They sound like science fiction, but these 5 energy technologies are getting close to reality

space-solar

Space-based solar

Some newer clean energy sources are becoming mainstream industries with low prices and established financing models like solar panels and wind turbines. But even in this era of emerging predictable clean energy, there are some pretty weird, experimental and ambitious energy projects under development. And they’re trying to move out of the lab and off of research papers, and into actual production.

 

 

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Commercial space travel revs up

SpaceShip2 Rockets Ahead

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShip Two

NASA has lost the urgency of the space race years of the 1960’s, but today’s commercial space sector looks to be recapturing some of that fervor. On Friday, May 2nd at New York City’s historic Explorer’s Club the players in America’s private space race were out in force at this event, each one promising major breakthroughs that will arrive within the next year or two.

 

 

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Top 15 emerging agriculture technologies that will change the world

drone

Automation will help agriculture via large-scale robotic and microrobots.

Below are 15 emerging technologies related to agricultural and natural manufacturing under four key areas of accelerating change: Sensors, Food, Automation and Engineering.

 

 

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Smartphones in the future could be printed on your clothes

spaser

Graphene and carbon nanotubes can generate intense surface plasmons for use in nanoelectronics and cancer therapy.

Engineers at Monash University Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (ECSE) have modeled the world’s first “spaser” (surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) to be made completely out of carbon.

 

 

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Bitcoin will go far beyond payments in the future

bitcoins

Bitcoin and other digital currencies have captured the attention of the media, entrepreneurs, and regulators. The coverage has described exchange meltdowns, price volatility, and government crackdowns. However, the focus on Bitcoin as a currency may distract businesses and governments from its disruptive impact: as a technology.

 

 

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Science fiction influences our thinking about the future

scienc fiction

Science fiction can be used to help scientists think about the uses and ethics of their inventions.

The Smithsonian Magazine May issue has an essay on the relationship between science, science fiction, and the future by Boing Boing buddy Eileen Gunn. She writes, “What’s science fiction good for? Major writers — Ursula K. Le Guin, William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Samuel R. Delany, Kim Stanley Robinson, Cory Doctorow and others — talk about why science fiction likes to think about the future and how science fiction can be used to help scientists think about the uses and ethics of their inventions. The rest of the issue covers science and ethical issues of the near future.”

 

 

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Disposable Houses

3D-Printed-Houses-2

Disposable housing will blindside the real estate industry
in virtually every country on earth

Futurist Thomas Frey: When it comes to doing something first, and winning the technology race, there are typically no official forms to fill out, no rulebooks, no judges, and certainly no deadlines.

 

 

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Discover the Hidden Patterns of Tomorrow with Futurist Thomas Frey
Unlock Your Potential, Ignite Your Success.

By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.

Learn More about this exciting program.