Please choose something that would be reasonably attainable, especially within the next 100 years. It could be a new discovery, or a valid theory to describe an existing phenomenon.
Also, if you can explain how we would get from the abstract discovery to the practical benefit, you will get extra consideration for the best answer.
2006-07-23 12:50:08 · 6 answers · asked by timm1776 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The validation of Heim's theories. He was a German physicist who developed a Grand Unification Theory decades ago, but never published it. Only recently has his work made it outside of Germany, and steps are being taken to test his theory. It doesn't have a lot of support, since string theory is very popular nowadays. But string theory has it's problems and doesn't always add up-- Heim's theory, on the other hand, is the only theory capable of predicting the masses of the fundamental particles from first principles, and does so more accurately than string theory can predict those masses even accounting for evidence. Validation of his theory, which could happen by 2010, would open up a whole new realm of research. His theory proposes at least 6 dimensions, as opposed to the 11 of string theory, but most importantly offers us a way to get to those dimensions, giving us a practical faster-than-light engine. This requires the manipulation of the electromagnetic and gravitic forces, which is what scientists hope to test within the next few years. Such manipulation, if it proves to possible, would open the door not only to faster-than-light travel but to clean energy as well. It would revolutionize our understanding of the world on a level so fundamental it's difficult to imagine all the consequences. Heim would be on a level with Newton, Einstein and Hawking if he's proved right.
Then again, he could be proved wrong.
2006-07-23 14:27:01 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When petroleum was first discovered it sold for $60 a barrel in their currency. it replaced Whale oil at $300 a barrel. shortly thereafter we saw the invention of the automobile and the airplane.
if we were to discover a source of energy that would once again cut energy cost to one fifth of what they are now there would be an explosion of new growth and scientific discovery like we haven't seen in over 100 years.
2006-07-23 12:59:38 · answer #2 · answered by nathanael_beal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are we here? that is the question that scientist need to answer within the next 100 years or so, because we need to stop all the violence that is happening to the world and maybe science could help in doing so.
If we evolved from apes and look at us now why cant we find out why we are here! and i think that knowing the real reason will put and end to all the senseless killing that is happening in the middle east.
2006-07-23 13:19:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the invention that would do the most good would be a portable hand held machine that could use solar power to generate clean drinking water from the moisture in the air. THis would save millions of lives every year, and billions of hours of people's time, so they would have more time for things like education.
A large scale machine could be deployed to counter the devastating effects of droughts in remote areas.
Thank God for every drop of water that comes our way.
2006-07-23 17:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by seefo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold fusion would mean the end of the worldwide energy crisis and an end of oil dependence... without the risks of nuclear energy. It could possibly even help reverse the effects of global warming.
2006-07-23 12:57:36 · answer #5 · answered by smokingun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not abstract but not doable yet, cold fusion. Would solve the worlds power issues.
2006-07-23 12:53:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