Rebuilding organs
This has already been done, although it hasn’t been quite perfected yet. But in short it involves stem cells.
Ferromagnetic polymers
Or in layman’s terms, magnetic plastics. Why is this important? Because we’re actually running out of metals that can be used in industrial applications. Synthetic magnets to the rescue!
Cultured meat
Being able to grow meat in a lab. Right now we can basically do this, it’s just too expensive of a process to mass produce.
Ice harvesting
…in the asteroid belt. We have a limited amount of water, but the solar system has a lot more. This is up there on NASA’s list.
Flying like a bird
It may sound a little dumb for a scientific advancement, but on the moon of Titan this will actually be possible for humans due to the density of its atmosphere. You would just need a spacesuit and a set of wings. Flap away!
Nuclear fusion
Unlike fission, fusion is much cleaner and much more powerful. It’s basically how stars generate energy. When humanity finally can harness it, there won’t be any more need to fight over oil.
Superintelligence
It’s sort of scary in a skynet kind of way, but machines are already starting to learn (aka reprogram themselves). In 50 years it’s anyone’s guess as to where it will lead
Designer humans
With gene editing tools like CRISPR, it won’t be long before some countries (most likely China due to a lack of public objection to gene modification) start giving birth to “enhanced” humans.
Nuclear pulse propulsion
This is basically the idea of using nuclear explosions to propel a spaceship
Floating cities
…on Venus! Although the surface is inhospitable, about 50 km up things get much nicer. The pressure, temperature, and gravity almost match Earth’s perfectly. In fact, in many ways Venus makes a much better target for colonization than Mars.
Epigenetics
Basically the idea that we will be able to program ourselves in real time by controlling our genes
Quantum computing
Put simply, computers will be very, very, very, very powerful. The reason for this is because quantum computing allows for algorithms that can potentially solve problems faster. To dive a little deeper, the idea behind this is called “superposition”. Basically, particles on a quantum level don’t follow the rules of physics that we all take for granted. This boils down to the fact they can inhabit more than one state simultaneously. In a very simple sense, they can spin both ways at the same time. To broadly generalize, this suggests that we can also perform multiple computing operations at the same time.
Real prosthetics
What we mean by this is prosthetics that not only receives signals from the brain (to move), but prosthetics that can send signals back (like feeling, temperature, and pressure)
Artificial brains
Along the lines of superintelligence, this basically involves copying a human brain. In a sense, uploading the brain to a computer. Of course this raises numerous ethical questions but scientists are on their way to making this happen.
Telepathy
To be more specific, brain-computer interfaces. It is already possible to detect and read your brain signals. Pairing this with technology means we’ll be able to have computers that are controlled by thoughts
Dyson spheres
Although these may still take quite some time, a dyson sphere is basically a large structure that completely encloses a star like our sun and harnesses all of its energy.
The moon as a gravity slingshot
For what? For spaceships! It will decrease the amount of fuel we need for interplanetary travel.
Health monitors
This one is actually already being used for some specific cases, but it basically involves having a computer constantly monitor your health and send you updates on your condition. It would then diagnose or even potentially fix the problem on the spot.
Super high speed rail
They’re already testing the Hyperloop train in California. Now imagine getting from Tokyo to New York in less than 15 minutes!
Invisibility
Breakthroughs in materials science has led to the possibility of invisibility via refraction. So far scientists have managed to make objects invisible to microwaves.
De-extinction
Thanks to new genetic techniques, we may be able to actually bring back extinct animals Jurassic Park style!
Solar powered roads
These are already being tested and they do exactly what it sounds like they do. They charge the vehicles that drive over them. No more need for gas stations!
Self driving cars
Yes, we know, they already exist. What we are talking about though is the complete conversion to self driving cars. This will drastically reduce traffic accidents and is just over the horizon
Long lasting batteries
In spite of our advances everywhere else, battery technology is lagging notoriously far behind. There may be hope soon though. It would be nice to not have to keep charging your phone right?
Augmented reality
Contact lenses may soon offer us more than just vision correction. They may be able to give us our very own HUD that will provide information on just about anything you look at.
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