 and a system with a peak performance of 10 Petaflops by 2012."

Robotics Update

A model helicopter robot learns to fly itself by observing a human flying a remote model helicopter:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/robothelicopterteachesitselfhowtofly

Energy Storage Update

Using viruses to create miniature batteries:

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/virus-battery-0820.html

Alternative Energies Update

Using viruses to create miniature batteries:

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/virus-battery-0820.html

Nanotechnology Update

True nanotechnology requires the precise arrangement of molecules. A research team at the University of St Andrews has developed a way of forming an easily modified network of molecules over a large area:

http://www.physorg.com/news139066118.html

Alternative Energies Update

Windmills only generate energy when the wind blows. Here's a way to store the wind to use when it doesn't want to blow:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/nyregion/26wind.html?adxnnl=1&ref=environment&adxnnlx=1220036497-dwEpr69H8guJ+SSXqsvfAw

Nanotechnology Update

For those who think nanotech is an over-hyped concept that won't really change the world, this Lux Research report says nanotechnology will impact over $3 trillion of manufactured goods by 2015:

http://www.luxresearchinc.com/press/RELEASE_Nano-SMR_7_22_08.pdf

Alternative Energies Update

Using residual heat from sun-baked asphalt to provide energy after hours:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2032/83/

Singularity Update

Intel believes we're on track for achieving the Singularity, and that machines that morph into different shapes are just a few years away:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10023055-76.html

(Watch the video at the bottom.)

And here's Singularity Hub's reaction to the announcements:

http://singularityhub.com/2008/08/24/singularity-hub-reviews-intel-cto-justin-rattners-idf-keynote-on-the-future-of-technology/

Alternative Energies Update

Could this technique to power devices remotely be used to power nanomachines working inside a human body?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/technology/21intel.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

Alternative Energies Update

Not sure it's good news to make gasoline cheap again, but scientists have created a technique to make gasoline directly out of biomass:

http://www.physorg.com/news138384297.html

The fuel would cost between $1.70 and $2.00 per gallon (excluding all government subsidies and tax credits) and could be made available by 2010.

Energy Storage Update

A genetically engineered virus used to create tiny batteries:

http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080818/full/news.2008.1047.html

Virtual Reality Update

A new modeling technology allows the creation of computer generated characters that are so lifelike they are almost indistinguishable from real:

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4557935.ece

Be sure to view the video!

Once truly practical virtual reality and artificial intelligence arrive, we won't be able to tell the difference between virtual and real people.

Alternative Energies Update

A plan to feed algae carbon dioxide and sewage to drastically increase their oil production:

http://www.physorg.com/news138338233.html

Clean up the environment while generating biofuels!

Alternative Energies Update

Scientists mimic the process plants use to split water into oxygen and hydrogen using only sunlight:

http://www.physorg.com/news138179858.html

Materials Update

A company has figured out how to have plants actually grow plastic inside them, eliminating the need for petroleum:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1996/64/

"The advantage here over other bioplastics is that all of the chemical processes occur within the plant. There is no need for polymerization or complex chemistry after harvesting. Just cut the grass, get rid of the plant matter, and you've got plastic."

Brilliant!

Computing Update

Quantum entanglement may allow for communication 10,000 times faster than the speed of light! Well, perhaps....

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/fundamentals/mg19926695.000-quantum-strangeness-breaks-the-light-barrier.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Computing Update

New RAM is more efficient and ten times faster than current RAM:

http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn14525-spin-flip-trick-points-to-fastest-ram-yet.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Alternative Energies Update

Yet another advance to solar power efficiency:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21255/

Cybernetics Update

US Army researching telepathy through translating active EEG scans of thought. Very cool!

http://www.physorg.com/news137863959.html

Materials Update

This new, nanotech-based material should allow for easy, cheap purification of any water:

http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=6744.php

Robotics Update

One key to effective robot motion is too let them learn for themselves what works and what doesn't, and adapt to their environments:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7544099.stm

Materials Update

Making nearly anything out of diamond cheaply and with perfect precision is a Holy Grail of nanotechnology, since it will allow us to build those nano-scale machines that will transform the world. Hopefully, a $3 million grant will help usher that in:

http://www.kurzweilai.net/news/frame.html?main=/news/news_single.html?id%3D9180

Robotics Update

A new hexapod robot can climb stairs, crouch under small spaces...and dance:

http://eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=209904252

(Be sure to watch the video.)

