HEALTH / AGEING- Five-fold lifespan extension in C. Elegans by combining mutants

"Scientists at the Buck Institute combined mutations in two pathways well known for lifespan extension and report a synergistic five-fold extension of longevity — these worms lived to the human equivalent of 400 to 500 years — introducing the possibility of combination therapy for aging and the maladies associated with it.
The mutations inhibited key molecules involved in insulin signaling (IIS) and the nutrient signaling pathway Target of Rapamycin (TOR). Lead scientist and Buck faculty Pankaj Kapahi, PhD, said single mutations in TOR (in this case RSKS-1) usually result in a 30 percent lifespan extension, while mutations in IIS (Daf-2) often result in a doubling of lifespan in the worms — added together they would be expected to extend longevity by 130 percent.
“Instead, what we have here is a synergistic five-fold increase in lifespan,” Kapahi said. “The two mutations set off a positive feedback loop in specific tissues that amplified lifespan." " kurzweilai.net

Five-fold lifespan extension in C. Elegans by combining mutants

MILITARY: Taking out mortars and UAVs with vehicle-mounted laser

 "High energy laser weapons are a hot area of research with companies including Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall and Northrop Grumman all developing systems. Boeing is also in the mix with its High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD), which is being put through its paces by the US Army. Between November 18 and December 10, the HEL MD successfully took out mortar rounds and UAVs in flight, marking a first for the vehicle-mounted system." Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/hel-md-vehicle-mounted-laser-test/30116/

HEALTH: Forcing cancer cells to shape-shift stops them from migrating, Mayo Clinic researchers find

"The researchers found that a protein called Syx is key to determining how tumor cells migrate. When researchers removed Syx from the cancer cells, they lost their polarity — their leading and trailing edges — and morphed into a “fried egg” shape. “They are now unable to sense direction, so they are not going anywhere,” Dr. Anastasiadis says." kurzweilai.net

Forcing cancer cells to shape-shift stops them from migrating, Mayo Clinic researchers find

HEALTH: Drugs to fix "misfolded" proteins could cure a range of diseases

 "The team says neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's, as well as certain types of diabetes, inherited cataracts and cystic fibrosis are just a few of the diseases that could potentially be cured using the new approach." Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/pharmacoperones-drug-protein-misfolding/30074/

AUTONOMOUS CARS- Volvo plans to put 100 autonomous cars on Swedish roads by 2017

 "Slated to begin next year, the "Drive Me – Self-driving cars for sustainable mobility" pilot project is a collaboration between Volvo Car Group, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Transport Agency, Lindholmen Science Park and the City of Gothenburg. Its purpose is "to pinpoint the societal benefits of autonomous driving and position Sweden and Volvo Cars as leaders in the development of future mobility." Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/volvo-drive-me-autonomous-cars/30002/

ENERGY- Storage

"Batteries. We buy them at the store, use them up, and throw them away without much thought. In reality, however, batteries are remarkably complex electrochemical devices that are continually evolving. The latest example of this comes from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where researchers have invented an advanced lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell that offers a unique combination of energy storage, power, recharge speed, and survivability." Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/lithium-sulfur-battery-energy-density/29907/

HEALTH: A revolutionary mechanism for dieting- Genetic circuit supresses appetite in response to blood-fat levels

 "The research group, headed by ETH-Zurich professor Martin Fussenegger, tested the genetic regulatory circuit on obese mice that had been fed a diet of fatty food. Capsules containing the circuit were implanted in the mice, which then stopped eating excessively and started to lose bodyweight. After their blood-fat levels returned to normal, the circuit stopped producing the satiety-signaling substance." Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/genetic-regulatory-circuit-weight-loss/29936/

PERSONALISED MEDICINE / GENOMICS - FDA allows marketing of ‘next generation’ gene-sequencing devices

 "What happens when your entire genomic information is in your electronic medical record, they suggest? So instead of having to take a DNA sample, ship it, and wait for a lab to run a test, only a quick electronic query would provide your physician with the needed information to determine the course of treatment. That includes pharmacogenomics — the use of genomic information to identify the right drug at the right dose for each patient." Kurzweil.AI

FDA allows marketing of ‘next generation’ gene-sequencing devices

HEALTH: Ultrasound pulses could replace daily injections for diabetics

"Once the ultrasound is turned off, the nano-network re-forms and more insulin leaks out to form another reservoir. In tests on diabetic lab mice, one injection of the nanoparticles was enough to regulate blood glucose levels for as much as 10 days. When a nano-network is depleted, another batch of particles can be injected – the old network will be absorbed by the body within a few weeks.
The scientists are now working towards applying the technology to humans. Dr. Zhen Gu is leading the research, which was recently described in a paper published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials." Gizmag.

