What is the fate of humanity?
If not, what do you think will happen between machines and humans during the next century? Before you answer, consider how much you already interact with a computer after a decade in the 2000s.
View ArticleIf the world really were ending … what would you do Thursday night?
OK, we’re all agreed that the world isn’t ending Friday morning. But, for a moment, let’s entertain the fantasy that it actually will — that we actually knew that our world would “end” Friday morning...
View Article‘Heavy metal’ band must be seen to be believed
Written by Motörhead, Ace of Spades is an iconic heavy metal song. But a new rendition by Compressorhead, a new German band, redefines heavy metal. That’s because Compressorhead is a band made entirely...
View ArticleWhat moral obligations do we have to humans of the far future?
Let’s ponder the really big picture for a moment. Writing at aeon, Ross Anderson has a fascinating piece that attempts to peer into the distant future of humanity and touches on many issues, including...
View ArticleNot quite a Trek replicator, but print-your-own-pizza is coming
One of the coolest technologies in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” was the replicator. I mean, who hasn’t wanted to turn to their microwave and bark out “Tea, Earl Grey, Hot!” From a science...
View ArticleFinally, scientists invent a robot that can pour beer
Scientists from Cornell University have gone and done it — these brilliant people have invented robot that can open the fridge for you and pour a beer. I think my life is complete now. Computer...
View ArticleHow the Internet makes the powerful and all-knowing more powerful and...
Are you ready to be watched at all times, by all things? Security guru Bruce Schneier recently authored somewhat scary post about where the Internet, apps and wired devices are heading. It starts by...
View ArticleHere are a few maps to make you stop and ponder our globe
We humans get so locked into our day-to-day lives that it’s sometimes hard to see the bigger picture. But a little perspective on the larger world around us never hurt anyone, which is why I really...
View ArticleIs our interconnected world the greatest threat to humanity?
Sir Martin Rees thinks it might be: Advances in technology — hugely beneficial though they are — render us vulnerable in new ways. For instance, our interconnected world depends on elaborate networks:...
View ArticleScientists are getting closer to delivering designer babies
We can’t design babies yet, but for better or worse, science is bringing the possibility closer to society. For designer babies we need two things: An understanding of what gene mutations confer...
View ArticleStudy: Students who use cellphones more get lower grades
This is just a relatively small study (see abstract), but it has potentially troubling implications for our society. Health and human services researchers at Kent State University, in Ohio, surveyed...
View ArticleOur planet in 2 billion years: Extra, extra, extra crispy
Below is the new episode of my video series, which airs every Tuesday and Saturday at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. only on CW39′s NEWSFIX. In my latest video I discuss how life on Earth will end. To see all the...
View ArticleWill virtual reality help airline passengers forget their cramped seats?
Airline seats are unlikely to get more comfortable any time soon. In fact, a recent seat analysis in the Wall Street Journal found that seat sizes are trending down, not up. But might science have a...
View ArticleAs innovation deficit grows, America’s future contracts
I frequently write about the importance of research funding as a stimulant to the economy. For example, Apple is a brilliant company, but its success would not have been possible without a diverse...
View ArticleWhat does Elon Musk fear? Artificial Intelligence, apparently
SpaceX founder Elon Musk appeared on CNBC’s Closing Bell Tuesday and spoke about a broad range of issues, including the future of his rocket company. Musk didn’t furrow a whole lot of new ground here...
View Article
