Since I got here, I've been wondering what exactly the Singularity's going to look like. How are we going to create artificial intelligence, and when we do, how are we going to integrate ourselves with this advanced technology? Luckily, NYU philosopher David Chalmers was there to break it all down.
Many identify the future of mankind having to become machines and it being more superior to biological form. We’ll never know everything about this world or this solar system. We’re constantly learning new information about things we were thought to be experts in. We think we know so much, but in reality we know so very little. Mankind knows a minuet amount about the human brain. Biology has capabilities beyond anything we can perceive. It especially has capabilities beyond that of all technology. I think of technology as a cheap copy of the true master form: biology. The human body has tremendous potential yet to be discovered; including biology in general. You can’t look at biology in the narrow ways of today since it has an immeasurable amount of possibilities beyond your wildest dreams. ...Signature... Just because it’s not possible today, doesn’t mean it’s not possible tomorrow. The greatest scientific breakthroughs weren’t restricted by past judgment. Believing in yourself and changing your mindset is step one.
If it were up to us, everything would be faster by at least one order of magnitude, but the laws of physics often get in the way of unlimited speed and efficiency. Take fiber optic data transfer: the pulses of light carrying data through the worldwide network of fiber optics move really fast, but alas, cannot go any faster than they do. However, scientists at Cornell University have figured out a way to pack more data into those pulses of light, using a system they're calling a "time telescope," which has the potential to increase fiber optic data speeds by 27 times.
1 Major Problem: Getting the lazy corporations off their butts to upgrade their system; a major hindrance to America's current communication system. http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/verizon_cto_predicts_metered_broadband_future
We've seen private tourists and urine-recycling water filters make their way onto the International Space Station, but breathtaking views have never been the station's strongest selling point. Because of external hazards such as solar radiation and orbiting space debris, the biggest window is only 20 inches. Until now, that is.
Science fiction made into reality again. Keep on writing those science fiction novels... it might just end up becoming reality.
Bad news for professional orcs all across the Middle Kingdom. On Monday, the Chinese government announced a ban on the conversion of virtual money into real money for the purpose of buying actual goods and services. By allowing Chinese citizens to spend real money on virtual products, but not vice versa, the government has specifically targeted gold farming, an activity that employs hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers.
I agree with China's decision.
Of all the futuristic technologies scientists have sworn would change our lives forever, none is more promising, and more elusive, than fusion power. After decades of tangential research, false starts and downright hoaxes, the two most advanced fusion projects at present are America's National Ignition Facility (NIF) and the multinationally funded International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Everyone said the same things about the Atomic Bomb [etc…] and it is here. I truly believe allot of today’s theories are still faulty/incorrect or haven’t been discovered. The knowledge man knows today’s but a spec of dust in an infinite universe of information. There’re things being discovered every day, but are taken for granted. History’s an example of what the future has to come. --- Just because it’s not possible today, doesn’t mean it’s not possible tomorrow. The greatest scientific breakthroughs weren’t restricted by past judgment. Believing in yourself and changing your mindset is step one.
Obviously something is wrong with this picture. Any moving object accelerating 0-1500mph in 2 seconds would kill any human inside it because the g forces would literally crush your internal organs into Jell-O. Including, the issue of artificial gravity, which NASA and other governments would absolutely love to posses. Nevertheless, I highly doubt this can be achieved within the next hundred years without spinning whatever the person is in to counteract what they’re experiencing. I’m not saying it’s impossible to create artificial gravity, but it most certainly isn’t easy considering the U.S. Government has spent billons of dollars to achieve it. The sound you’d hear after a jet passing is called a Sonic Boom—which occurs after an object exceeds the speed of sound. Stopping in ten seconds after going 1500mph would require extreme science (such as Antimatter). Also, the vehicle or aircraft would completely be ravaged regardless if you were using Titanium, Liquid Metal, Carbon Fiber Materials, or [Classified](some of which are colossally expensive). Though, this vehicle would also have trouble steering with it speeding 1500+mph. However, aircraft can achieve this speed and beyond. Most of the technologies and materials necessary are classified and not available to the public—and for good reason. Not saying it cannot be done, but its not going to happen in most people’s lifetimes. Mad scientists or masterminds can’t figure out some of what you’ve proposed anytime soon. Yet, you shouldn’t be discouraged—instead use this awe-inspiring desire to explore and research new ideas. You might be the next great scientist. FACT: The B-2 Spirit costs BILLONS OF DOLLARS per plane.
Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing
Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed
Share links with friends, comment on stories and more
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.