Scientifically Literate
Whether it is transporters or bar-tending robots, Science fiction has always been dreaming up new gadgets and gizmos. We look at some of those that crossed the boundaries of fiction to reality.
1. Geostationary Satellites
When we watch our favorite shows on TV or get the latest weather forecasts, we should remember Arthur C. Clark. This famed sci-fi writer, in the 1940’s, had the vision to write about satellites making high-speed mass communication possible. And they definitely have.
2. Bringing back the dead?
In Jurassic Park, Michael Cricthon, managed to scare millions by cloning dinosaurs from prehistoric mosquito DNA. He brought the long extinct creatures back to life and we wondered ‘is that possible’ and ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was?’ Well, turns out it is possible. Scientists today have succeeded in cloning mice that died and were frozen, 16 years ago. Its no Tyrannosaurus rex, but we’re getting there.
3. Book reading redefined
Electronic book readers are gaining in popularity today, turning many a book lover to this paperless option. This useful gadget also has its origins in science fiction. Douglas Adams, in his 1979 sci-fi comedy, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy, was the first to describe an electronic, push-button’ type of reader.
4. Bionic legs
In the novel Cyborg, Martin Caidin described a pilot who loses all but one of his limbs in a crash and is then fitted with bionic legs and an arm. Bionics, essentially mechanical replacements for limbs, are now coming to the aid of many amputees. There have been major advancements in this area, making these artificial limbs more powerful and comfortable to the wearer- they can now range from battery powered legs with sensors to Bluetooth powered legs that can communicate with each other.
References:http://www.technovelgy.com/
http://www.satelliteinternet.com/news/15-inventions-inspired-by-science-fiction/
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