Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Studies in artificial intelligence started as a US defense project in the 1960s with the goal of understanding how humans process information. This concept would then be simulated and adapted within “logical systems.” Although development slowed a couple of decades later, innovations in technology have propelled advances in artificial intelligence in recent years. These advances are now making our lives easier and safer.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
David Brin on Science Fiction, Fact, and Fantasy
David Brin is one of the “10 authors most-read by AI researchers.” Naturally, he's the guy to consult before Terminators take over the planet. With an extensive resume and years of research experience under his belt, Brin has become the go-to authority on all things science.
By Natasha Sydor10 years ago in Futurism
Captivating Artificial Intelligence Books
In science fiction, artificial intelligence refers to the idea that scientists might one day create machines that are equally intelligent as (or more intelligent than) humans. The concept has been popularized in movies like AI: Artificial Intelligence, about robotic boy, and Her, about a super-advanced version of Siri that falls in love with an ordinary man.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Strongest Female Leads in Sci-Fi Books
Strong-chinned blokes with muscled forearms all too often bear the role of savior to the cliched damsel in distress. But the days of polished knights on stallions may be winding down, for the times, they are a’changin’. Yes, women are resurgent everywhere you look—as they should be! From the wide realm of comics to the IMAX screen, strong female leads are storming the stage and letting the world know they’re every bit as rough n’ tumble as a "man of steel," and certainly just as clever as the "world’s greatest detective." To recite the words of playwright David Mamet, "What one man can do, a woman can do!"
By Matt Cates10 years ago in Futurism
‘The Game’ of Pokémon Go According to Next Generation’s Wesley Crusher
“Shut up, Wesley!” – Captain Picard in “Datalore,” Star Trek: The Next Generation, First Season. It was an excruciatingly memorable moment when Patrick Stewart’s noble Starship leader blasted young Wesley Crusher in his distinctive baritone voice. Captain Picard admonished Wesley and shushed his Chief Medical Officer’s son in dramatic fashion. He only said it once on Next Generation, but he’d never be saying it these days. Wesley Crusher—aka actor Wil Wheaton—can now officially be numbered among Earth’s iconic, and even mythic champions. Not that Wesley didn’t do some truly incredible shit before, but this isn’t only technical geeky bliss, but also truly Earth-shattering. Wesley Crusher warned us. We didn’t listen. Now, a Japanese video game, Pokémon Go, has taken us over. Will the galaxy and then the universe be next for the harvesting?
By Will Stape10 years ago in Futurism
Best Astronomy Books for Beginners
Most people have been looking up at the stars and wondering about them since they first took a walk outside at night as a child. That childlike curiosity tends to deepen over time as family members and friends point out such fascinating things as the planets and constellations in the nighttime sky. Maybe you too have become intrigued by the stars, and have seen your interest in the exciting hobby of astronomy grow. The only problem is that you don’t know where to start. The best astronomy books for beginners offer a solid and informative introduction to the fascinating world of astronomy.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Present Rewritten
He knew it was an explosion, but only because of the compression. The quick, crystalline blowout happened so fast that everything was over before the sound even reached his ears. He watched his kindergarten year flash through his mind. There wasn't even time for first grade.
By Steve Benton10 years ago in Futurism
Top Artificial Intelligence Movies
Since the Maschinenmensch (German for machine-human) first appeared in Fritz Lang’s Metropolis in 1927, sci-fi fans have been obsessed with sentient robots, androids, and cyborgs. Named by computer scientist John McCarthy in 1955, the term used to describe these sentient machines is artificial intelligence (AI).
By Richard Haynes10 years ago in Futurism
Stunning Sci-Fi Art Spaceships
Of all things futuristic and infeasible, spaceships steal the hearts of sci-fi lovers more than just about anything else. From the stalwart flagbearers like the Millennium Falcon and the Mothership to fighter craft and faster-than-light travel, spaceships—along with their Captains, crews, and missions—have always enraptured fans.
By Jake Burgess10 years ago in Futurism
Examining the Pyramids
Herodotus, the “father of history,” lived during the 5th century B.C. He was the first of many to record either legend or theory about the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was built in Egypt an estimated 2,000 years before his “history” was written. According to Herodotus:
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Best Sci-Fi Fantasy Movies
The line between science fiction and fantasy is a thin one. How are spaceships and super advanced technology capable of shooting fireballs so different from, say, a wizard doing the same? It's not surprising that the two genres have many crossover fans, and it's not too uncommon for movies to cross the two genres as well. You might think the idea of wizards flying around in spaceships and shooting lightning bolts from their hands sounds ridiculous, but there's a movie you've probably heard of that does just that. You know, that little film called Star Wars that perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi? It has a grand dark wizard who literally shoots lightning from his fingertips and lives in a giant moon castle capable of destroying planets. Sometimes crossing the peanut butter of sci-fi with the chocolate of fantasy can equal an amazing delight of cinema. Here are a few of our favorite sci-fi fantasy movies that form the perfect Reese's Peanut Butter Cup of good, nerdy, cinematic taste.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
How Pixar’s 'Wall-E' Predicts the Future
Self-driving cars. Humans glued to the screens of their devices. Trash everywhere. One company to rule them all. Sound familiar? Either you just watched the 2008 Pixar hit Wall-E, or you simply looked at the ever-changing world around us. Debuting at a time when the economy hit its lowest point since the Great Depression, the dystopian society surrounding everyone’s favorite hardworking robot scared many with its foreboding predictions. But before humans actually admit that Wall-E predicted the future and director Andrew Stanton’s garbage-covered, humanless Earth of the year 2805 becomes a reality, we must take action for the sake of our planet.
By Jake Aronskind10 years ago in Futurism
