Home > News > Science-fiction writers aid Homeland Security
June 7th, 2007
Science-fiction writers aid Homeland Security
Abstract:
One week in May I accompanied a group of technically savvy science-fiction writers to Washington, D.C., to consult with the Science & Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security. While working in the White House Science Office in 1992, I had organized the group named "Sigma" as a creative resource to supply much-needed imagination to the federal government in its efforts to understand future science and technology.
Some critics have grumbled that the government should not waste its time on science-fiction writers. After all, what has science fiction ever "forecast," other than atomic energy, atomic bombs, cloning, airplanes, aerial warfare, military tanks, rocket ships, laser beams, space travel, communications satellites, space probes, personal and business computers, the Net, virtual reality, data visualization, joysticks, cyberwar, invisibility, stealth technology, robots, automation, artificial intelligence, television, color TV, cell phones, microwave ovens, water beds, detergents, cloning, genetic manipulation, human enhancement, life extension, designer drugs and their widespread use, germ warfare, micromachines, nanotechnology, domestic terrorism, asteroid and comet impacts, the possibility of alien life, and the threat of a world dictatorship?
Arlan Andrews Sr., a professional engineer and science-fiction writer, lives in Corpus Christi.
Source:
caller.com
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
Possible Futures
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability February 28th, 2025
Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis February 28th, 2025
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Leading the charge to better batteries February 28th, 2025
Quantum interference in molecule-surface collisions February 28th, 2025
New ocelot chip makes strides in quantum computing: Based on "cat qubits," the technology provides a new way to reduce quantum errors February 28th, 2025
Homeland Security
The picture of health: Virginia Tech researchers enhance bioimaging and sensing with quantum photonics June 30th, 2023
Sensors developed at URI can identify threats at the molecular level: More sensitive than a dog's nose and the sensors don't get tired May 21st, 2021
Highly sensitive dopamine detector uses 2D materials August 7th, 2020
Human Interest/Art
New 2D multifractal tools delve into Pollock's expressionism January 17th, 2025
Drawing data in nanometer scale September 30th, 2022
Scientists prepare for the world’s smallest race: Nanocar Race II March 18th, 2022
Graphene nanotubes revolutionize touch screen use for prosthetic hands August 3rd, 2021
Events/Classes
A New Blue: Mysterious origin of the ribbontail ray’s electric blue spots revealed July 5th, 2024
Researchers demonstrate co-propagation of quantum and classical signals: Study shows that quantum encryption can be implemented in existing fiber networks January 20th, 2023
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||