Science & Technology
Mon, August 11, 2025
[ Today @ 12:50 AM ]: The West Australian
Sun, August 10, 2025
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Fox News
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: The Cool Down
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Real Simple
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Vogue
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Conversation
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Takeout
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Ghanaweb.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: earth
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WFLX
[ Yesterday Morning ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Seattle Times
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Las Vegas Review-Journal
[ Yesterday Morning ]: LA Times
[ Yesterday Morning ]: indulgexpress
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The New York Times
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Motley Fool
Sat, August 9, 2025
[ Last Saturday ]: Killeen Daily Herald
[ Last Saturday ]: ThePrint
[ Last Saturday ]: TV Technology
[ Last Saturday ]: The Motley Fool
[ Last Saturday ]: WTAE-TV
[ Last Saturday ]: WSAV Savannah
[ Last Saturday ]: The West Australian
[ Last Saturday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Saturday ]: Chowhound
[ Last Saturday ]: Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
[ Last Saturday ]: uDiscover
[ Last Saturday ]: WRBL Columbus
[ Last Saturday ]: Telangana Today
[ Last Saturday ]: Forbes
[ Last Saturday ]: The Cool Down
[ Last Saturday ]: The Straits Times
[ Last Saturday ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Last Saturday ]: BBC
[ Last Saturday ]: Ghanaweb.com
[ Last Saturday ]: Seeking Alpha
Fri, August 8, 2025
[ Last Friday ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Last Friday ]: The Motley Fool
[ Last Friday ]: WBTW Myrtle Beach
[ Last Friday ]: Ghanaweb.com
[ Last Friday ]: WVLA Baton Rouge
[ Last Friday ]: Los Angeles Times Opinion
[ Last Friday ]: Democrat and Chronicle
[ Last Friday ]: Patch
[ Last Friday ]: TechRadar
[ Last Friday ]: WNCT Greenville
[ Last Friday ]: The Tennessean
[ Last Friday ]: The Greenville News
[ Last Friday ]: The Conversation
Wed, August 6, 2025
[ Last Wednesday ]: HELLO! Magazine
[ Last Wednesday ]: United Press International
[ Last Wednesday ]: Bring Me the News
[ Last Wednesday ]: WAVY
[ Last Wednesday ]: Los Angeles Times
[ Last Wednesday ]: news4sanantonio
[ Last Wednesday ]: News 8000
[ Last Wednesday ]: San Francisco Examiner
[ Last Wednesday ]: The Atlantic
[ Last Wednesday ]: TheBlast
[ Last Wednesday ]: The Motley Fool
[ Last Wednesday ]: Yen.com.gh
[ Last Wednesday ]: CoinTelegraph
[ Last Wednesday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Wednesday ]: The Financial Express
[ Last Wednesday ]: KHQ
[ Last Wednesday ]: gulfcoastnewsnow.com
[ Last Wednesday ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Last Wednesday ]: Space.com
[ Last Wednesday ]: Ghanaweb.com
[ Last Wednesday ]: WBAY
[ Last Wednesday ]: WLOX
[ Last Wednesday ]: HuffPost
[ Last Wednesday ]: SlashGear
[ Last Wednesday ]: NorthJersey.com
[ Last Wednesday ]: DW
[ Last Wednesday ]: BGR
[ Last Wednesday ]: Business Today
[ Last Wednesday ]: Forbes
[ Last Wednesday ]: STAT
Tue, August 5, 2025
[ Last Tuesday ]: People
[ Last Tuesday ]: Impacts
[ Last Tuesday ]: Washington Post
[ Last Tuesday ]: fingerlakes1
[ Last Tuesday ]: Chowhound
[ Last Tuesday ]: Fortune
[ Last Tuesday ]: Indiana Capital Chronicle
[ Last Tuesday ]: Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
[ Last Tuesday ]: The Clarion-Ledger
[ Last Tuesday ]: LA Times
[ Last Tuesday ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Last Tuesday ]: WJAX
[ Last Tuesday ]: USA TODAY
Mon, August 4, 2025
[ Last Monday ]: WYFF
[ Last Monday ]: Men's Fitness
[ Last Monday ]: Parade
[ Last Monday ]: HELLO! Magazine
[ Last Monday ]: The New York Times
[ Last Monday ]: The Motley Fool
[ Last Monday ]: Associated Press
[ Last Monday ]: WSB-TV
[ Last Monday ]: Live Science
[ Last Monday ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Last Monday ]: People
[ Last Monday ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Last Monday ]: Impacts
[ Last Monday ]: SPIN
[ Last Monday ]: New Hampshire Bulletin
[ Last Monday ]: Defense News
[ Last Monday ]: The Cool Down
[ Last Monday ]: NOLA.com
[ Last Monday ]: Forbes
[ Mon, Aug 04th ]: ESPN
[ Mon, Aug 04th ]: montanarightnow
[ Mon, Aug 04th ]: Phys.org
Sun, August 3, 2025
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Newsweek
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: KTSM
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: The New Zealand Herald
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Channel NewsAsia Singapore
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Get Spanish Football News
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: KIRO
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Space.com
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Futurism
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: National Geographic news
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: The Economist
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Source New Mexico
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: The Motley Fool
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: dpa international
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: KRQE Albuquerque
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Pacific Daily News
[ Sun, Aug 03rd ]: Tim Hastings
Sat, August 2, 2025
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: TechCrunch
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: Newsweek
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: Futurism
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: The New York Times
