The internet has sparked a new kind of economy, as creators find new ways to directly reach their audiences and customers. Services like Etsy, WordPress, and Amazon’s Twitch don’t have a lot in common, except for the fact that they give creative people ways to make a living doing what they love.
Is there something unusual about the pace and nature of technological change today? Should we be more worried about the world we’re creating?
Michael Bess is a historian of science at Vanderbilt University and the author of Our Grandchildren Redesigned: Life in a Bioengineered Society. His book offers a sweeping look at our genetically modified future, a future as terrifying as it is promising. But he’s also someone who thinks a lot about the broader relationship between technology and society.
Continue reading… “Technology isn’t just changing society — it’s changing what it means to be human”
The dream of “quantum computing” – harnessing the power of quantum-level mechanics in order to create computers far faster and more powerful than any available today – came a step closer to reality recently.
Continue reading… “20 mind- boggling facts about quantum computing everyone should read”
“In this far-ranging interview Da Vinci Institute associate Trent Fowler sits down with George Mason University economist and futurist Robin Hanson. They discuss Hanson’s two books (“The Age of Ems” and “The Elephant in the Brain”), the relationship between economics and futurism, the possibilities and dangers of self-improving AI, and many other things.
Continue reading… “Trent Fowler of the DaVinci Institute interviews futurist Robert Hanson”
Shaorong Deng gets an experimental treatment for cancer of the esophagus that uses his own immune system cells. They have been genetically modified with the gene-editing technique known as CRISPR.
Continue reading… “Doctors in China lead race to treat cancer by editing genes”
A decade ago, smart devices promised to change the way we think and interact, and they have – but not by making us smarter. Eric Andrew-Gee explores the growing body of scientific evidence that digital distraction is damaging our minds.
A team of Chinese researchers has claimed to have designed a hypersonic jet that could travel at 6,000km/h, five times faster than the speed of sound.
A 29-minute trip from D.C. to New York may seem too good to be true. And it very well may be. But that isn’t stopping Elon Musk from pushing forward with plans to build a Hyperloop along the eastern corridor.
Continue reading… “Elon Musk’s Boring Company gets preliminary permit for NYC-DC Hyperloop”
Bigelow Aerospace announced a new spinoff venture that will focus on marketing and operating their inflatable space habitats. The announcement comes as part of Bigelow’s plans to launch two new modules into low-Earth orbit by 2021.
Continue reading… “Two space hotels could open as early as 2021”
Fares based on your travel habits? Welcome to the future.
Continue reading… “Airlines could soon start charging different fares for different people”
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese engineering researchers say they have created a tiny electronic light the size of a firefly which rides waves of ultrasound, and could eventually figure in applications ranging from moving displays to projection mapping.
Continue reading… “Japanese scientists invent floating ‘firefly’ light”
ETH researchers have developed a technology platform that allows them to systematically modify and customise bacteriophages. This technology is a step towards making phage therapies a powerful tool for combating dangerous pathogens.
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.