The World Transformed

Latest Episodes:

Power from the Sea: Unexpected Energy Alternatives Apr 17, 2014

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Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss what may be a major breakthrough by Navy reaserachers -- a method for creating fuel using nothing but sea water. Looks like oil platforms aren't the only way to get energy from the ocean. And interestingly, this isn't the only route by which the world's oceans might help us meet our growing energy demands. Other possibilities include: Fuel from algaeAbundant deuterium for fusionMethods for getting power from difference in temp from surface to deep waterTides Do the seas hold the answers for our energy needs? Tune in and explore.

The Future of Taxes: April 15, 2020, 2050, 2100, and Beyond Apr 16, 2014

Show notes

Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss the future of taxation. Will the coming years show us more of the same or some new model for separating us from our hard-earned money? Possibilities include: Flat TaxFair TaxOther Models But then what happens if post-scarcity is realized? In a world where there is more than enough of everything, will we still be taxed on our income or will some other model kick in? Might we see... Taxing the machinesAttention TaxNo taxation at all Tune in and explore

Becoming Superheroes: How Super Can We Get? Apr 12, 2014

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Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon dare to take on a subject that others won't touch: are comic superheroes plausible? Are some more plausible than others? What are the chances now or in the future that we will see anyone with the powers of: Batman / Green Arrow Captain America Spider-Man Wonder Woman Iron Man The Flash The Fantastic Four Thor / Green Lantern The Hulk Superman Are there technologies -- current, emerging, or that we may see someday -- that would make it possible for human beings to possess and leverage the same kinds of amazing powers these fictional people do? Tune in and explore.

Best Possible Future and How to Make It Happen Apr 10, 2014

Show notes

How awesome can it get? Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss the best of the best-case scenarios for the future of humanity. What are the components of a truly awesome future? Material abundance? Longevity? Freedom? And what's the most important component? Also, why do fiction and popular culture provide such vivid images of a dystopian future, but have so little to tell us about how things can work out for the best? Where are all the happy endings? Tune in and explore (WT 077)

Future Limited or Future Unlimited? Apr 09, 2014

Show notes

Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss the limitations that can most seriously impact the future: Resources -- We've been warned about these limits many times. Capability -- Do we have what it takes? Lifespan -- Will we live to see it? People -- Well there's no shortage of those, anyway. (Or is there?) Ideas -- Let's not run out of the Ulitmate Resource. Freedom -- What if we have it all except for the ability to choose? Will -- What if we just stop caring? Are limitations something we ened to accept or to overcome? Which of these is most likely to impede our progress? (WT 076)

Worst Possible Future (and How to Avoid It) Apr 04, 2014

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Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon review various dystopic visions of the future. Nuclear holocaust, environmental disaster, alien invasion, robot takeover. What's the worst that can happen. How do we avoid it? (WT 075)

The Book Is Dead; So Long Live the Book! Mar 29, 2014

Show notes

Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon take a close look at the reading revolution that is currently taking place. Books are being replaced by electronic devices at a rapid clip. Is this good news or bad news? Some research shows that the electronic approach helps new readers to get more deep into the material. On the other hand, some research shows that e-readers are bad for long-term reading comprehension. So which view is right? And which model is likely to win out? Tune in and explore. (WT 074)

Life Extension and Resurrection: Return of the Mammoth? Mar 27, 2014

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Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss new developments that promise to extend human life and to revive previously extinct species. (WT 073)

Weird Energy: Power from Plants and from Space Mar 25, 2014

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Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss two promising, if somewhat offbeat, energy sources: Genetically modified plantsSolar power collected in outer space Will our future energy demands be met by trees or a huge reflective strip on the moon? Tune in and explore. Lightning image by Raul Heinrich. (WT 072)

Unexpected Solutions: Odd Ideas That Might Just Work Mar 22, 2014

Show notes

Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss novel solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems. Monitoring the wrold's oceans -- with a fleet of drone sailboats. Treating migraines -- with an electronic headband. Speeding up computers -- using the orbits of electrons. Replacing solar panels -- with potted plants. What other odball solutions might be available to solve our biggest problems? Tune in and explore. (WT 071)

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