Waubonsee Community College

The coming convergence, surprising ways diverse technologies interact to shape our world and change the future, Stanley Schmidt

eng

Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-261) and index

illustrationsplates

index present

non fiction

The coming convergence

bibliography

193902041

Stanley Schmidt

"Imagine direct communication links between the human brain and machines, or tailored materials capable of adapting by themselves to changing environmental conditions, or computer chips and environmental sensors embedded into everyday clothing, or medical technologies that eliminate currently untreatable conditions such as blindness and paralysis. Now imagine all of these developments occurring at the same time. Far-fetched?" "Author Stanley Schmidt explores these and many more amazing yet probable scenarios in this fascinating guide to the near future. He shows how past convergences have led to today's world, then considers tomorrow's main currents in biotechnology, cognitive science, information technology, and nanotechnology."--Jacket

surprising ways diverse technologies interact to shape our world and change the future

Introduction. Converging currents: then, now, and tomorrow. From fabric looms to the internet: the story of computing -- Aviation and big buildings -- New arts and sciences -- Looking inside: new technologies and medicine -- Computers and genes -- New directions in biotechnology -- Cognitive science: how do we know? -- The explosion in information technology -- Nanotechnology -- Metaconvergences: when big streams make still bigger streams -- Potentials and promises -- Pitfalls and perils -- Getting there from Here: challenges and strategies