Researchers at The University of British Columbia have discovered why the brain loses its capacity to re-grow connections and repair itself, knowledge that could lead to therapeutics that “rejuvenate” the brain...Continue

Researchers in Pennsylvania are reporting for the first time that nanoparticles 1/5,000 the diameter of a human hair encapsulating an experimental anticancer agent, kill human melanoma and drug-resistant breast cancer cells growing in laboratory cultures. The discovery could lead to the development of a new generation of anti-cancer drugs that are safer and more effective than conventional chemotherapy agents, the scientists suggest. The research is scheduled for the Dec. 10 issue of ACS' Nano Letters...Continue

Scientists are developing new ways to selectively boost gene expression in the brain, in the hope of treating psychiatric and neurological disease. A growing pool of evidence shows that compounds that target this mechanism can improve learning and memory in rodents. But existing drugs, which were not developed for this purpose, are relatively weak and unselective, and their long-term safety is not yet clear...Full

An American soldier is hit by enemy fire in Iraq. A Humvee speeds him to a field hospital just outside the combat area. He looks up groggily to see a robot peering down at him...Continue

Visions of the Future: The Biotech Revolution. 2nd part of 3 part miniseries on the BBC hosted by Michio Kaku. In this new three-part series, leading theoretical physicist and futurist Dr Michio Kaku explores the cutting edge science of today, tomorrow, and beyond. He argues that humankind is at a turning point in history. In this century, we are going to make the historic transition from the 'Age of Discovery' to the 'Age of Mastery', a period in which we will move from being passive observers of nature to its active choreographers. This will give us not only unparalleled possibilities but also great responsibilities. Genetics and biotechnology promise a future of unprecedented health and longevity: DNA screening could prevent many diseases, gene therapy could cure them and, thanks to lab-grown organs, the human body could be repaired as easily as a car, with spare parts readily available. Ultimately, the ageing process itself could be slowed down or even halted. But what impact will this have on who we are and how we will live? And, with our mastery of the genome, will the human race end up in a world divided by genetic apartheid?

At the Northwestern University researchers have discovered that shining infrared light onto neurons in the inner ear can stimulate them as accurately as sound waves. This discovery may lead to better cochlear implants for deaf people by replacing the current limited electrodes. (Full Story)

"Cells in the retina of mice can be coaxed to create new neurons following an injury, according to new research from the University of Washington. This is the most definitive demonstration to date that such regeneration is possible, given the right cues, for a specific type of neuron in the inner retina of a mammal." If they can expand the regeneration to other cells in the eye it will benefit people with diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. (Full Story)

1.Energy saving solar technology will be built into asphalt, paint and windows.

Today we use silicon based solar panels to get solar energy. These silicon panels are thick, expensive, and not very efficient. But IBM is bidding on the creation of “thin-film” solar cells a new type of cost-efficient solar cell. These cells can be as much as 100 times thinner than silicon-wafer cells but not only that, they can produce energy at a lower cost. So within the next five years, solar energy will be an affordable option for you and your neighbors. Because it is so thin it can be “printed” and placed wherever there is an abundance of energy.

2. You will have a crystal ball for your health

I’m of course talking about your DNA. Having access to your DNA is important in both predicting and curing your problems. It's a valuable data, and it can be used to anticipate future health risks. Doctors can use this information by recommending lifestyle changes in order to prevent an illness from occurring. Pharmaceutical companies can also use this information for developing specific drugs that can be targeted for any individual. And all of this will be available within the next five years at a price of around $200. Now the downside to this (if your country does not have a uniform health care) is that if your health insurer gets access to your genetic blueprint and sees that you are very likely of developing some sort of illness they might jack up the prices or simply deny you coverage. This may be prevented by a uniform health care system. Or it may be prevented by a law that states that your genetic blueprint is doctor-patient confidentiality. Nevertheless genetic mapping will radically transform health care over the next five years and allow you to take better care of yourself.


3. You will talk to the Web . . . and the Web will talk back.

Within the next 5 years you would be able to access the web from anywhere in the world. You will be connected at all times. But if you are blind, cannot read, or don’t have access to a computer you will brows the web through “VoiceSites”. That’s right you would be able to call a site and talk to it and it will talk to you back. For example you are camping and needed information on how to start a fire because you don’t have matches or a lighter on you. So you decide to call your best friend Google. Google will know what you are asking and it will respond with the answer.

4. You will have your own digital shopping assistants.

A combination of new technology and the next wave of mobile devices will give the in-store shopping experience a significant boost. Fitting rooms soon will be outfitted with digital shopping assistants - touch screen and voice activated kiosks that will allow you to choose clothing items and accessories to complement, or replace, what you already selected. Once you make your selections, a sales associate is notified and will gather the items and bring them directly to you. You’ll also be able to snap photos of yourself in different combinations and email or SMS them to your friends and family for the thumbs up…or the thumbs down. Shoppers can access product ratings and reviews from fellow consumers and will even be able to download money-saving coupons and instantly apply them to their purchases.


5. Forgetting will become a distant memory

To help make these possible, microphones and video cameras will record conversations and activities. The information collected will be automatically stored and analyzed on a personal computer. People can then be prompted to "remember" what discussions they had, for example, with their daughter or doctor by telephone. Based on such conversations, smart phones equipped with global-positioning technology might also remind them to pick up groceries or prescriptions if they pass a particular store at a particular time. It's not hard to imagine that TVs, remote controls, or even coffee table tops, can one day be the familiar mediums through which we tap into our digitally-stored information.