Science Archives

What Is the Technological Singularity? Ray Kurzweil Explains

What is the technological Singularity? What’s the Catch-22 about our ability to understand it? According to computer scientist Ray Kurzweil, the Singularity of technology could lead to a future in which we use genetics to reprogram the body, we have the power to digitally augment our brains, and we even live forever. He explains this exponential progress in The Singularity Is Near. Keep reading to understand this profound technological shift that could change everything.

The 6 Modes of Thinking: How to Use Your Whole Brain

How can you make your brain more agile? What are the six modes of thinking, according to Tara Swart? To get the most out of your brain functioning, you have to improve brain agility: the ability to focus closely on one thing at a time, consider a problem from many different angles, and synthesize ideas from multiple modes of thinking. In The Source, Swart describes six modes of thinking that together comprise what she calls a whole-brain approach. Learn more about the six modes of thinking and how you can tap into all of them.

Ray Kurzweil’s Predictions for the Biotechnology Revolution

What are designer drugs? Can DNA rewrite itself? What if we could grow our own replacement organs? In The Singularity Is Near, Ray Kurzweil makes predictions about technology in several areas. One field he addresses is biotechnology, in which advances in medicine and genetic engineering will dramatically extend the human lifespan while at the same time improving the quality of life. Continue reading to learn about Kurzweil’s predictions about the biotechnology revolution and where progress actually stands today.

Elon Musk and Tesla: Steps Toward an Energy-Efficient Future

Why did Elon Musk start Tesla? Why did he sometimes sleep on the factory floor? Renowned biographer Walter Isaacson covers the story of Elon Musk and Tesla in his book Elon Musk. Isaacson details how Musk entered the automotive industry with Tesla, based all of its production inside the US, and pushed its technology in the direction of fully automated, self-driving cars. Keep reading to learn about Elon Musk and Tesla.

Ray Kurzweil: Nanobots Could Reshape the World as We Know It

What are nanobots? How might they change the world? Where is nanobot technology today? According to Ray Kurzweil, nanobots could make sweeping changes in manufacturing and medicine. He explains how nanotechnology has the potential to overturn our entire materials-based economy and even eliminate scarcity. Read more to learn about nanobot technology and what Kurzweil sees in our future.

Elon Musk and SpaceX: The Quest for Humanity’s Survival

Why did Elon Musk start SpaceX? How has SpaceX advanced toward its ultimate goal? After selling PayPal in 2002, Elon Musk turned his thoughts to putting his fortune to the eventual goal of colonizing Mars. The idea was that humanity’s chances of survival would be increased by spreading out to other worlds. Keep reading to learn the story of Elon Musk and SpaceX, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

The Science Behind Motivation: What Gives You Drive?

What’s the science behind motivation? Where does motivation come from? According to The Source by Tara Swart, motivation is closely tied to emotional intelligence. Motivation helps drive us forward when things get difficult, so learning to tap into it will ensure that you’ll have the resilience to keep progressing no matter what challenges you face. Check out how science explains motivation.

Life 3.0: Book Overview and Takeaways (Max Tegmark)

What’s Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark about? Will artificial intelligence become smarter than humans? Life on Earth has drastically transformed since it first began. As Max Tegmark says in his book Life 3.0, humans have built a civilization so complex that it would be utterly incomprehensible to the lifeforms that came before us. Read below for a brief Life 3.0 book overview to understand why Tegmark thinks artificial intelligence is the next revolutionary change.

Ray Kurzweil: AI Hurtles Toward Human-Level Capabilities

What’s “strong AI”? How close are we getting to that capability? What’s the danger associated with it? According to computer scientist Ray Kurzweil, AI capabilities at the human level are just a matter of time. He says that the potentially most transformative technological development, toward which we are already well underway, will be when we create “strong artificial intelligence” in particular. Read more to learn about Kurzweil’s AI predictions and how close they are to becoming realities.

The Neurology and Science Behind Manifestation

Apotheosis—The Hero's Journey Leads to Nirvana

What’s the science behind manifestation? Does manifestation require you to take action? Manifestation involves replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, which hopefully leads to good results. The concept of manifesting also involves acting on these thoughts, says The Source by Tara Swart. Learn more about the science behind manifestation below.