Source: North Carolina State University

http://www.gizmag.com/ultrasound-nanoparticle-insulin/29886/

Quantum computing: amazing new world record for quantum computing at room temperature

"According to Simmons, an author of the paper, “39 minutes may not seem very long but as it only takes one-hundred-thousandth of a second to flip the nuclear spin of a phosphorus ion — the type of operation used to run quantum calculations — in theory over 20 million operations could be applied in the time it takes for the superposition to naturally decay by one percent. Having such robust, as well as long-lived, qubits could prove very helpful for anyone trying to build a quantum computer.”
“This opens up the possibility of truly long-term coherent information storage at room temperature,” said Thewalt." KURZWEIL.AI NEWS

Quantum world record smashed

ENERGY: Towards cheaper hydrogen

http://www.gizmag.com/nickel-coated-silicon-pec-hydrogen-stanford/29810/

AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC CARS- Japan's goal: 0 % fatalities 0% emissions

http://www.youtube.com/v/IEPdvl3OFk0?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=aWKgs2wTVjcrsO-Xxxv5SQ&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1

AI: Towards an analog computer architecture

An analog synaptic transistor with spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning

BBC - Future concepts: Why everyone may have a personal air vehicle

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20131031-a-flying-car-for-everyone

DRONES. SWARMS. SOUTH KOREA. Jellyfish-shredding robots dispatched to clean Korea's coast

SOURCE: gizmag.com

http://www.gizmag.com/jellyfish-shredding-jeros-robots-dispatched-to-korea/29307/

BRAIN- Europe. Reverse engineering the brain. The Human Brain Project has officially begun

The Human Brain Project has officially begun

NASA: 3D printing in zero gravity

3D printing in zero gravity

WIRELESS POWER- Cota system transmits power wirelessly at up to 30 feet

http://www.gizmag.com/cota-ossia-wireless-charging-microwave-phased-array/29217/

BRAIN: Paving the way for enhanced & digitally remastered clarity of thoughts.

Covert operations: Your brain digitally remastered for clarity of thought

Voyager 1 embarks on historic journey into interstellar space

 "NASA‘s Voyager 1 spacecraft is now officially the first human-made object to venture into interstellar space. The 36-year-old probe is about 12 billion miles (19 billion kilometers) from our sun.
New and unexpected data indicate Voyager 1 has been traveling for about one year through plasma, or ionized gas, present in the space between stars. Voyager is in a transitional region immediately outside the solar bubble, where some effects from our sun are still evident." Kurzweil.AI News.

Voyager 1 embarks on historic journey into interstellar space

BBC Horizon 2013 The Age of Big Data

The Future of Design. Elon Musk

Virgin Galactic's Second Rocket Powered Flight Tail Footage

SECURITY: "Nymi wristband uses your heartbeat as a password" (GIZMAG)

"If someone says that they want to steal your heart, be careful. They may be trying to get into your computer files. The Toronto-based biometrics company Bionym wants to replace old-fashioned passwords with Nymi; a bracelet that uses the wearer’s heartbeat in place of passwords. According to the developers, the system delivers a secure and convenient means of identification that also provides the potential to control devices using gestures." (David Szondy, GIZMAG)

Nanotechnology : Documentary on the Emerging Science of Nanotechnology

SPACE: SpaceFab: 3D printing and robotic assembly in space

"SpiderFab, a series of technologies under development by Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (TUI), combines 3D printing and robotic assembly to build and create spaceship components and structures in orbit. The groundbreaking systems are being designed to enable on-orbit construction of antennas, booms, solar arrays, trusses and other multifunctional components, ten to hundreds of times larger than currently possible with existing technology".
http://www.gizmag.com/spacefab-3d-printing-in-space/28898/

BRAIN- First human brain-to-brain interface

 “The Internet was a way to connect computers, and now it can be a way to connect brains,” Stocco said. “We want to take the knowledge of a brain and transmit it directly from brain to brain.”