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: federalnewsnetwork.com
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: TechRadar
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: Star Tribune
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: ThePrint
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: Phys.org
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: STAT
[ Sat, Aug 02nd ]: Ghanaweb.com
Thu, July 31, 2025
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: KOLO TV
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Variety
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: WFMZ-TV
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Fox Business
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: East Bay Times
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: WSOC
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: fingerlakes1
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Investopedia
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Biography
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: KOAT Albuquerque
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: The New York Times
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: The Economist
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Seattle Times
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: MSNBC
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: WSB-TV
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Berkshire Eagle
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Phys.org
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: The Atlantic
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: The Cool Down
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: KRQE Albuquerque
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: The Quint
[ Thu, Jul 31st ]: AFP
Wed, July 30, 2025
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: WDIO
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: BGR
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: People
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: federalnewsnetwork.com
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: Detroit News
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: rnz
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: USA TODAY
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: Forbes
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: KIRO-TV
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: The Salt Lake Tribune
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: The Cool Down
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: The Conversation
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: The Jerusalem Post Blogs
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: KCCI Des Moines
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: Paulick Report
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: ABC Kcrg 9
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Wed, Jul 30th ]: KTVI
Test Yourself on Science Fiction That Became Reality
//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. self-on-science-fiction-that-became-reality.html
Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 21:01 GMT by The New York Times🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Try this short quiz to test your knowledge of once-futuristic literary creations have become everyday reality now in 2025.
Visionary Tech Books: Charting the Future Through Innovation and Caution
In an era where technology reshapes every facet of human existence, a new wave of books is emerging to guide us through the labyrinth of innovation. The New York Times' interactive feature, "Visionary Tech Books," delves into a curated selection of recent and forthcoming titles that explore the frontiers of technology, from artificial intelligence to biotechnology, quantum computing, and beyond. These books, penned by scientists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers, offer not just predictions but profound reflections on the ethical, societal, and existential implications of our tech-driven future. Through interactive timelines, author interviews, and excerpt highlights, the feature paints a vivid picture of how these visions could redefine humanity.
At the heart of the collection is "The Singularity Is Nearer" by Ray Kurzweil, an updated sequel to his 2005 classic. Kurzweil, the inventor and futurist, argues that we are on the cusp of exponential technological growth, where AI will surpass human intelligence by the 2030s, leading to radical life extension and the merging of human and machine cognition. The book expands on concepts like nanotechnology for health, predicting that by 2045, we could achieve "longevity escape velocity," where medical advancements outpace aging. Critics in the feature note Kurzweil's optimism borders on utopianism, but his data-driven approach—drawing from Moore's Law extensions and AI benchmarks—makes a compelling case. An interactive graph in the piece allows readers to explore projected timelines for breakthroughs, such as brain-computer interfaces becoming commonplace.
Contrasting Kurzweil's enthusiasm is "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind. Suleyman warns of the dual-edged sword of AI and synthetic biology, emphasizing the need for containment strategies to prevent misuse. He describes a "wave" of technologies that could amplify human capabilities but also exacerbate inequalities and risks, like engineered pandemics or autonomous weapons. The book advocates for global governance frameworks, drawing parallels to nuclear non-proliferation treaties. The Times feature includes a video interview where Suleyman discusses his pivot from tech optimism to cautious realism, influenced by real-world AI deployments. Readers can interact with a map showing global AI hotspots and potential regulatory gaps, underscoring the book's call for proactive policy.