Alternative Energies Update

First Solar could reach "grid parity"--the Holy Grail of solar power--in 2-4 years:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/aug08/6464

Materials Update

An actual invisibility cloak may become a reality:

http://www.physorg.com/news137649366.html

Transportation Update

Warp drive theoretically possible?

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/08/11/warp-drive-and-cloaking-devices-not-just-science-fiction-anymore/

Alternative Energies Update

Kite technology could end up generating more energy than wind turbines and for half the cost:

http://www.physorg.com/news137388314.html

Medicine Update

We may have a new tool to destroy viruses the way we destroy some bacteria:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/dn14480-first-virophage-could-take-the-fight-to-viruses.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Computing Update

A new hologram-based computer interface taken directly from the film Minority Report:

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/216582/obscura-demonstrates-minority-report-display.html#

Alternative Energies Update

EEStor's promises their highly efficient, ultracapacitor-based battery will revolutionize the industry:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21171/?a=f

Update

Now that I've gotten my pile of backlogged technology articles posted, I figure I should give a little more information on the topic of this blog.

For anyone interested in seeing where technology may ultimately lead, I recommend reading K. Eric Drexler's "Engines of Creation" and "Unbounding the Future," as well as Ray Kurzweil's "The Age of Intelligent Machines," "The Age of Spiritual Machines" (my favorite), and "The Singularity is Near." Both these writers have an impressive track record on technological prognostication.

Basically, they point to the double exponential growth of various technological benchmarks and extrapolate on where they may lead over the next couple of decades. These include reverse engineering the human brain (which should allow the creation of true artificial intelligence), achieving mature nanotechnology (which should allow us to create almost any material objects for very little cost), and eventually reaching the Singularity (when computers and robotics far exceeding human capabilities in all areas, leading to a technological and sociological change so drastic we cannot predict the outcome in any meaningful way). Eventually, we may need to either become our machines or be left in their technological dust.

We've already hit a number of the predicted milestones, so I'm inclined to believe the projections stand a reasonable chance of coming true. At the very least, the next couple of decades should prove very interesting. Most of us should still be alive to witness what happpens, so keep your eyes open and brace yourselves....

Alternative Energies Update

This new technology uses solar power to extract hydrogen from water cheaply and easily:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21155/

"For solar power, Meyer says, 'this is probably the most important single discovery of the century.'" (Actually, I think of this more as a hydrogen power breakthrough than solar power breakthrough, but...)

Very promising!

Nanotechnology Update

This isn't actually nanotech, but it's today's crude ability that gives a hint what real nanotech home factories will be capable of doing:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/21152/?a=f

Just instead of relatively simple polymer objects, you could construct pretty much ANY object you might want, from a laptop computer to a robot to a vehicle (in manageable pieces, of course).

Alternative Energies Update

Thin film solar panels gaining traction:

http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080730/full/454558a.html

Internet Update

Rebuilding the Internet from scratch, for very little scratch, really:

http://www.physorg.com/news136655891.html

Fast enough to stream 30 high quality movies simultaneously? Nice.

Transportation Update

Been waiting for your personal jet pack? It's here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/science/29jetpack.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=science&adxnnlx=1217446196-59U90mSAjrejJCfCRGrxbQ

Well...still needs testing, but it's taken jet packs from 30 second to 30 minute flight times!