First human brain-to-brain interface

HOW TO TURN ANY SURFACE INTO A TOUCH SCREEN (BY MICROSOFT)

INGREDIENTS: PC / LAPTOP / TABLET / SMARTPHONE + PROJECTOR + KINECT

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu2XH5p_hMM#action=share

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkUJpmgaGIQ

Gadget genius: Nanotechnology breakthrough is big deal for electronics

 "University of Akron researchers have developed new materials that function on a nanoscale, which could lead to the creation of lighter laptops, slimmer televisions and crisper smartphone visual displays."

Gadget genius: Nanotechnology breakthrough is big deal for electronics

THE FUTURE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMANITY- Ray Kurzweil and Robert Freitas discuss nanotechnology

TED (AI / SIRI- like) A huggable, talking intelligent toy robot? Oh yeah!

"Siri on steroids
Like Jeannie, you can ask questions or engage in conversation, and actually learn things. You can also ask it to make calls for you, give you a wakeup-call, find the nearest restaurant, launch apps, and other Siri-like stuff, and it “safely searches the web,” said Conlan.
“Supertoy is fun and playful for children and can also be their first introduction to the world of the Internet,” said Conlan. “It is designed to be used in a safe and child-friendly manner, so only age-appropriate information is shared.
“This allows children to learn from the vast amounts of educational material online, without parents having to worry. Being connected to the Internet also means Supertoy upgrades over time and becomes better and better as it learns. It reads bedtime stories, sings songs, and answers all those pesky ‘why’ questions.”"

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! This is a true 21st century Toy 

A huggable, talking intelligent toy robot? Oh yeah!

CUTTING EDGE TECH (July 2013) - How will nanobots change medicine?

Absolutely mind-blowing.

AI. How it is changing our lives and the profound changes to come. Technology Of The Future - BBC Documentary

The AI revolution in perspective.

BRAIN: “PLAYING” WITH THE MEMORY / MEMORIES

This is obviously an experiment with deep philosophical and scientific implications.  
 
Neuroscientists plant false memories in mice: Location where brain stores memory traces, both false and authentic, pinpointed

HEALTH- HEART: Cardiac cells and gold nanofibers join forces to heal damaged hearts

"When someone has a heart attack, the damaged heart tissue doesn’t grow back. Instead, it’s replaced by non-beating scar tissue. As a result, the heart is permanently weakened. Now, however, researchers at Tel Aviv University are getting promising results using patches that contain cardiac cells and gold nanofibers."

http://www.gizmag.com/heart-patch-gold-nanofibers/28465/

PHYSICS OF TELEPORTATION- What if quantum entanglement worked on the macroscopic level?

 "To do this, the team first created an entanglement between two fiber optics on a microscopic level before moving it to the macroscopic level. The entangled state survived the transition to a larger-scale world and the phenomenon could even be observed with the naked eye.
To verify that the entanglement survived in the macroscopic world, the physicists reconverted the phenomenon at the microscopic level."

What if quantum entanglement worked on the macroscopic level?

AI- Chips that mimic the brain in real time

 "No computer works as efficiently as the human brain — so building an artificial brain is the goal of many scientists. Neuroinformatics researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich say they have now made a breakthrough in this direction by understanding how to configure neuromorphic chips to imitate the brain’s information processing abilities in real time.
They demonstrated this by building an artificial sensory processing system that exhibits cognitive abilities."

Chips that mimic the brain in real time

Desktop-printing electronic circuits, other nanofabricated devices

"A much-anticipated, low-cost, high-resolution desktop nanofabrication tool promises to revolutionize fabrication of electronic circuits and other nanofabricated devices, according to a new study by Northwestern University researchers".