Biotechnology takes center stage in "The Genesis Machine" by Amy Webb and Andrew Hessel. This collaborative work envisions a future where synthetic biology allows us to "program" life, from custom organisms that combat climate change to personalized medicine. The authors outline scenarios like bacteria engineered to sequester carbon or rewrite human DNA for disease resistance. However, they caution against biohacking gone awry, referencing CRISPR's ethical dilemmas. The interactive element here lets users simulate genetic edits, highlighting both promise and peril. Webb, a futurist, and Hessel, a geneticist, blend storytelling with science, making complex ideas accessible. The feature praises the book for its balanced view, avoiding alarmism while urging ethical foresight.
Space exploration and colonization feature prominently in "The High Frontier" by Gerard K. O'Neill, a reissued classic with new commentary, alongside modern takes like "Floating Cities" by Kim Stanley Robinson. O'Neill's vision of orbital habitats as humanity's next step inspires contemporary discussions on off-world living. Robinson, known for science fiction like "The Ministry for the Future," applies his narrative prowess to non-fiction, proposing floating oceanic cities as adaptive responses to sea-level rise. His book integrates climate tech with social engineering, imagining sustainable communities powered by renewable energy and AI governance. The Times piece includes augmented reality previews of these habitats, allowing readers to "tour" virtual models. Robinson's work stands out for its emphasis on equity, arguing that tech visions must include marginalized voices to avoid replicating earthly inequalities.
Quantum computing, often shrouded in mystery, is demystified in "Quantum Supremacy" by Michio Kaku. The physicist explains how quantum machines could solve problems intractable for classical computers, revolutionizing drug discovery, cryptography, and materials science. Kaku predicts a "quantum revolution" by the 2030s, with applications like unbreakable encryption or simulating molecular interactions for new batteries. Yet, he addresses the "quantum threat" to current security systems. The interactive feature offers a simplified quantum simulator, where users can experiment with qubits, illustrating the book's core ideas. Kaku's accessible prose, filled with analogies to everyday phenomena, makes this a gateway for non-experts.
On the societal front, "AI Superpowers" by Kai-Fu Lee examines the geopolitical race in artificial intelligence, pitting the U.S. against China. Lee, a venture capitalist with experience in both ecosystems, forecasts China's edge in data-driven AI due to its vast population and less stringent privacy laws. He explores job displacement, urging reskilling programs and universal basic income as buffers. The book includes case studies of AI in healthcare and education, showing transformative potential. The Times' interactive timeline traces AI milestones from AlphaGo to generative models, with Lee's insights providing context. His balanced perspective—optimistic about AI's role in solving global challenges like poverty—resonates amid U.S.-China tensions.
Climate technology receives innovative treatment in "Speed & Scale" by John Doerr, an update to his venture capital manifesto. Doerr outlines a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 through scalable tech like advanced batteries, carbon capture, and green hydrogen. Drawing from his investments in companies like Google and Amazon, he provides actionable "OKRs" (objectives and key results) for sectors from transportation to agriculture. The feature's data visualizations let readers track progress toward these goals, revealing gaps in adoption. Doerr's optimism is tempered by realism, acknowledging political hurdles but emphasizing innovation's role in averting catastrophe.
Ethical considerations weave through "The Alignment Problem" by Brian Christian, which tackles AI safety. Christian details efforts to ensure AI systems align with human values, from reinforcement learning pitfalls to bias in algorithms. Through interviews with researchers at OpenAI and Google, he highlights "value alignment" as the next frontier. The book warns of misaligned superintelligences, echoing Nick Bostrom's earlier works. Interactive quizzes in the piece test readers on AI ethics dilemmas, reinforcing Christian's call for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Emerging voices add diversity, such as "Black Futures in Tech" by Timnit Gebru and Ruha Benjamin, a collaborative anthology challenging Eurocentric tech narratives. It spotlights African and diaspora innovations in blockchain for financial inclusion and AI for social justice. The authors critique surveillance tech's disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, advocating for decolonial approaches. The Times feature includes audio excerpts from contributors, broadening the conversation beyond Silicon Valley.
Finally, "Neurotech Revolution" by Nita Farahany explores brain-computer interfaces, from Neuralink to non-invasive wearables. Farahany, a legal scholar, discusses privacy implications of "brain data" and the need for neuro-rights. Her book envisions enhanced cognition but warns of mental surveillance. Interactive brain maps illustrate potential applications, like thought-controlled prosthetics.
These books collectively form a tapestry of hope and caution, urging readers to engage with technology not as passive consumers but as active shapers. The feature concludes with a reader poll on the most pressing tech concern, fostering dialogue. In a world accelerating toward unknowns, these visionary works provide essential roadmaps, reminding us that the future is not predetermined but crafted through informed choices. (Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/28/books/review/visionary-tech-books.html ]
Similar Science and Technology Publications
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: The New York Times