The Next Fifty Years

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A brilliant ensemble of visionary scientists presents twenty-five original essays exploring advances in science and technology anticipated within our lifetimes. Theoretical physicist Paul Davies discusses the potential for establishing a human presence on Mars by 2050. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi examines the implications of engineering high-IQ, genetically happy babies. Psychiatrist Nancy Etcoff delves into research on emotion-sensing jewelry that could monitor our moods and suggest when to take anti-depressants. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins considers the likelihood of obtaining genome printouts that predict our natural lifespan, raising questions about access for insurance companies and governments. This unprecedented collection not only investigates the practical possibilities of the near future but also addresses the social and political ramifications of these developments. Additional essays are contributed by notable figures such as Lee Smolin, Martin Rees, Ian Stewart, and many others, each offering unique insights into the strange new world that lies ahead.