The focus on this Week's TWC lesson was what I found to be most interesting topic covered thus far, Future and Emerging Technologies. We were introduced to two important concepts related to the development of future technology, namely Market driven and technology driven technological methods of developing new systems and products. We were introduced to several interesting videos on emerging technologies such as smart grids and plastic logic. The readings for this session were covered a whole spectrum of emerging technologies which ranged from nanotechnology to genetic engineering and even augmented reality. Presentations for this session were also equally interesting, comprising of driverless cars, spider pills and cryonics.
Some interesting ideas that captured my attention :
1)Molecular transistors from reading 3. This essentially explored the possibility of using molecules to act as transistors . What is fascinating about this is that it would allow for further miniaturization of our electric components. One must remember that not too long ago, in the early 50's transistors were visible, bulky chips which was then considered state of the art, helping to create the transistor radio. The fact that scientist can envision 'shrinking' transistors to the molecular level is a testament of man kinds technological progress.
2)The Smart energy Grid video by Siemens gave a fresh look to how future green technologies could be combined in an energy efficient way to ensure the optimal usage of energy. What intrigued me the most form this was the approach to overcoming the shortfalls of renewable energy.(It's non continuous energy supply ) The smart grid system advocated the storage of energy in idle systems, this energy would be fed back into the grid during times when there may be a shortfall in renewable energy due to unforeseen circumstances ( eg: cloud cover reducing the solar energy output ) hence providing a unique, innovative solution that has plagued renewable energy sources.
With regards to my presentation on Fusion technology: Here is an alternative project on nuclear fusion running parallel to the ITER concept. Enter the NIF ( national ignition facility )The NIF aims to attain nuclear fusion but bombarding a fuel pallet with lasers. Check this video out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmIHD6P3rdo&feature=related
Key takeaway point:
A fascinating debate which we had about in class was on cryonics. Of the many points being brought about a few moral issues which I overlooked was brought to my attention. Firstly, Cryonics would be dabbling with the scientific ,moral and spiritual aspects of life and death. This is because cryonics would firstly involve "killing" the subject by freezing and then "defrosting" the subject at a later date, possibly using nano bots to repair the internal damage done by the freezing process. While Scientist may have had good intentions in envisioning such a technology, there is simply too much uncertainty involving the potential implications of killing and resuscitating a person back to life ( if it is even possible )
Another key point which I found interesting was from reading 2 and our discussion in class which covered the topic of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology offers benefits that are wide ranging and which will influence many industries and sectors. For example, nanotechnology could be used to improve the efficiency of solar panels , it could also be used in the materials science area to help develop new composites such as carbon nanotubes which could be even used for space elevators, nano bots could lastly also be applied in the medical arena. I believe that because of the almost limitless application which nanotechnology offers to a wide spectrum of industries, We should be willing to spend more on further research in nano technology as breakthroughs in this field are likely to have significant positive impact in different industries worldwide through it's wide reaching effects. There is however an interesting point which was raised up in class. While nanotechnology may have the ability to influence all industries, in some areas, it may not be necessary. Take the medical arena. Injecting Nano bots into the bloodstream to cure a cancer may sound really advanced. But in actual fact it may be solving the problem In the wrong way. Nature has already been coping whit these "nano" problems thorough it's biological systems, Shirking down machines to do a job that could be solve by biological cells does seem to be an over complication of the situation.
Some food for thought:
A particular technology I wish would have been discussed would be telepathic information processing( the ability for computer systems to read our thoughts ). I believe , such technology, if possible that is , would drastically change the way humans interact with machines and the virtual world
Overall rating 10/10
No comments:
Post a Comment