Alternative Energies Update

Tidal power comes online in Ireland:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21142/

Robotics Update

The one thing robot lovers/companions aren't supposed to be able to do better than humans is reproduce...but now even that's likely untrue:

http://www.livescience.com/health/080716-baby-techs.html

Alternative Energies Update

An interesting combination of a fuel cell and a battery offers much better fuel density than even gasoline:

http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn14401-fuel-battery-could-take-cars-beyond-petrol.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Alternative Energies Update

Concentrated sunlight reaching temperatures as high as the sun's:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1909/83/

Transportation Update

GE is partnering with utilities companies to outfit homes with "smart meters" to deliver electricity to recharge electric cars and plug-in hybrids during off-peak hours even if they're plugged in during peak times (thus causing the existing infrastructure to handle the anticipated load):

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9996348-54.html

They're also going to create outlets connected to many streetlight poles to make access to electricity for charging vehicles easy and ubiquitous.

Cybernetics Update

ReWalk allows paraplegics to walk slowly but quite well with crutches:

http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2008/07/video_of_rewalk_exoskeleton_system.html

Beats a wheelchair.

Materials Update

To give you an idea of how strong nanomaterials are:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19926656.300-invisible-nanotube-cable-could-support-a-human.html

"A cable only 1 centimetre in diameter weighing a mere 10 milligrams per kilometre" would be strong enough to support a human.

Alternative Energies Update

Now sawdust and other lignin may be converted into biofuels, taking the pressure off food stocks:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14360-chemical-breakthrough-turns-sawdust-into-biofuel.html

Alternative Energies Update

A new and efficient form of generating electricity from wave power:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21072/?a=f

Artificial Intelligence Update

Language barriers are falling and will soon no longer be an obstacle to communication:

http://www.kurzweilai.net/news/frame.html?main=/news/news_single.html?id%3D9076

Materials Update

Perfect graphene would be strong enough that a sheet of it would be able to withstand the weight of a car concentrated on a sharp point:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Nanotech/21098/?a=f

The concern about imperfect graphene sheets at macro scales shouldn't be a problem with mature nanotech manufacturing.

Robotics Update

Robots are now learning to recognize human emotions:

http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm/section/news/tpl/article/BrowsingType/Features/ID/89893

Alternative Energies Update

A curious alternative to the windmill:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1883/86/

Transportation Update

A solar powered glider capable of 30 to infinite mpg:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1855/69/

Alternative Energies Update

Dye absorbs and redirects sunlight to photo-sensitive cells:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14293-organic-dye-lets-window-panes-harvest-the-sun.html

Robotics Update

A functional household assistant robot:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710113026.htm

Materials Update

Carbon nanotubes may be used to create artificial photosynthesis:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14297-nanotubes-bring-artificial-photosynthesis-a-step-nearer.html

Artificial Intelligence Update

"First, a supercomputer beats a chess master. Then, an artificial intelligence program deals defeat to a poker champion. Next: A robot takes on humans in air hockey."

http://eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208803140&printable=true&printable=true

Artificial Intelligence Update

Another human benchmark falls to machines:

http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=TUMO0MDJH0GJEQSNDLSCKHA?articleID=208802992

Cybernetics Update

Mind machine interface advances:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4272246.html

Sensor Update

This microchip is so small and low-powered that would be the size of a grain of sand and have enough power to last 10 years:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/21046/?a=f

Cybernetics Update

A list of the advances in bionics:

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14256-do-we-have-the-technology-to-build-a-bionic-human.html

One short-sighted statement, though (especially considering we have already reproduced a few dozen regions of the brain on computers):

"The brain's complexity makes it doubtful we will ever recreate it. But some of its functions, and those of other parts of the nervous system can already be replaced by electronics."

I wouldn't want to bet against our ever recreating it; in fact, I'd bet real money we'll recreate a human brain by 2030, perhaps even 2025.

Cybernetics Update

The technology to essentially read "worded" thoughts is achieving some success:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/21037/

Computing Update

Moore's Law (the basis for the Law of Accelerating Returns) is still going strong, as Intel maps out the path to sub-10 nm-scale chips:

http://www.crn.com/hardware/208801780