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General => Science => Topic started by: Ihateyoumike on August 09, 2011, 07:49:17 AM

Title: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Ihateyoumike on August 09, 2011, 07:49:17 AM
Pretty self-explanatory topic here. What is the one discovery that you'd like to see, or the one invention you'd like to see before you kick the proverbial bucket?

Me? I'd like to see the discovery of extraterrestrial life happen before I die. I don't give two shits if it's just a microbe or two, but I'd like confirmation of what I'm damn near positive of... That earth doesn't harbor the only life in the universe.

You?
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 09, 2011, 07:52:15 AM
Definitive proof and commensurate understanding of how our universe came into being.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: The Magic Pudding on August 09, 2011, 08:14:04 AM
The transfer of human conciousness to machine.  ;)
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 09, 2011, 08:16:11 AM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on August 09, 2011, 08:14:04 AM
The transfer of human conciousness to machine.  ;)
That was my first thought but it sort of dodges the question  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Medusa on August 09, 2011, 08:51:43 AM
The one that will allow me not to die would be sorta nice.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: OldGit on August 09, 2011, 10:18:19 AM
A completely reliable lie-detector.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 09, 2011, 10:23:48 AM
Quote from: OldGit on August 09, 2011, 10:18:19 AM
A completely reliable lie-detector.
George Orwell would be proud of you!  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Stevil on August 09, 2011, 12:13:08 PM
Life on another planet would be extremely fascinating.

Discovery of another Universe, although almost impossible due to speed of light limitation, this would be awsome.

Discovery of how matter can be created and persisted and how a black hole can explode.

Irradication of all religious beliefs would also be a great progressive development for humanity.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Cecilie on August 09, 2011, 12:37:34 PM
Lightsaber.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 09, 2011, 12:53:55 PM
Quote from: Stevil on August 09, 2011, 12:13:08 PM
Discovery of another Universe, although almost impossible due to speed of light limitation, this would be awsome.

This may be closer that you expected Is Our Universe Inside a Bubble? First Observational Test of the 'Multiverse' (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803102844.htm)

QuoteScienceDaily (Aug. 3, 2011) — The theory that our universe is contained inside a bubble, and that multiple alternative universes exist inside their own bubbles -- making up the 'multiverse' -- is, for the first time, being tested by physicists.

Two research papers published in Physical Review Letters and Physical Review D are the first to detail how to search for signatures of other universes. Physicists are now searching for disk-like patterns in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation -- relic heat radiation left over from the Big Bang -- which could provide tell-tale evidence of collisions between other universes and our own...
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: hismikeness on August 09, 2011, 02:35:44 PM
Oh there's a couple, besides those that have been mentioned already (like life elsewhere and lightsabers)...

Fusion
Teleporting (Or Wonkavision)
A cell phone that won't drop a call
Wireless electricity network, powered by satellite solar receptors.


What's really astounding is to think of the exponential growth of technology, and look at the tech from even 20 years ago as compared to today. There will come a time when the growth of technology is faster than the production and distribution of said technology. Some of us may live to see that.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Davin on August 09, 2011, 04:40:02 PM
Vertical farming.
Potable water for everyone.

Repeats:
Extraterestrial complex life.
Lightsabers.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: roy1967 on August 09, 2011, 05:11:15 PM
With the lack of interest in space right now, except as a way to make money, and apparently no concern for the future of humankind, the chances of seeing my wish in my lifetime is non-existent.

I want to see a Generation ship built and launched at a possible life sustaining planet regardless of fear of failure. Probably require technology to freeze dry humans.

Probably a few hundred years away, but at the rate we are going, we may be forced to do it sooner than we are ready......
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Crow on August 09, 2011, 08:14:34 PM
What Tank said first but I doubt that would happen in my lifetime, one that might be a little more realistic would be the successful creation of molecular manufacturing.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Ihateyoumike on August 11, 2011, 06:31:05 PM
Quote from: hismikeness on August 09, 2011, 02:35:44 PM

A cell phone that won't drop a call


C'mon bro... Let's keep it to things that actually may be possible.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on August 12, 2011, 12:45:35 AM
I'd be happy with a completely electronic currency system!
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 01:24:41 AM
friendly intelligent life on another planet
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Medusa on August 12, 2011, 05:47:29 AM
The elimination of pennies would be nice.

Teleportation would be cool too.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 12, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
Quote from: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 01:24:41 AM
friendly intelligent life on another planet
Friendly intelligent life on this planet would be a start  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Xjeepguy on August 12, 2011, 05:13:07 PM
The skeletal remains of Jesus, right where the disciples hid them 2000yrs ago....

That would cause a little rift lol.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 12, 2011, 05:39:28 PM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on August 12, 2011, 05:13:07 PM
The skeletal remains of Jesus, right where the disciples hid them 2000yrs ago....

That would cause a little rift lol.
:D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Guardian85 on August 12, 2011, 06:15:02 PM
A reliable and practical form of FTL travel.

