Imagine you could build the city of the future, from scratch, right now. What would it look like? What would it do? It’s not a hypothetical question. According to this Salon article, software developer Plan IT intends to do exactly that: “Plan IT Valley” will be a new city located in northern Portugal, and is …
Just came across this bizarre story on Nextnature.net: Tired of spending time, money and energy on preparing meals, [Rob Rhinehart] decided to find a new way to survive without actual food. He created a unique mixture called “Soylent”, which contains nothing but the elements the body needs: iron, vitamins, fat, calcium and dozens of other …
Welcome to Cosmic Revolutions’ Topic Guides, where we wrap up a series of articles on a common theme. This week, let’s look at one of the biggest tags at Cosmic Revolutions: Sustainability. Sustainability is all about whether we humans survive as a civilization, and how well. Earth’s resources are finite, meaning the our growth potential …
The best way to solve the world’s hunger problem is a hotly debated topic. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll take a look at one fairly conventional idea, and explore another proposal that’s a bit more out of the box. But in the end, I’d like to poke at some of the assumptions underlying both …
It’s no secret that the internet has given us new ways to communicate. But if you think the information revolution has come and gone, I’ve got news for you: it’s just getting started, and we’re already seeing a dramatic transformation in the way we learn about the world. It’s also causing a shift in some …
Last week, we looked at some reasons why even the most rational individual might feel a touch of dread at the thought of a car that drives itself. This week, let’s zoom out a bit, and imagine a future society where driverless cars are the norm. I think this is a very plausible scenario, but …
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. – Arthur C. Clarke In last week’s post, we looked at the emerging technologies that allow a direct interface between your brain and a computer (or machine) – a BCI. Check out last week’s links if you’re interested in the “how.” Intracranial wiretaps, hands-free driving and monkey-robot …
Three times a week, I go to the gym on my way home from work. And three times a week, I ask myself the same question: isn’t this a waste? I don’t mean the exercise. A longer lifespan, plus reduced risk of Alzheimer‘s and cancer, is all the justification I need. No, I’m talking about …
So we already know that bicycles are the future, and we have a few guesses at what a future bike might look like. Now startup company Sparse is taking a running leap into that future by creating bicycles that are smartly integrated with the urban environment. For now, they’re focused on turning out … Continue reading
Three-dimensional printing is getting more flexible and powerful every day. You might have seen the 3D printed guitar, or the 3D printed race car (yes, they actually work). But how about a 3D printed gun? If pro-gun advocacy group Defense Distribution has anything to say about it, you’ll one day be able to create guns … Continue reading
Yep, it’s true: Samsung is planning to release a phone that’s completely bendable. And rumor has it you can get your hands on it as early as next year! Flexible e-ink displays have been in development for nearly half a decade, but it’s only recently that researchers for companies like Samsung and Nokia have turned … Continue reading
Quick! What do robots, bicycles, art, and the Boston community have in common? If you said “they all need to be made by someone,” you’re right. So wouldn’t it be fun if we could make all those things in one place, together? Well, a startup venture called the Artisan’s Asylum, just a few blocks from … Continue reading
Ever wanted to have cybernetic control over a computer, or communicate telepathically with others? Well, check out the following video of cybernetics professor Kevin Warwick and his “cyber” implant. The implant connects to nerves in his arm, allowing his brain to directly send and receive external signals. In the video he does so not only … Continue reading
Look, here’s a picture of a tiger: A century ago there were about 100,000 of these guys in the wild. Today, that number has dropped more than 95%, meaning tigers might soon be gone forever! And there are thousands of other species in peril too (some estimates range as high as 30% of all species on … Continue reading
I can’t be sure this is really the future of mashed potatoes, but the pessimist in me is worried: That’s right, the time-honored Thanksgiving classic can now be dispensed with the same method (and consistency) as a 7-11 slurpee, complete with gravy. Looks delicious! There’s not much more I can say about this, except to … Continue reading
From Fast Company’s Co.Exist series, check out 8 of the latest advances in ocean-powered generators. Most of the devices are being developed in Scotland, which is apparently a world leader in marine energy investment – who knew? They’re all well beyond the design stage, with working prototypes being deployed and tested in the rough waters … Continue reading
The systematic, scientific study of the future is impossible. Wait, what? Really? Well, speaking as someone who has deeply internalized the values of science, and who also loves to study the future, the thought certainly leaves me uncomfortable. And yet I’m pretty sure that’s an ironclad statement. I’m not quite about to throw in the … Continue reading
NBC’s Future Tech series just picked up this amazing video of Nigel Ackland, who lost his arm in an accident and now uses a carbon-fiber mechanical limb in its place. The arm doesn’t contain a direct brain-computer interface – its movements are controlled by Nigel’s two forearm muscles and his other hand. Which makes it … Continue reading
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