MIT Names Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies For 2018

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6. Babel Fish earbuds

Named for the science-fiction comedy concept introduced by Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, these are earbuds utilizing instant online translation technology, effectively letting humans understand each other while communicating in different languages, in near real-time.

Rotman says “Google’s Pixel Buds mean that people can easily carry out a natural conversation with someone speaking a different language.”

Although the ear buds themselves are still at an early stage and, reportedly, do not yet function too well, anyone can access the underlying technology today through Google’s voice-activated translation services on computers and mobile devices.

7. Zero-carbon Natural Gas

New engineering methods make it possible to capture carbon released during the burning of natural gas, avoiding greenhouse emissions and opening up new possibilities for creating clean energy. Currently, 32% of electricity used in the US is produced by burning natural gas – a process which accounts for around 30% of carbon emissions from the power sector. 8 Rivers Capital, Exelon Generation and CB&I are highlighted as key players here.

“The clean natural gas technology holds the promise for generating electricity from a cheap and readily available fossil fuel in a way that doesn’t generate carbon emissions,” Rotman says.

8. Perfecting Online Privacy

Blockchain-based privacy systems make it possible for digital transactions to be recorded and validated while protecting the privacy of the information and identities underlying the exchange of information. This means it is easier to disclose information without risking privacy or exposure to threats such as fraud or identity theft.

9. Genetic Fortune Telling

Huge advances are being made in predictive analytics using genomic data by players including Helix, 23andMe, Myriad Genetics, BK Biobank and the Broad Institute. This is making is possible to predict chances of diseases such as cancer, or even IQ, by analyzing genetic data. This promises to be the next quantum leap in public health protection, but also raises huge ethical concerns, including the risk of genetic discrimination.

“Nothing like this has been possible before,” says Rotman.

“Genetic fortune telling will make it possible to predict the chances that you’ll be smart or below average in intelligence. It will also make it possible to predict behavior traits. But how will we use that information? Will it change how we educate children and judge their potential?”

10. Materials’ Quantum Leap

Using a seven-qubit quantum computer designed by IBM, researchers at Harvard have created the most complete simulation of a simple molecule.

The molecule – beryllium hydride – is the biggest yet simulated by quantum computing.

Rotman says “The promise is that scientists could use quantum computers to design new types of materials and precisely tailor their properties. This could make it possible to design all sorts of miracle materials, such as more efficient solar cells, better catalysts to make clean fuels, and proteins that act as far more effective drugs.

MIT Technology Review’s full report on the list of breakthrough advances can be seen here.

Bernard Marr is a best-selling author & keynote speaker on business, technology and big data. His new book is Data Strategy. To read his future posts simply join his network here.