The Best of Three Emerging Technologies to Change the World

I was speaking with a friend the other night about his great grandfather. His great grandfather was born in 1875. He lived until 1965. Can you imagine the technology that this man saw come online? Let me name a few: the typewriter, the electric dental drill, the telephone, the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, the hearing aid, the electric fan, the dishwasher, the escalator, the airplane, the Model T automobile, the air conditioner, the defibrillator, the atomic bomb, the electric guitar, the nuclear submarine, nylon, the polio vaccine, and the laser. He died right when the first minicomputer was coming to fruition.

All of that in the span of his lifetime. Which leads me to the topic of this article. Technology has completely changed the way we live. And technological advances have accelerated at unbelievable speeds. Technology is converging in ways no one could have foreseen. I want to highlight some of the most interesting technologies out there. These are technologies that will change the world, for good and bad.

Nano Technology

Probably the most interesting and frightening of the emerging technologies is nano technology. Nano technology is a cross disciplinary field that deals with building and synthesizing materials at scales of 100nm or less. Nano technology usually works in one of two ways. It either pulls smaller parts together to build or it breaks bigger parts down. The parts are then used to form smaller, new materials. But why is nano technology so important?
Nano technology is important because it will have massive effects across every area of life. As I write this, researchers are working on a nano particle to target cancer cells in lungs. In 2004, Rice University tested gold nano particle cancer treatment. In this treatment, these 150 nanometer gold particles were injected into the blood stream of cancerous mice. Gold particles at this size pass into tumors, but not healthy tissue. The researchers then passed infrared through the mice. The tumorous cells absorbed the infrared, heated up, and were destroyed. They are also working on quantum dots that allow doctors to easily identify multiple diseases quickly and accurately. But the uses don't stop there. Nanotechnology will drive down the scale of electronics. This will lead incredibly small devices. The applications are limitless. And you can bet that the military will be clamoring for nano technology.

The military is looking to have numerous nanotechnologies online by the year 2015. Such advances include performance enhancing nanotechnology that aids bodily functions. These will include response times, oxygen use, and heightened senses. But nanotechnology can also be used for reconnaissance and combat. Nanobots could scout areas without being seen. They could also enter into enemies for espionage. They could kill targets from within the host's body. The possibilities are frightening.

Alternative Energy & Fuels

When gas prices skyrocketed this past year, many people suddenly took an interest in alternative energy and fuels. And because demand rose, companies suddenly found themselves forced to take interest. Most of the common arguments for alternative energy and fuels center around issues of pollution, cost, dependence, and jobs.

What most people don't realize is that alternative energy and fuels always have environmental effects. This can be in the form of heat generation, air pollutants, waste by-products, land usage, extraction, etc. Instead, we have to talk about pros and cons around each type of energy and fuel. There is no silver bullet. Costs, dependence, and jobs also vary depending on the energy type.

There are a host of alternative energies being tested. Wind powered energy plants are already in place in many parts of the world. Solar energy production has taken huge steps forward with the help of nano technology. One such company is Nanosolar. Nanosolar is producing solar cells that are 100 times thinner than conventional cells. Not only are the cells cheaper to produce, but they also convert the solar energy much more efficiently. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the temperature differences in the ocean layers to produce energy. And OTEC can utilize this colder water (36 degree F cooler) in other things like on shore agriculture and refrigeration. And the list goes on.

Massive interest was generated in alternative fuels this past year when gas prices hit record levels. New developments in battery technology could help. One such development is Millennium Cell's hydrogen battery technology. This technology differs greatly from traditional rechargeable batteries in that it's instantly rechargeable. It also has a much great efficiency for energy conversion, so it is much smaller and lighter. There is also greater reuse efficiency since you don't need to replace the entire battery. You only need to replace the energy module. Developments are continuing in biodiesel, electric, hydrogen, methanol, etc. I think there could be some serious future synergy between nano technology and alternative energy.

"Bionetics"

This is my name for the incorporation of technology into the body. The dermal display is a great indication of things to come. Though I have yet to find a working demo version of this concept, I have no doubt that it will become a reality. The display would be driven by millions of nanobots. These nanobots would display light when touched. This would print a display onto your hand, or wherever the nanobot display would be housed. And this is where it gets really interesting. The display nanobots would be connected to millions of other fixed and mobile nanobots throughout the patient's body. This would give instant readings on hundreds of vital statistics. Again, nanotechnology plays a strong role here.

The bionics revolution is already underway. There have been four major cases of robotic limbs recently, the latest being a woman. The robotic limbs take advantage of the functional nerve endings in the limb stump. These nerve endings are used to actuate the robotic limb and to provide feedback to the brain. More money is being poured into robotic limbs every year.

"Functional bionetics" are implants that enhance our lives. And you may be surprised to know that people are actively doing this as I write. People are inserting tiny electronics in their bodies that will unlock their front doors and their cars. The same technology is being used to unlock computers. But it doesn't stop there. There is talk of implanting devices that will carry health information. You could be carted into a hospital totally unconscious and they would be able to access all of your past medical history. Most of this is done through RFID technology.

"Bionetic networks" will be networks of connected bionetic devices. This would allow people to share sensation, feelings, and communication. If this sounds completely fictional, I invite you to consider the work of Kevin Warwick, Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading, England. He has implanted an extra-sensory device that interfaces with one put in his wife. They were implanted in their arms. The first experiments are aimed at exchanging sensory inputs, like pain. The hope is to extend that to other, more complicated neurological processes like thoughts and emotion. Obviously, that would drastically change relationships and indeed the world. Forget about your teens text messaging, maybe they will be brain linking in the future. Now that's really scary!

