Babel Fish earbuds

Named for the science-fiction comedy concept introduced by Douglas

Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, these are earbuds
utilizing instant online translation technology, effectively letting
humans understand each other while communicating in different
languages, in near real-time.

Rotman says “Google’s Pixel Buds mean that people can easily carry out
a natural conversation with someone speaking a different language.”

Although the ear buds themselves are still at an early stage and,
reportedly, do not yet function too well, anyone can access the
underlying technology today through Google’s voice-activated
translation services on computers and mobile devices.

7. Zero-carbon Natural Gas

New engineering methods make it possible to capture carbon released

during the burning of natural gas, avoiding greenhouse emissions and
opening up new possibilities for creating clean energy. Currently, 32% of
electricity used in the US is produced by burning natural gas – a process
which accounts for around 30% of carbon emissions from the power
sector. 8 Rivers Capital, Exelon Generation and CB&I are highlighted as
key players here.

“The clean natural gas technology holds the promise for generating
electricity from a cheap and readily available fossil fuel in a way that
doesn’t generate carbon emissions,” Rotman says.

8. Perfecting Online Privacy

Blockchain-based privacy systems make it possible for digital

transactions to be recorded and validated while protecting the privacy of
the information and identities underlying the exchange of information.
This means it is easier to disclose information without risking privacy or
exposure to threats such as fraud or identity theft.

9. Genetic Fortune Telling

Huge advances are being made in predictive analytics using genomic

data by players including Helix, 23andMe, Myriad Genetics, BK Biobank
and the Broad Institute. This is making is possible to predict chances of
diseases such as cancer, or even IQ, by analyzing genetic data. This
promises to be the next quantum leap in public health protection, but
also raises huge ethical concerns, including the risk of genetic
discrimination.

“Nothing like this has been possible before,” says Rotman.

“Genetic fortune telling will make it possible to predict the chances that
you’ll be smart or below average in intelligence. It will also make it
possible to predict behavior traits. But how will we use that
information? Will it change how we educate children and judge their
potential?”

10. Materials’ Quantum Leap

Using a seven-qubit quantum computer designed by IBM, researchers at

Harvard have created the most complete simulation of a simple
molecule.

The molecule – beryllium hydride – is the biggest yet simulated by

quantum computing.

Rotman says “The promise is that scientists could use quantum

computers to design new types of materials and precisely tailor their
properties. This could make it possible to design all sorts of miracle
materials, such as more efficient solar cells, better catalysts to make
clean fuels, and proteins that act as far more effective drugs.
www.forbes.com