Desktop-printing electronic circuits, other nanofabricated devices

CARS- Autonomous cars to appear on UK roads by the end of the year

"Though it seems likely that Watters is correct in that cars will become more autonomous in stages over the years, Gizmag's recent first-hand experience with Volvo's autonomous technology suggests that progress will be swift."

http://www.gizmag.com/uk-autonomous-cars/28338/

ASTRONOMY / SPACE - Mining the heavens: In conversation with Planetary Resources' Chief Engineer

 "It wasn't long ago that asteroid mining was only found in the pages of science fiction. Now, with increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of space, companies are springing up to turn asteroids from things that Bruce Willis blows up, into raw materials for future travellers and colonists. One such firm is Planetary Resources, which is currently winding up a KickStarter campaign aimed at raising public awareness about asteroid mining by offering the public access to a space telescope. Gizmag visits the company’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters and talks to the President and Chief Engineer, Chris Lewicki."

http://www.gizmag.com/planetary-resources-interview/27952/

MEDICINE & HEALTH - Human induced pluripotent stem cells. Towards Human Body 2.0

Researchers generate long-lasting blood vessels from reprogrammed human cells

MIT CONCEPTS - BUILDINGS THAT CAN CHANGE OVER TIME

"What if buildings could adapt their shape and form – without any other input from us? Architect Skylar Tibbits says 4D printing could make materials that build themselves."  
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130709-buildings-that-can-make-themselve

MEMORY / DATA STORAGE - 'Superman' memory crystal

"Coined as the 'Superman' memory crystal, as the glass memory has been compared to the "memory crystals" used in the Superman films, the data is recorded via self-assembled nanostructures created in fused quartz, which is able to store vast quantities of data for over a million years."

5-D optical memory in glass could record the last evidence of civilization

UAVs / DRONES - A great day for the History books by the US NAVY

X-47B makes historic first carrier landing

http://www.gizmag.com/x-47b-carrier-landing/28214/ 

HYDROGEN IS BACK | MIT Technology Review

Why Toyota and GM Are Pushing Fuel-Cell Cars to Market | MIT Technology Review

Big Data in action| Fw:Thinking

DATA STORAGE - Petabyte of data on a single disc

A mid-term solution for the BIG DATA storage problems.

http://www.gizmag.com/petabyte-dvd-data-storage/28181/

Regina Dugan on DARPA

From mach-20 glider to humming bird drone

http://www.ted.com/talks/regina_dugan_from_mach_20_glider_to_humming_bird_drone.html

HEALTH REVOLUTION: Early diagnosis

Cheap, fast, revolutionary

THE SINGULARITY AND THE LAW- Ray Kurzweil - Keynote Speech - LawTech Futures 2013 - (By Netlaw Media ...

ASTRONOMY: The better to see you with!

Revolutionary instrument delivers a sharper universe to astronomers

WEARABLES THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

BY QARDIO

http://www.gizmag.com/qardio-cardiovascular-monitoring/28081/

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF AVIATION

Revolutionary space engine turns an airplane into a spaceplane

UAVs. Analysis on the future of unmanned flight

http://www.gizmag.com/uav-future-of-unmanned-flight/27478/

UAVS, algorithms and inspiration.

http://www.ted.com/talks/raffaello_d_andrea_the_astounding_athletic_power_of_quadcopters.html

AI - Siri’s Creators Demonstrate an Assistant That Takes the Initiative | MIT Technology Review

Siri’s Creators Demonstrate an Assistant That Takes the Initiative | MIT Technology Review

DEFENCE- PROMISING NEW LASER

New laser shows what substances are made of; could be new eyes for military

SATELLITES: The Watchers (by Skybox)

"Their up-to-the-minute  snapshots  of the planet will give us data that could upend industries, transform economies—even help predict the future."

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/06/startup-skybox/

Printing lithium-ion microbatteries- Another step towards nanoscale

3D-printing miniaturized medical implants, compact electronics, tiny robots, and more

21st CENTURY DEMOCRACY- Rediscovering the meaning of the word

http://www.ted.com/talks/george_papandreou_imagine_a_european_democracy_without_borders.html

MAPPING THE BRAIN. The European Human Brain Project. Ultra-high-resolution 3D roadmap of the human brain

BigBrain: an ultra-high-resolution 3D roadmap of the human brain

ROBOTICS: The droids we are looking for

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130620-building-a-better-robot

3D printing your thoughts?

