Science and technology have utterly transformed human life in the past few generations, and forecasts of the future used to be measured in decades. But big changes arrive faster and faster these days. So here we’ve shifted our forecast to the near-term, because we’re right on the verge of some extraordinary stuff. These are the trends and events to watch out for in 2013.
Medical Innovations Poised to Transform the way we Treat Diseases
• Targeting tumors with specialized drugs
• Performing your own EKG at home
• Making DNA analysis quick and inexpensive
• Turning gene therapy into reality
• Setting antibiotics loose on cancer
• DNA sequencing for routine checkups
• Letting your body fight cancer
WSJ Reference (You've got to read this article)
First Alien Earth: Many astronomers believe we will find the first Earth-like alien planet will be discovered, an epic discovery that would cause humanity to reassess its place in the universe. Reference
We Are Not Alone in the Universe: No, I’m not talking about aliens. China and India have major space launches scheduled and will join us in space. China will be sending a landing craft to the moon and India will send an orbiter toward Mars.
Dark Matter: dark matter could be found by looking up into space. Scientists analyzing observations of cosmic gamma rays in 2012 discovered an unusual excess at a particular energy emanating from the center of our galaxy. One explanation for the signal is that dark matter particles are colliding and converting into high-energy radiation. This coming year will no doubt bring new data, better analysis, and maybe, just maybe, evidence that pins down dark matter once and for all. Reference
Other possible breakthroughs for 2013: Quantum computing. Robotic limbs powered by the human mind. Exoskeletons. Space probes. Space telescopes. New propulsion technologies for rockets that will allow us to go to Mars in 40 days. All bigger, badder, and faster.
But what’s truly amazing will be the shift from government and corporate research and development to the private sector. Then there are the amateur scientists who practice their craft in their garage or basements. Look for amazing advancements from all three arenas in 2013!
And I'll be covering as many as I can. Stay tuned!
And I'll be covering as many as I can. Stay tuned!
20 comments:
There is so much going on that it is hard to keep up with all.
Enjoyed the post very much Stephen.
Can you advise me? For some unknown reason my avatar for follers has the google+ in the corner therefore people can't through to my blog.
Have you any idea what I can do to rectify this. I have signed out from google + but it is still the same.
Yvonne.
Love the info. Can't wait to find out what some are researching in their garages. Hmm?
The future is exciting, but it's also scary. We've done so many horrible things to this earth, and we're suffering the consequences. I'm glad I won't be around 100 years from now.
Wondering what black matter is...
China and India will be alone in space if we don't send anything else though.
Yvonne, I din't use Google + so I'm not sure. Email customer support. I hope you get it fixed so I can stop by and say hello!
Em-Musing, I'm not sure to anticipate something good or fear for humanity regarding the garage tinkerers hahaha.
Al, me too.
Jolie, a lot of people share your sentiments.
Alex, we may have to rely on the private sector for that. And jobs too.
Will these new medical innovations be covered by the health care plan?
That's a whole lot of exciting! And I'm grateful for those who pursue these avenues because it's not my strength...at all.
Sounds like a good theme, Stephen! I'm toying with doing a sci-related theme too.
I hope those scientists aren't launching those rockets from their basements though.
Gail, I doubt it, unless we pay out the nose even more for ObamaCare.
Barbaram 2013 is shaping up to be a most fascinating year.
Callie, I'll be checking out your posts!
Diane, let's hope not. But you never know.
Stephen, this stuff all sounds so exciting and cool...much better reading than the gun control stuff that has dominated the news. The medical breakthrough stuff sounds really exciting!
Thanks for brightening my day.
Wow- Some of these I knew about since I subscribe to Astronomy Magazine. However, the exoskeleton is wicked! Concerning the rocket propulsion, did they finally master something close to warp speed? :D
I look forward to you futuristic technology post in the future. :D
I'm excited about what's coming, and knowing a bit about what it might be. We are big NOVA fans, and saw a really neat episode about how they are changing the astronauts suits to be form fitting with pressure bands instead of the clunky stuff they have to wear now.
Tina @ Life is Good
http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Wow. Exciting and scary at the same time.
The amazing discoveries and innovations keep coming faster than we can keep track of. The other day I heard that Iran was going to send a monkey into space. I'm not sure what they'll do while their President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is out their circling the Earth.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Chuck, I agree!
Shaharizan, I love Astronomy MAgazine.
Tina, Maybe NASA is trying to make a fashion statement to the aliens.
Damyanti, it depends on whose hands the technology is in.
Lee, let's hope that one gets Lost In Space.
Lots of good stuff. Will be interesting to check as the year draws to a close.
Hi Stephen .. great post - I love reading what people predict for the future ...
3D printing is the one that is definitely happening ..
Thanks for your thoughts .. cheers Hilary
Just getting home from an incredibly hectic day and only now checking in. Thanks everyone for stopping by! I really do appreciate it. Glad you like the post!
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