What will we be able to say came online in our lifetimes? I'm sure we could already list a lot of important technologies. But keep your eyes out for these emerging technologies. They are set to change the rules of our world. These technologies will upset economies, change military tactics, empower people, and be used to control others. Keep an eye on them.

Paul McGillivary has been a technologist for 15 years. In that time, Paul has experienced thousands of technology problems, challenges, and products. He brings this experience to bear in the articles that he presents.

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Finding the Right Repair Guy - Auto Glass Repair Technology

  Windshield repairs have saved consumers millions of dollars over the years by allowing factory installed auto glass to be safely repaired with scientifically designed plastic resins. In the 1960's laminated windshield glass was introduced. With the use of polyvinyl butyral the inner layer that laminated glass came into wider use by auto makers. It wasn't until the 1970's that true windshield repairs became possible. Until that time, all that could be done was to force some oil-based fluid into the damaged area to disguise it, but the results were poor and offered no real repair qualities to the safety or strength of the damaged area, as you can well imagine. From the first giant repair machine, originally introduced by 3M, to a myriad of equipment and companies that specialize in all aspects of glass repair, the search to find the right repair guy has become quite a challenge for "Joe" consumer.

Poor quality repairs can happen even when the most experienced repair person is at the helm. Windshield glass is layered like a sandwich, and it's the outer layer of glass that receives all the activity from the harsh road environment. The poly layer in the middle flexes and holds the inner and outer layers of glass together so splintering is reduced and strength is added to the vehicle's roof. When an object hits the windshield it will cause a hole or crack that runs to the inner glass layer. Even if the damage is small, the first thing that immediately contaminates the area that is broken is good old air, and it's that air that shows up as a dark gray blemish within the windshield. Don't mistake this blemishing for water or dirt settling inside the damaged area. The cracks in the glass layer can be so tight that moisture in any form could not penetrate the area.

The quest to successfully remove all the air trapped within the outer glass layer of a broken windshield is on. As with all science and technology, improvements in the glass repair business have improved drastically in recent years. Auto glass repair shops and mobile service providers must now make the choice between using the old way or changing to the new superior technology for their customers. Ultimately consumers must know a little about the repair systems themselves in order to receive the best service for their money.

After a windshield is repaired with the super hard plastic glass resin, that's it. The resin cures so hard that the repaired area becomes stronger than the original glass, welding the broken surfaces together. So producing the best looking repair the first time is crucial from both the service provider and the client.

Less than two years ago a revolutionary new windshield repair system was introduced to the industry called "Prism Technology". Prism was developed to enhance the results produced during windshield repairs by one of the leading glass repair products manufacturers in the world that has been a big player in research and development for the glass repair industry. The Prism technology uses the most advanced "dry vacuum" injector system to not only remove the maximum air contaminates from the damaged area, but also to simplify the entire repair process for the technician. This new system takes all the guesswork and mystery out of knowing that the air contamination has been removed first before the acrylic resin is injected into the broken glass.

With older repair systems still being used in majority, all pull the air trapped in the glass up and through the liquid resin that is contained within the repair injector. The technician loads the liquid resin into the barrel of the injector after mounting it onto the windshield by way of the bridge. The bridge is the thing with the suction cups that stick to the windshield. The resin sits on the bottom of the injector that is sealed to the windshield surface and an o-ring seals the resin in the injector barrel. Then a vacuum is produced by pulling up a plunger at the top of the injector, you've seen this before more than likely. The air contaminate, that is trapped within the broken glass, now must be pulled out of the damage and up through the liquid resin. Problems arise from air bubbles that are left behind in the damaged area. Some air bubbles can stay in the liquid resin, not being pulled completely through to the top, and when the injection starts with the downward motion of the plunger, the bubbles are pushed back into the glass. The air bubbles push the resin aside and produce voids in the repair that look unsightly and produce weak repairs.

The new Prism dry vacuum technology eliminates this frustrating problem for the auto glass repair industry. The injector has two parts-the body or barrel, and the resin cup. The injector is mounted the same way as the old system, but after mounting the injector to the windshield, the barrel is turned so the resin cup is down and gravity keeps the resin from running into the injector. A strong vacuum is then produced by the plunger being pulled upward or by a machine vacuum attached by a hose to the injector for several minutes. Under a vacuum, the injector barrel is turned 180 degrees and the resin liquid runs into the damaged glass, unobstructed by air. Because of the vacuum produced, all the air is sucked out from the damage and the resin flows freely into the zone. When it's time to push the remaining resin into the damage, the plunger or machine produces high pressure that squeezes the liquid into the tightest regions of broken glass. When the repair area is properly cured with UV light rays, and remains under pressure until hard, the repair resin welds together the entire damaged area completely, producing the highest quality windshield repair in the industry.

Consumers can now get the best windshield repair for their hard earned dollar just by understanding the latest auto glass technology. Don't forget to ask the repair guy or gal if they use the new "Prism" dry vacuum repair system. There is manual, machine and computerized repair equipment that uses the high tech Prism system. Be on the lookout for the manual type systems that use hand pulled plungers. Most of those will use the older technologies. It's worth the time you'll spend to find the right repair guy that is keeping up with the current technology before getting your next windshield repaired.

Keep that original windshield as long as you can to keep your factory seal, and don't replace it until you just have to, because the inevitable fact is windshields break when hit. So have it repaired with the right stuff, you may have to look through it every day.

You can see this new technology, pictures and all at: http://www.abcwindshieldrepair.com/dry_vacuum_tech.html.
Bruce Altman, and his wife Valerie are owners of ABC Windshield Repair in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have been in business together for more than 20 years. The success of their service has been catalyzed by providing honest, reliable client care with integrity. Please visit their comprehensive windshield repair website abcwindshieldrepair to help the public understand the highest technology in the auto glass repair industry.

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