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130613-3d-printing-your-thoughts

ECONOMY: 21st Century employment in perspective

How Technology Is Destroying Jobs | MIT Technology Review

INVISIBILITY: Metamaterials breakthrough could lead to the first wide-spectrum optical invisibility cloak

http://www.gizmag.com/metamaterials-wide-spectrum-optical-invisibility-cloak-stanford/27813/

MEDICINE / BIOTECHNOLOGY. A low-cost, implantable electronic biosensor

A low-cost, implantable electronic biosensor

NANOTECHNOLOGY BREAKTHROUGHS- Smaller, cheaper, better

Graphene and semiconductor technology together: Smaller, cheaper, better

HEALTH- Cracking "The Big C"

Master regulator in cancer metastasis discovered

MAPPING THE BRAIN- Scientists map process by which brain cells form long-term memories

Scientists map process by which brain cells form long-term memories

21ST CENTURY ASTRONOMY. Titan - A Place Like Home (Documentary)

THE 21ST CENTURY IN PERSPECTIVE- BBC Documentary: Visions of the Future

OLED Technology, a step closer- OLED brings out the shine

Better screens made of organic light diodes: OLED brings out the shine

ON ACCELERATING EVOLUTION

http://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_will_our_kids_be_a_different_species.html

HUMAN CONFLICTS - Drones: The Future of War?

VIRTUAL REALITY - Taking it to the next level

Omni brings full-body VR gaming to Kickstarter

ELECTRIC CARS. TESLA, a step forward

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2013/05/30/tesla-gives-drivers-one-less-excuse-for-not-buying-an-electric-car/

Ultra-Efficient Solar Power

Harry Atwater Pursues Higher Solar Power Efficiency by Combining Optical Techniques With Conventional Solar Cells | MIT Technology Review

MARVEL OF THE DAY: Bell Labs Invents Lensless Camera | MIT Technology Review

Bell Labs Invents Lensless Camera | MIT Technology Review

BIOENGINEERING- New method of mass-producing high-quality DNA molecules

New method of mass-producing high-quality DNA molecules

SELF-ASSEMBLING MATERIALS- The emergence of "4D printing"

21st CENTURY ART - Full Moon Silhouettes

Full Moon Silhouettes

INTRODUCTION TO NANOTECHNOLOGY

RI Channel: What is nanotechnology?

21st CENTURY POETRY- Hubble's Universe. HD 1080p

21st CENTURY ART - FC Barcelona - The Guardiola System 2008-2012 ||HD||

21st CENTURY EDUCATION- Sir Ken Robinson on creativity, engagement, team work and motivation.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_how_to_escape_education_s_death_valley.html

The World We Dream- Peter Diamandis on exponential growth and linear thinking

ADVANCING THE INTERPLANETARY CIVILIZATION - Harnessing the Solar System

Asteroids provide sustainable resource, study finds

THE AGE OF ACCELERATING INTELLIGENCE. 3 INTERESTING PAGES THAT ARE USEFUL TO UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON.

1. Kurzweil Accelerating Intelligence 
2. Science Daily
3. Gizmag

CLEANING THE ATMOSPHERE- IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE

Scientists develop COsub2/sub sequestration technique

The $1.3B Quest to Build a Supercomputer Replica of a Human Brain

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/05/neurologist-markam-human-brain/

Too dangerous and untested, BUT, does this article contain the germ of a working idea for FUTURE FOOD?

http://www.gizmag.com/soylent-future-of-food/27684/

"(...) a move that would make the Alchemists of King Arthur's time green with envy (...)"

Formula for turning cement into 'metal'

Advanced biological computer developed

Advanced biological computer developed

The Singularity Is Near - On Mr. Kurtzweil's life and views and their philosophical implications.

INNOVATION OF THE DAY: TESLA, A TRIBUTE TO A GENIUS (& THE FAST RISING OF THE GREEN CAR)

http://timkastelle.org/blog/2013/05/get-ready-for-your-electric-car/

DAWN

We are living through exponential times. This is probably the most fascinating era in the history of the human race because we can clearly see the link between an arithmetical past and the exponential present times leading to a future which is full of amazing possibilities. Everything is moving very fast these days. Furthermore, the speed of change is clearly increasing day after day. In other words, regardless of political, economic and social circumstances, scientific and technological growth has been steady since the Renaissance and now is moving towards what Kurtzweil calls the technological singularity, that is is the theoretical emergence of superintelligence through technological means. Since the capabilities of such intelligence would be difficult for an unaided human mind to comprehend, the technological singularity is seen as an occurrence beyond which events cannot be predicted. What's next?

Marvel of the day

Baby's life saved with groundbreaking 3-D printed device that restored his breathing