Nanotech & Our Future

Show Audio

Highlights:

Nano & Chip Processing win real Forecast: 2030 win real New Products & Uses win real

Date:	05-05-05
Host:	George Noory
Guests:	Bart Kosko

USC Engineering Professor Bart Kosko returned to the show to discuss technology and its future uses. Right now, he said, there is a "gold rush" for patents on nanotechnology devices. Carbon nanotubes are starting to be seen in such products as baseballs and clothes, and they may soon be introduced in flat panel displays, he detailed. A type of body armor is also being developed, in which a liquid-like vest when impacted could become rigid and protective.
Kosko shared his vision for the year 2030, which he previously explored in his novel Nanotime(1). He foresees a WWIII scenario, fueled by increases in computer efficiency and the spread of radical Islam.A "smart war principle" will be in effect--- namely that it's "cheaper to attack, than to defend," and that could translate into incursions carried out by unmanned vehicles and information devices, he said.
In preparation for some great calamity befalling the Earth such as an asteroid hit, Kosko suggested we send a repository of digitally stored information to the moon for safekeeping. He also commented that the Space Elevator(2) would make a great international project, even more so than the current Space Station.

1. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380791471/ctoc
2. http://www.spaceelevator.com/

Related Articles

Brighter Days?

The phenomenon known as global dimming has apparently reversed itself due to international efforts to cut back on smog pollution. Yet, this seeming bit of good news has a significant downside. The increased amount of sunshine now getting through to the Earth is going to hasten global warming, researchers have warned in the latest issue of Science. Read more here(1). 1. http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050502/full/050502-8.html

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Thursday May 05, 2005

1.	Give a Little Bit Supertramp	2.	Give Me The Night George Benson	3.	In the Mood Robert Plant
4.	Inca Dance Cusco	5.	Midnight Express (The Chase) Giorgio Moroder	6.	Midnight Express (The Chase) Giorgio Moroder
7.	Mummer's Dance Loreena McKennitt	8.	Nothing But A Heartache Flirtations	9.	Protection Massive Attack
10.	Shadows in Silence Enigma	11.	Stand By Me Ben E. King	12.	Stand By Me John Lennon
13.	Tell Her No Zombies	14.	Tom's Diner Suzanne Vega	15.	Tonight, Tonight, Tonight Genesis
16.	Too Much Information The Police	17.	Welcome to the Machine Pink Floyd	18.	Mr. Roboto Styx