In the first half, astronomer and author Martin Rees discussed how the future of humanity is bound to science and hinges on how successfully we use advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Developments in space exploration will significantly be aided by robots, who in the years ahead, he said, could build structures in space and habitats on Mars. While he concedes that the new technologies have a dark side and can be misused, they show great promise for improving human health, expanding clean energy, and taking over repetitive work tasks.
One mind-blowing concept he mentioned is that of the multiverse-- there may have been not just one Big Bang, but many, and we could be part of something even vaster than the universe we know. With the discovery of more and more exoplanets, he believes that we'll find out whether some form of life or a biosphere exists on many of them within the next 20 years, as the next generation of telescopes go online. Humans, he added, could be considered in a halfway stage in their evolution, and in the future, we will likely take control of that process.
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Investigative mythologist William Henry applies the latest theories in science and consciousness to ancient myths and hopes to uncover the secrets that are guarded by such groups as the Illuminati. In the latter half, he returned to his cautionary warnings on transhumanism and the effects of new technologies on human consciousness. The idea of a "putting humanity, especially our children, on the altar of Silicon Valley technology" and virtually turning people into machines is very dangerous, he argued, and the potential benefits are outweighed by the loss of control and disconnection from natural reality.
He cited how the coming of 5G wireless technology may further blur the lines between our bodies and the digital realm, with the object of the cell phone being replaced by an implant in the eye or brain. He characterized a future where people kitted out with new technological abilities to inhabit artificial digital worlds as a kind of "alien invasion." Mohammed bin Salman (or MBS), the crown prince of Saudi Arabia is investing $500 billion in a new AI-based super city called NEOM that will have more robot citizens than humans, he reported. Henry also commented on the news that the interstellar object 'Oumuamua could be a kind of an alien creation, and compared it to a von Neumann probe-- a sort of "egg" capable of seeding a planet.
News segment guests: Gary Ridenour, Cal Orey, Steve Kates