And a reliable robot housekeeper. To do my laundry.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 06:34:38 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 12, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
Quote from: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 01:24:41 AM
friendly intelligent life on another planet
Friendly intelligent life on this planet would be a start  ;D

I'm hoping the other planet could teach us a thing or two.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 12, 2011, 07:48:15 PM
Quote from: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 06:34:38 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 12, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
Quote from: Whitney on August 12, 2011, 01:24:41 AM
friendly intelligent life on another planet
Friendly intelligent life on this planet would be a start  ;D

I'm hoping the other planet could teach us a thing or two.
Knowing our luck we'll teach them about war  :D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: OldGit on August 12, 2011, 07:55:36 PM
^ If they don't teach us.  We may be just their idea of a tasty breakfast.  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 12, 2011, 08:03:23 PM
Quote from: OldGit on August 12, 2011, 07:55:36 PM
^ If they don't teach us.  We may be just their idea of a tasty breakfast.  ;D
Dino Chicken!
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: wildfire_emissary on August 15, 2011, 04:30:27 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalbusstop.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F07%2Fstarship-enterprise.jpg&hash=1428fe4a8016922addd0b79b7574343f6ac96351)
^this
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Ragnar on August 15, 2011, 07:50:25 PM
Teleporters.  I've always wanted to pull the prank of phoming one of my mates, tell them I'm coming over, and then teleport them a pair of smouldering boots.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Evilbeagle on August 16, 2011, 10:13:21 AM
Either teleporters or replicators. (I mean the Star Trek food machine NOT the SG-1 robot insects)

Also the South Park Crank Prank Time phone would be a classic!
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: ThinkAnarchy on August 16, 2011, 12:09:15 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on August 12, 2011, 12:45:35 AM
I'd be happy with a completely electronic currency system!

They have something like that already called BitCoin.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: ThinkAnarchy on August 16, 2011, 12:11:45 PM
A machine for time travel. I could be super rich if I could just go back in time and invent some of the useless crap that has made others millions and betting on games I know the outcome of. Not to mention I would like to experience historical periods first hand.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: OldGit on August 16, 2011, 12:49:46 PM
A small matter-transference device which could be implanted in my poor ole bladder, to empty it when there's no toilets around.  Preferably onto the head of some politician.  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Evilbeagle on August 26, 2011, 10:59:34 AM
That really is taking the piss  ;D
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Xjeepguy on August 26, 2011, 03:56:04 PM
Quote from: OldGit on August 16, 2011, 12:49:46 PM
A small matter-transference device which could be implanted in my poor ole bladder, to empty it when there's no toilets around.  Preferably onto the head of some politician.  ;D

I like the way you think.  ;D Would love to see the look on a politician's face when he received a random piss shower from nowhere....
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Velma on August 26, 2011, 04:21:53 PM
Life on another planet.  Although, I did have a dream the other night about my consciousness being transferred into a robot that could explore the universe at FTL speeds.  That was pretty cool.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Sweetdeath on August 30, 2011, 06:14:19 PM
Some form of matter transfer. Instead of having to mail a large package at the post office, I could put it on a small square platform and mail it to CA in seconds. :)
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Asmodean on August 30, 2011, 09:24:34 PM
A-hand-held-black-hole-generator-gun-thing.

8)
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 30, 2011, 09:30:18 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on August 30, 2011, 09:24:34 PM
A-hand-held-black-hole-generator-gun-thing.

8)
So you fire it a disappear?
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Asmodean on August 30, 2011, 10:06:10 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 30, 2011, 09:30:18 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on August 30, 2011, 09:24:34 PM
A-hand-held-black-hole-generator-gun-thing.

8)
So you fire it a disappear?
What..? I always wanted a portable doomsday device. And a popcorn smiley. Is called for here.  8)
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: history_geek on August 31, 2011, 09:46:48 AM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on August 09, 2011, 08:14:04 AM
The transfer of human conciousness to machine.  ;)

Dang it, Pudding got there first. Well, I would love to see them create a working cyborg, limbs, ability speak and all. Though I think its a tall order...

Meh, lightsabre or extraterestrials would work too.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Lecter on August 31, 2011, 11:20:02 AM
A dream recorder. You'd be able to save your dreams and even show them to others.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: OldGit on August 31, 2011, 11:35:44 AM
Quote from: Bob DylanI'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Tank on August 31, 2011, 11:51:53 AM
Quote from: Lecter on August 31, 2011, 11:20:02 AM
A dream recorder. You'd be able to save your dreams and even show them to others.
Shit! I could sell my dreams!
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: The Magic Pudding on August 31, 2011, 02:37:07 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 31, 2011, 11:51:53 AM
Shit! I could sell my dreams!

Well I hope they're better than mine. 
Mine are complete crap.
My performance in the scary ones is much worse than the stupidest stupid in a stupid teen horror movie.
The erotic ones are totally unsatisfying. 
It is said you can't die in your dreams, I'm not sure about that but I know the little death has always eluded me.

I'm glad I don't dream much.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: OldGit on August 31, 2011, 04:29:45 PM
I may have spotted a problem here.... Lecter, do you dream in Arabic?  ;)
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Sweetdeath on August 31, 2011, 04:56:30 PM
Quote from: Lecter on August 31, 2011, 11:20:02 AM
A dream recorder. You'd be able to save your dreams and even show them to others.
Yes, yes, yes!  I've wanted one of these ever since I saw that Batman (animated series) episode where thry tried to record Bruce's dreams to find out his indentity.
Title: Re: What one discovery/invention do you want to see most before you die?
Post by: Asmodean on August 31, 2011, 06:36:19 PM
Well, my dreams are not for public viewing, so I would rather that thing stay uninvented...

I mean... Who knows what kind of incriminating little details certain people would be able to get with certain equipment and possibly certain warrants if tech like that was on the marked  :o