Post edited 6:18 pm - April 13, 2011 by simple1248

Brain computer interfaces allow for full immersion virtual reality.

Cultures rapidly change and ultimately converge into one as language moves from its colloquial roots to a function of communicating "brain processes".

Technology to synthesize and replace every organ of the body, including the brain.

Well we all know that the Singularity is coming, so instead of chasing our tails around the maypole attempting to predict probable future scenarios, we should instead try to find out which current event could end up being be proverbial 'straw that broke the camels back'. I'll start:

For example, I think that 'graphene' will play a major role in our future, due in large part to its incredible properties. Every month or so a new application for this new form of matter opens up.

Two properties of graphene worth mentioning, first electrons encounter almost no resistance as they slide over its surface. Replacing conductive copper in power lines with graphene, you could decentralize an entire nations' energy grid.

Another property is that, since graphene is a lattice-structure that is a single atom thick, atoms can be popped out in various shapes to form a perfect filter. I think the smallest the filter can get is a slit which allows helium through. Unimaginably clean water, anyone?